The night air was crisp as Amelia rode through the winding streets of Rome, the echoes of her escape still fresh in her mind. The stone bridge receded behind her, and the shadows of the Castello faded into the distance, but the adrenaline from her narrow escape pulsed through her veins like fire. She could hardly believe that she was free—free from Lucrezia's torment, free from the confines of her cell.
As she urged her horse forward, the city lights flickered like stars against the dark sky, illuminating her path to Isola Tiberina. Despite the pain in her leg and the exhaustion that weighed heavily on her, a surge of hope filled her heart. Ezio had promised he would come for her, and now they were both free, each riding towards the promise of safety and sanctuary. With each hoofbeat, Amelia reflected on her journey—the months of darkness, the isolation, and the torment that had threatened to consume her.
The image of Lucrezia's cruel smile lingered in her mind, but so too did the warmth of Ezio's embrace, his fierce determination to protect her. He had faced danger head-on, and now, she could feel his presence with her, guiding her forward. As they crossed the ancient bridge, memories of her time at the Castello surged within her. The stone walls that had held her captive, the cries of guards, and the echo of Lucrezia's taunts played like a haunting melody. But she had survived. She had fought back, and in doing so, she had reclaimed a part of herself that she feared was lost forever.
The night was alive with sounds—the rustle of leaves, the distant laughter of revelers, and the gentle lapping of water against the riverbank. It was a stark contrast to the silence of her cell, where despair had once wrapped around her like a suffocating shroud. Now, she breathed in the fresh air, letting it fill her lungs, a reminder of her vitality and resilience. As she neared the island, the outlines of buildings emerged against the moonlit sky. She spotted a familiar figure waiting near the entrance—La Volpe. Relief washed over her as she dismounted, doing her best to land on her good leg. She leaned heavily on the horse, trying to compensate for the broken leg.
Amelia steadied herself as she approached La Volpe, the adrenaline from her escape slowly ebbing away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude and relief. His familiar figure was a beacon of hope amidst the shadows.
"Signora Tessaro," La Volpe greeted her, his voice laced with warmth and concern. "I had feared we would never see you again."
"Believe me, I had my doubts too," Amelia replied, her voice shaking slightly. "But I made it."
La Volpe stepped closer, scanning her with a sharp gaze. "You look worse for wear. We need to get you inside and tended to immediately." He offered his arm for support, and Amelia took it gratefully, allowing him to guide her through the entrance and into the dimly lit hideout.
The air inside was thick with the scent of leather and oil, mingled with the faint aroma of herbs. The walls were adorned with maps, weapons, and various relics that spoke of the Brotherhood's history. As they moved deeper into the hideout, Amelia felt a sense of belonging envelop her, a stark contrast to the cold isolation of her cell.
La Volpe led her to a small chamber filled with comfortable furnishings. "Sit here," he instructed, gesturing to a sturdy chair. "I'll fetch a doctor."
"Thank you," Amelia said, sinking into the chair with a sigh of relief. The weight of exhaustion began to settle in her bones as she closed her eyes for a brief moment. She could hardly believe she was here, surrounded by allies and away from the darkness of the Castello.
While La Volpe disappeared down a corridor, Amelia took a moment to collect herself. She could still feel the remnants of pain from her injuries, a reminder of the trials she had endured. But it was nothing compared to the joy of being free. She could hear the soft murmurs of the other Assassins in the next room, their voices a soothing balm to her weary soul.
Moments later, La Volpe returned, accompanied by a physician—a stern-looking man with graying hair and a gentle demeanor. "This is Dr. Luca. He'll take care of you," La Volpe said, stepping back to allow the doctor to assess her injuries.
"Good evening, Signora Tessaro," Dr. Luca said, kneeling beside her. "I'm here to help you. Let's see how badly you're hurt."
Amelia winced as she shifted in her seat, the pain in her leg intensifying. Dr. Luca carefully examined her injuries, the bruises and cuts that marred her skin telling the story of her ordeal.
"You have a serious injury here," he remarked, his brow furrowing as he inspected her leg. "I will need to set the bone, and you'll require rest and proper care to heal."
"Just do what you need to," Amelia replied, her voice steady despite the discomfort. She was tired of feeling broken. She wanted to be strong again, to fight alongside her family.
Dr. Luca nodded, his hands gently grasping her upper thigh on either side of the bruising. He felt around for a moment to assess where the break in her leg was.
"If you could hold her steady please." The doctor instructed. La Volpe reached from her and she jerked away from him, fear in her eyes.
"That won't be necessary." She bit out. La Volpe backed off, his hands in the air to show her he understood. She looked at the doctor and gave him a strong nod. Telling him to continue.
Dr. Luca worked swiftly, his practiced hands moving with precision as he set the bone and began to wrap Amelia's leg. The pain was intense, but Amelia gritted her teeth, having endured far worse at the hands of Lucrezia and her tormentors.
As the doctor worked, La Volpe stood nearby, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and admiration. "You've shown remarkable strength, Signora," he said softly. "Few could have endured what you have and emerged with such spirit intact."
Amelia managed a weak smile. "There were days I lost all hope La Volpe. Do not mistake my calm demeanor for an intact spirit. I assure you, I am shattered inside." she replied, her thoughts drifting to Ezio.
"Any word of Ezio?"" Amelia began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to form the words.
La Volpe's expression softened. "Last we heard, he had successfully escaped the Castello and was making his way here. He should arrive soon."
Relief washed over Amelia, and she closed her eyes briefly, letting out a shaky breath. The thought of seeing Ezio again, of being in his arms, gave her strength.
Dr. Luca finished wrapping her leg and began tending to her other injuries. "You'll need to stay off this leg for several weeks," he advised.
"La Volpe, please leave us." She looked up at him with a sad look in her eyes. "I have other wounds that need looked at in private."
"Of...of course my lady." La Volpe stuttered, quickly leaving the room.
As La Volpe exited, Amelia felt a mix of relief and apprehension. The doctor's gentle hands moved to examine her other injuries, and she steeled herself for the inevitable pain and discomfort.
"Signora, I need to check for any additional injuries," Dr. Luca said softly. "Is there anything specific you'd like me to look at?"
Amelia hesitated, her throat tightening as memories of her captivity flooded back. "My... abdomen," she managed to say. "And... my womb."
Understanding dawned in the doctor's eyes. He nodded solemnly. "I'll be as gentle as I can. Please let me know if you need me to stop at any point."
With trembling hands, Amelia began to remove her tattered night gown. After the night of her miscarriage she had only been provided with a thin shift to cover her body. Her body was still riddled with bruises, as Lucrezia had still come to beat her at least once a week.
As the thin fabric fell away, Dr. Luca's eyes widened slightly at the extent of Amelia's injuries. Bruises in various stages of healing mottled her skin, painting a grim picture of the abuse she had endured. Cuts and abrasions crisscrossed her torso, some barely healed, others still angry and red.
"Oh, my dear," Dr. Luca murmured, his professional demeanor slipping for a moment. He quickly composed himself, but Amelia could see the sympathy in his eyes. "I'm going to examine you now. Please tell me if anything hurts more than it should."
Amelia nodded, closing her eyes as the doctor's hands gently probed her abdomen. She winced as he examined the long thin scar across her abdomen. The pain had long since receded but the mans gentle touch broke her. Tears pooled in her eyes and silently slipped down her cheeks.
Dr. Luca's touch was gentle but thorough as he examined Amelia's abdomen, his fingers carefully probing for any signs of internal injury. He paused when he reached the long, thin scar, his brow furrowing with concern.
"This scar," he said softly, "it's recent, isn't it?"
"It has been about eight months." Amelia nodded, unable to continue speaking as more tears fell. The memory of that night, the pain, the blood, the loss—it all came rushing back with overwhelming force.
"I'm so sorry," Dr. Luca said, his voice filled with compassion. "You've suffered a great deal. I'll need to check for any remaining infection or complications. Is it alright if I continue?"
Amelia nodded wordlessly, her throat tight with emotion. As Dr. Luca continued his examination, she focused on her breathing, trying to stay present and not get lost in the painful memories.
The doctor's touch remained gentle as he carefully palpated her lower abdomen. "There's some tenderness here," he noted. "But I don't feel any signs of infection. That's good news."
He paused, meeting Amelia's eyes with a compassionate gaze. "I need to perform an internal examination now, to check your womb. I understand this may be difficult. Would you like me to explain each step as I go?"
Amelia swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes, please," she whispered.
Dr. Luca guided her to lie back on the bed nearby, draping a sheet over her lower half for privacy. He narrated each movement as he began the examination, his voice calm and reassuring.
"I'm going to start now," he said softly. "You may feel some discomfort, but please let me know if anything hurts too much."
Amelia nodded, closing her eyes and trying to focus on her breathing. As the doctor began his examination, she felt a rush of emotions - fear, shame, and a deep, aching sadness. Memories of her time in captivity threatened to overwhelm her, but she forced them back, concentrating on the present moment.
"You're doing well," Dr. Luca murmured encouragingly. "I'm almost finished."
As he completed the examination, Amelia let out a shaky breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Dr. Luca gently removed his hands and helped her sit up, adjusting the sheet to cover her.
"I've finished the examination," he said softly. "There's some internal scarring, but overall, you're healing well. There's no sign of infection or other complications."
Amelia nodded, relief washing over her. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Dr. Luca placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You've been through a terrible ordeal, Signora. Your body will heal, but your mind and spirit will need time too. Don't hesitate to seek help if you need it."
Just then, there was a commotion outside the room. Amelia's heart leapt as she recognized a familiar voice - Ezio's voice. She quickly pulled the sheet to cover her body as the door was flung open, exposing her to the hallway.
Ezio burst into the room, his eyes wild with a mixture of relief and concern. "Amelia!" he exclaimed, rushing towards her. He stopped short when he saw her state, wrapped in a sheet with the doctor beside her.
"Ezio," Amelia breathed, her heart pounding. She clutched the sheet tighter around herself, suddenly aware of her vulnerability.
Dr. Luca stepped forward, placing himself between Ezio and Amelia. "Signore, please, give her some space. She's been through a terrible ordeal and needs rest."
Ezio's eyes never left Amelia's face, drinking in the sight of her. "Of course," he said, his voice softening. "I'm sorry, I just...needed to know you were safe."
Amelia felt tears welling up in her eyes again. "I'm here."
"Signore, please, wait in the hall until the lady is dressed." The doctor warned. Ezio glared at the man which made her chuckle a little at his protective nature.
"Ezio...please." She pleaded. Ezio's expression softened as he met Amelia's eyes. He nodded, understanding her need for privacy and dignity.
"Of course, mi amore. I'll wait outside."
As Ezio stepped out, closing the door behind him, Dr. Luca turned back to Amelia. "Let's get you dressed, Signora. I have some clean clothes here that should fit you."
Amelia nodded gratefully, allowing the doctor to help her into a simple but comfortable dress. The fabric felt soft against her skin, a stark contrast to the rough shift she had worn for months. As she adjusted the dress, she felt a small spark of her old self returning.
"Thank you, Doctor," she said softly. "For everything."
Dr. Luca smiled kindly. "Rest now, Signora. I'll come back tomorrow." He gathered his things and left. Amelia took a deep breath, steeling herself for the reunion with Ezio. Her heart raced with a mixture of longing and apprehension. She smoothed down her dress, grateful for the clean fabric against her skin.
The door opened slowly, and Ezio stepped inside. His eyes, filled with concern and love, met hers. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, drinking in the sight of one another after months apart.
"Amelia," Ezio breathed, his voice thick with emotion. He moved towards her, his steps hesitant, as if afraid she might disappear.
Amelia felt tears welling up in her eyes. "Ezio," she whispered, reaching out to him.
Ezio closed the distance between them in two swift strides, his quick approach spooked her and she backed up against the headboard to get away from him. Ezio immediately froze, his hands raised in a placating gesture. The pain and concern in his eyes were palpable as he realized his mistake. "Amelia, I'm sorry," he said softly, his voice laced with regret. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Amelia's heart raced, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to calm herself. When she opened them again, she saw Ezio still standing there, patient and understanding.
"It's okay," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, I just... it's been..."
"You don't need to apologize," Ezio said gently. He slowly lowered himself to sit on the edge of the bed, maintaining a respectful distance. "May I sit here?"
Amelia nodded, her breathing slowly returning to normal. She appreciated Ezio's patience and understanding. As he sat on the edge of the bed, she felt a mix of comfort and apprehension at his nearness.
"I've missed you so much," Ezio said softly, his eyes never leaving her face. "Every day, every moment, I thought of you. I'm so sorry it took me so long to find you."
Amelia felt tears welling up again. "You came for me," she whispered. "That's all that matters."
Ezio's hand twitched, as if he wanted to reach out and touch her but was restraining himself. "May I... may I hold your hand?" he asked hesitantly.
Amelia paused, then slowly extended her hand towards him. Ezio gently took it in his, his touch warm and familiar. The contact sent a shiver through her body - both comforting and unsettling at the same time.
"Your hands are so warm," she murmured, her voice barely audible. Ezio's eyes, filled with a mixture of love and sorrow, searched her face.
"What did they do to you, my love?" he asked softly, his thumb gently tracing circles into the back of her hand.
Amelia closed her eyes, memories of her captivity threatening to overwhelm her. "Ezio, I... I can't..." she began, her voice breaking.
Ezio squeezed her hand gently. "It's alright, you don't have to speak of it now," he said softly. "I'm here for you, whenever you're ready."
Amelia nodded gratefully, tears slipping down her cheeks. Ezio's presence was both comforting and overwhelming. She wanted nothing more than to fall into his arms, to feel safe and protected, but her body tensed at the thought of being touched.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, thinking of their child that she'd never been able to hold, that he didn't know about. She struggled with the thought of telling him.
Ezio's brow furrowed with concern. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Amelia," he said gently. "Whatever happened, it wasn't your fault."
Amelia's breath hitched as she fought back a sob. The weight of her secret pressed heavily on her chest. She knew she had to tell him, but the words seemed stuck in her throat.
"Ezio, there's something... something I need to tell you," she managed, her voice trembling.
Ezio leaned in slightly, his eyes full of patience and understanding. "Take your time, amore mio. I'm here."
Amelia took a deep breath, steeling herself. "When they took me... I was... I was with child. Our child."
The color drained from Ezio's face as the implications of her words sank in. His grip on her hands tightened. "With child?" he whispered, his voice barely audible. "You were...we were..."
Amelia nodded, tears welling up in her eyes once more. "I didn't know when they took me. We must have conceived the night you came home to Monteriggioni. I found out later, in captivity."
Ezio's face paled as the implications sank in. "The child...?" he asked, unable to finish the question.
Amelia's lower lip trembled as she shook her head. "I lost the baby," she whispered, her voice breaking. "There was a moment where I was able to escape, I was so close. And then I fell...and..." Ezio's face contorted with grief and rage as Amelia's words sank in.
His hands trembled as he held hers, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Oh, Amelia," he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. "I... I'm so sorry. If I had known... if I had been there..."
Amelia shook her head, her own tears falling freely now. "There was nothing you could have done, Ezio. It wasn't your fault."
"What of your womb...are you able..." Ezio asked tentatively.
Amelia's breath caught in her throat at Ezio's question. She hesitated, her eyes dropping to their joined hands.
"The doctor... he said there's some scarring," she whispered, her voice trembling. "But he believes I may still be able to bear children in the future. It's just... it might be more difficult."
Ezio's thumb gently stroked the back of her hand, his touch a comforting anchor. "That doesn't matter to me, Amelia," he said softly. "You're here, you're alive. That's all I care about."
Amelia looked up, meeting his gaze. The love and acceptance she saw there made her heart ache. "I was so afraid," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Afraid that you would blame me, that you would think less of me..."
"Never," Ezio said firmly, his eyes blazing with intensity. "I could never think less of you, Amelia. You are the strongest, bravest woman I know. What happened was not your fault."
His words washed over her like a soothing balm, easing some of the guilt and shame she had been carrying. Amelia felt a sob building in her chest, and this time, she didn't try to hold it back. The tears came in earnest now, months of pent-up grief and trauma pouring out of her.
Ezio moved closer, his arms opening in invitation. "May I hold you, amore mio?" he asked gently.
Amelia hesitated for a moment, her body tense with the memory of unwanted touches. But this was Ezio, her love, her protector. Slowly, she allowed herself to lean into Ezio's embrace, her body trembling as she allowed herself to be held for the first time in months. His arms encircled her gently, careful not to squeeze too tightly. The familiar scent of leather and spices enveloped her, bringing with it a flood of memories - both painful and comforting.
As she pressed her face into his chest, Amelia felt the dam inside her break. Months of pent-up fear, grief, and anguish poured out of her in wracking sobs. Ezio held her steady, one hand cradling the back of her head while the other rubbed soothing circles on her back.
She could feel his warm, trembling lips pressed against her hair, his tears falling softly and mixing with the strands. The sensation sent a shiver down her spine, a bittersweet reminder of their love and longing for one another. She closed her eyes, savoring the feeling of his breath on her skin and the gentle touch of his tears on her hair.
Amelia lifted her head slightly, meeting Ezio's gaze. His eyes were filled with love and concern, and she felt a flutter in her chest - a spark of the connection they had always shared. Hesitantly, she reached up to touch his face, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw.
"I missed you so much," she whispered, her voice hoarse from crying.
Ezio leaned into her touch, his eyes never leaving hers. "And I you, amore mio," he murmured. "Every moment we were apart was agony."
Their faces were close now, breaths mingling in the small space between them. Amelia felt a familiar warmth spreading through her body, a longing she thought had been extinguished during her captivity. Slowly, hesitantly, she tilted her chin up, her lips parting slightly.
Ezio understood her silent invitation. With infinite gentleness, he closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to hers in a soft, tender kiss. The touch was light, almost reverent, as if he feared she might shatter beneath him. As soon as it started though she puled away and rested her head on his chest, her breath coming in short bursts. The panic was still there and she had to force herself to remember that she was with the assassins now.
Ezio immediately pulled back, concern etched on his face. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—"
"No," Amelia interrupted, her voice shaky but determined. "It's not you. It's just..." She trailed off, struggling to find the words.
Ezio nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I won't push, amore. Do you want me to hold you so you can sleep?"
"Can you just lay beside me?" She asked, needed the physical contact to come to an end.
"Of course," Ezio said softly, understanding in his eyes. He gently helped Amelia lie back on the bed, then settled beside her, leaving a small space between them. He lay on his side, facing her, his hand resting on the mattress between them - close enough for comfort, but not touching.
Amelia turned her head to look at him, grateful for his patience and understanding. The familiar sight of his face, even lined with worry and exhaustion, brought her a sense of peace she hadn't felt in months. She reached out, her fingers barely brushing his hand.
"Thank you," she whispered, her eyes heavy with exhaustion.
Ezio smiled softly, his eyes full of love. "Rest now, amore mio. I'll be here when you wake."
As Amelia drifted off to sleep, she felt safer than she had in months.