Assassin's Creed: Destiny of Souls

Chapter 20

The city was cloaked in the darkness of late night, a subtle mist hanging in the air as Claire, Aiden, Paul, and the rest of their team moved across the London rooftops. The faint glow from street lamps below flickered up in brief intervals, casting eerie shadows that distorted as they moved stealthily through the night. Claire felt the cool night air against her face, her newly darkened hair blending into the shadows, making her feel like a ghost slipping unseen through the veins of the city.

Aiden led the way, his figure blending seamlessly with the darkness as they navigated the rooftops with silent precision. Paul was close behind, his movements sure and practiced. Claire trailed just behind them, her footing steady but with an alertness that had returned to her after her escape. Her body felt the strain, but she pushed it aside, driven by the thrill of action, the steady pulse of her mission guiding each step.

They reached a vantage point that overlooked the Templar Grand Hall—a towering, opulent structure, lit only by the faintest glow from within, giving it an ominous aura. From here, Claire could see the faint outlines of guards stationed at every entry point. The Templars had been thorough, layering their defenses heavily. No surprise; tonight wasn't just any night for them. They were gathering with the Apple of Eden in their possession, a dangerous relic whose presence was like a beacon in the darkness.

"Stay close to the shadows," Aiden whispered, barely turning his head as he surveyed their surroundings. His voice was low, calm, each word precise. "We'll move in from the west side, slip past the first line of guards before they start rotating."

Paul nodded, his gaze scanning the layout below. "Once inside, stick to the alcoves and passageways. They'll be focused on the main hall; that's where Rikkin will be."

Claire's jaw tightened, her hand instinctively brushing the hidden blade at her wrist. The urge to take out Alan Rikkin herself thrummed under her skin, but she remembered their conversation from earlier—she was backup. Callum would be handling the target. She had to trust in that, in him.

As they moved, Claire fell into the familiar rhythm of the rooftops, the old instincts reawakening in her muscle memory. She moved gracefully, blending in with the shadows, keeping close to Aiden as they neared their entry point. Below, the guards were mostly unaware, their focus trained on the lit entrances and the grand entryways, not the dark silhouettes slipping above them.

Aiden held up a hand, signaling them to stop as they reached a lower rooftop directly adjacent to the Grand Hall. They crouched down, hidden in the shadows, observing the entrance. Claire could see Callum in the distance, already moving into position, his stance confident yet careful. She felt a flicker of pride at his composure; he was ready, despite the weight of the mission.

"We go in here," Aiden murmured, his gaze meeting each of theirs. "Paul and I will create a small diversion to keep the guards occupied on the far end. Claire, stay with Moussa and Lin. You're our eyes—if anything feels off, call it out. Once we're inside, find the vantage points. Callum takes the shot when we've got Rikkin isolated."

Claire nodded, her eyes steely as she focused on the task. The familiar anticipation settled over her, and she felt her pulse steady, a calm focus sharpening her senses.

They moved as one, slipping down from the rooftop to the shadows below, edging toward the dimly lit side entrance. Paul and Aiden broke off, creating just enough of a stir to shift the guards' attention away, while Claire, Moussa, and Lin slipped through the unguarded entryway, silent and unseen.

Inside, the Grand Hall loomed with an intimidating presence, its grandeur twisted by the Templar banners draped along the walls. Claire kept to the shadows, scanning the corners and alcoves as they moved, the oppressive silence filled only by the distant murmurs of conversation and the soft clinking of glasses from the main hall.