I'm so sorry for the lack of updates; I just hit a writer's block. But I'm back on the wagon again, so hopefully I can start throwing out more and more chapters. But I also wanted to let you guys know that I have read Forsaken, the book on Haytham. So I will be putting some of the books perspective in my story. So if you haven't read it, some things may not be familiar to you, because they were mentioned in the book, not them game. Also spoilers for both the book and game (duh). But I hope that doesn't bother you, and I also suggest reading forsaken, its super good. Anyways, enjoy!

It was foggy and cold, which only made things worse. Annie tried to calm herself, but her stomach wouldn't let go of her nerves. She knows Achilles was out in the crowd, along with some assassin recruits. But that didn't mean things couldn't get awry.

She jumped when she heard the iron gate open. Quickly she opened the carriage door, and the guards throw Connor in. Then the guard jumps in the back, closing the door with him. The carriage takes off swiftly, so Annie gets on the nearest horse and trots off after them.

Annie was surprised at the amount of people who crowded around the gallows. It only made her worry more. When the cart stopped, she saw Hickey jump off a horse and make his way to Connor. She debated silently whether to join Hickey or stay incognito in the crowd. She knew it was better to lay low.

Hickey was busy mocking Connor, so she decided to walk towards the crowd. Achilles was easy to spot. As she walked to him, she saw an assassin kill an unaware guard in the back of the crowd. Her pace quickened, not wanting her to be mistaken for an actual guard.

Taking off her hat, Annie waved at the old man. When he nodded she approached.

"You look… different." He says almost nonchalantly.

Annie ignores his comment, "What is the plan?"

"When he gives the signal, I'll cut the noose hand him his tomahawk. After that, kill any guard who gets in the way."

She nods, "Is Connor aware of this plan?"

Achilles motions towards Connor as he walks between a guard and Hickey. "He will in a minute."

As Connor approached, a woman pushed past them. She ran up to Connor, punching him straight in the jaw, bringing him to his knees. Quickly Achilles pushed her back, kneeling beside Connor.

Annie glared at the woman, pushing her back as well. Hickey picked Connor up and moved on. She departed, moving towards to the back of the crowd, holding her gun steady.

Charles Lee was standing with a sack in his hands and an ugly grin on his face. It made her sick. It was worse watching Charles berate Connor in front of the crowd. Throwing lies and accusations at him, while Connor's face showed no emotion. When Charles but the bag over his head, and the noose around his neck, she picked up her loaded rifle.

Everything happened so quickly after that; seeing Connor spring from under the frame and sprint after Hickey. The guards bounded after him, and she watched Charles flee. But instead of chasing after him, she shoots one of the guards who got too close to Connor.

But once he was down someone from behind her pushed her to the ground. Her face hit the uneven bricks, cutting into her cheek. The person who shoved her flips her over. It was another nameless guard, who had his rifle pressed into her chest.

Grabbing the barrel of the gun, she tried to yank it from the man. But instead he fired the gun, and then tumbling from the unexpected force.

The immense heat from the barrel burned her hands, and she screamed. Not from the pain, but from the bullet. It didn't hit her; instead when she yanked it the gun jerked, sending the bullet to the ground right beside her ear. The ringing pierced her ears, ripping through her ear drums. She was dazed as the same guard straddled her, pressing a knife to her throat.

Her hands burned, and she couldn't hear anything, but she still managed to look around for Connor. Letting out a sigh when she saw him leaning of Hickey's dead body, she closed her eyes.

She tried to listen to what was being said round her, but it took a while for the ringing to subside. But when it did, she heard commands to stand down. She didn't know demanded it, but she thankful.

The guard on top of her stood, sheathing the blade. He offered her his hand, but she ignored it, and just lied there until he left. Connor was a couple feet away, so she took her time getting up, avoiding the use of her hands.

Walking forward slowly, and wincing at the man who was congratulating Connor's voice. Most of the crowd dispersed, but the ones who remanded were silent with shock.

Connor took a deep breath and turned around slowly, and his eyes met hers.

He walked to her as she stood still, with her shoulders slumped. The pain on her cheek sharpening as she smiled. When she was in arms reach, he grabbed her, and pulled her into his chest.

She hadn't noticed she was holding her breath until she sighed against him. Annie would be lying if she said she didn't miss him, but she will admit he kind of stinks. But she can't blame him.

She pulls away to look at him. His face was bruised and scratched. His skin was welted and swollen, but it didn't look too bad. Connor's thumb comes to her cheek, smearing the blood from her cuts. They were minor, and would heal with a small scar.

Instead of questioning anything, he simply looks around for Achilles' carriage. "Let us get out of here." He whispers to Annie, and she silently agrees with him.

Annie follows beside him, looking at her hands. They were already red, and threated to blister. She just ignored them and continued to walk.

It wasn't long before they spotted Achilles. He was looking scornful, which was nothing new, when they approached. Connor held the carriage door open for her, and sat beside her. She watched him stare out the small window, watching the buildings fade to trees and plains. He smiled a small smile, and she placed a hand on his back.

Connor leaned back, and placed a hand on her knee.

"You're washing as soon we get back." She says with a small grin.

He let out a heavy breath with his laugh, and nodded in agreement.

…

Annie had never seen anyone eat as much as Connor did when he got back to the manor. She had to send him off to wash so she could cook fresh food instead of him just eating what he could find.

When the food was done, they ate and Achilles asked about how things were in the prison, and how things went bad. Annie answered most of the questions, because Connor was too busy stuffing food in his mouth.

Once they were done eating, Connor offered to help clean up. But both Achilles and Annie suggested he get rest. When he left they began cleaning up the dishes in silence.

Annie sat down at the table and changed the bandages on her hands. She noticed Achilles looking out the window, staring at the night.

She stops and looks at him, "There's something bothering you, isn't there?"

"You can see right through me, can't you?" He half jokes, turning to look at her.

"You're not very good at hiding it."

He sighs and looks at her silently for a moment before speaking again. "I'm going to tell you something."

She nods.

"I wasn't the one who cut the noose."

She looks at him curiously, her lips parted.

"…It was Haytham."