Assassin's Creed: Destiny of Souls

Chapter 23

The morning light filtered through the safehouse windows, casting a soft glow over the kitchen table where Paul sat, nursing a steaming mug of coffee, lost in his own thoughts. Aiden and Claire exchanged a glance as they entered, both feeling the slight tension that came with what they were about to say. Paul was observant, careful—qualities that had helped keep them all alive over the years—and they knew he would pick up on any hesitation or unspoken truth.
Paul looked up as they approached, his gaze flicking between the two of them, his eyebrows lifting just slightly. "What's this? You both look like you're about to deliver bad news."
Aiden chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Not exactly bad news," he said, his tone light. "But... it's something important."
Paul's gaze sharpened, his natural protectiveness settling over him like a cloak. He set his mug down, leaning forward with a seriousness that was unmistakable. "Alright. Out with it, then."
Claire took a steadying breath, feeling Aiden's presence beside her, solid and reassuring. "We're going to be away for a couple of weeks," she began, her voice even. "I'm having surgery."
Paul's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze flicking to Aiden for confirmation, before settling back on Claire. "Surgery? Is this... is this something to do with Abstergo? They didn't—"
She held up a hand, cutting off his line of thought. "No, nothing like that. This is... this is my choice," she said, her voice calm but carrying a weight that she hoped he'd understand. "I'm having a hysterectomy."
The room went quiet, the air thick with the gravity of her words. She could see the shock register in Paul's face, quickly masked by a gentle sadness, his features softening as he absorbed what she was saying. His gaze held steady, his concern evident.
Paul didn't hesitate. He gave a single, firm nod, his expression steady and without a trace of doubt. "Alright," he said simply, his voice as direct as ever. "If that's what you've decided, then that's what you'll do."
Claire felt a brief flash of relief at his unflinching acceptance, the lack of questions or hesitation in his voice. She'd expected more resistance, or maybe even a hint of sadness, but Paul was as straightforward as always. No judgment, no second-guessing—just the steady support he'd given her countless times before.
She nodded back, meeting his gaze. "Thank you, Paul."
He waved her off, dismissive but with a trace of warmth in his eyes. "You know you don't have to thank me," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "I know you wouldn't come to a decision like this without a damn good reason."
He paused, glancing briefly between her and Aiden before continuing. "So, two weeks? I assume that's the recovery plan?"
Aiden stepped in, his tone light, but his expression serious. "Yeah, we need a place where Claire can recover in peace, away from the chaos here. William helped us arrange an apartment nearby. We'll be able to keep a low profile, stay off Abstergo's radar."
Paul nodded, a flicker of relief passing over his face. "Good. I'll keep an eye on things here," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "You two focus on what you need to do. And take as much time as you need. We'll hold things down on our end."
Claire felt her chest tighten at his words, a mixture of gratitude and relief washing over her. Paul had always been their anchor, the one who kept them grounded, and knowing that he was there, ready to take on whatever came their way, made the idea of leaving for two weeks feel less daunting.
She managed a small, genuine smile. "Thanks, Paul. I know it's asking a lot."
He waved her off, his usual warmth returning as he gave her a lopsided grin. "You two have done more than enough to earn a break. Besides, it's only two weeks. We'll manage." He paused, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "Just promise me you'll take care of yourself."
Claire nodded, a sense of peace settling over her. "I promise."
The three of them sat in silence for a moment, a quiet understanding filling the space. It was moments like this that reminded Claire of what they were fighting for—the people who stood by them, who respected their choices, and who offered unwavering support in a world that often seemed determined to break them. With Paul's reassurance, the road ahead felt a little less uncertain, and Claire knew, deep down, that she wasn't just making this choice for herself. She was doing it for the people who had stood by her side, who had shown her what loyalty truly meant.