The canals of Venice shimmered in the morning light, their waters reflecting the rising sun as the ship made its final approach to the bustling docks. The city spread out before them like a maze of narrow alleys and waterways, and the sound of merchants hawking their goods filled the air, blending with the cries of gulls and the gentle lapping of the water against the wooden piers.

Amelia gripped the railing of the ship, her knuckles white, as she fought against the lingering nausea that had plagued her throughout the journey. The sea sickness had been relentless, leaving her weak and feverish, her body still struggling to recover from the wound she had suffered. Her cloak clung to her shoulders, offering little warmth in the cool, damp air, and she shivered, though she wasn't entirely sure if it was from the chill or the lingering unease.

Ezio noticed her discomfort and stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on her back. "How are you holding up?" he asked quietly, his voice carrying genuine concern as his eyes searched her face.

She forced a small, tight smile, unwilling to worry him more than she already had. "I'll manage, Ezio. I'm just glad we've finally arrived." She glanced at the city ahead, trying to focus on the new surroundings instead of the roiling in her stomach. "Venice looks... impressive."

Ezio nodded, though his expression remained troubled as he studied her pale face. He hesitated, then reached out to brush a strand of hair away from her cheek, his touch lingering a moment longer than necessary. The gesture caught Amelia by surprise, and for a heartbeat, she allowed herself to lean into his touch, savoring the warmth of his hand against her cool skin. But then the moment passed, and she straightened, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

Leonardo, ever oblivious to their quiet exchange, had already begun gathering their bags, a cheerful smile on his face despite the long journey. He glanced back at them as they disembarked. "Ah, Venezia! The city of inspiration! It's even more beautiful than I remember."

Before they could take more than a few steps onto the docks, a man approached them, his demeanor formal but friendly. "Messer da Vinci?" he inquired with a respectful nod.

Leonardo turned, his face lighting up. "Yes, that's me!"

The man bowed slightly. "Buongiorno e ben arrivato! I am Alvise. Il Signor Dona' has asked that I escort you to the workshop. Are you ready?"

Leonardo beamed. "Absolutely, lead the way!"

As they followed Alvise through the winding streets and over the many bridges of Venice, Amelia found herself struggling to keep pace. Each step sent a sharp twinge of pain through her side where her wound had only just begun to heal. She tried to mask the discomfort, but she caught Ezio glancing her way with a worried frown. He slowed his pace slightly, falling back to walk beside her, his presence a reassuring constant as they navigated the unfamiliar city.

Alvise, eager to share the wonders of Venice, gestured grandly as he spoke. "Ah, Venezia! What other place is as beautiful, as stable, as perfect! Come! I will show you her wonders! Our first stop: the Rialto Bridge! Behold the elegance with which she spans the Grand Canal! A symbol of Venetian unity and pride."

Amelia tried to focus on the man's enthusiastic words, but her mind drifted, weighed down by the weariness that clung to her bones. The city was undeniably beautiful, but she couldn't shake the sense of unease that lingered in her chest, the feeling that something was just slightly off, like a shadow lurking at the edge of her vision.

When they reached the bustling marketplace, Alvise's voice faltered as a group of armed soldiers approached one of the merchants, their presence casting a dark cloud over the lively scene. The sound of a sword striking a fish counter made Amelia flinch, her hand instinctively moving to the hidden blade beneath her cloak.

Ezio's jaw tightened as he watched the altercation unfold. "Seems like Venice has its share of troubles," he muttered, his voice low and edged with frustration.

Amelia glanced at him, sharing his unease. "I suppose it's no different from Firenze or any other city," she replied, keeping her tone light even as tension knotted her stomach. "Power always finds a way to corrupt."

Alvise, clearly eager to move on from the confrontation, gestured for them to continue. "Let us continue the tour... elsewhere."

Leonardo, ever the optimist, tried to lighten the mood. He pointed to a small wooden dummy on a nearby stall. "Look! Isn't it amazing? Would you mind buying it for me? I… uh… I left my money with my bags."

Amelia couldn't help but chuckle softly at the artist's enthusiasm, but her amusement was short-lived as a group of men rushed past them, nearly knocking her off balance. Ezio's arm shot out, steadying her with a firm grip, and she offered him a grateful smile, though her hand trembled slightly as she adjusted her cloak.

"Careful, coglione!" Ezio called after the runners, irritation flashing in his eyes. One of them—a woman—turned back briefly, smirking before disappearing into the crowd. Ezio cursed under his breath, checking his bag of coins. "Looks like we've made a warm first impression."

Amelia shook her head, trying to keep her voice steady. "I think I've had enough of Venice's 'charms' for one day." She pressed a hand to her side, wincing as the pain flared. Ezio's gaze softened as he noticed, but he didn't press her, simply keeping a protective distance as they continued through the winding alleys.

Alvise led them to a grand building, stopping in front of a richly adorned door. "And now, I present to you, your workshop. Ser da Vinci! We spared no expense in its design. You'll see! It is perfect; as if you never left Firenze. I wish you great success and hope you enjoy Venezia as much as she enjoys having you!"

Leonardo clapped the man on the back with a grateful smile. "Grazie, Alvise! You are too kind!"

Alvise bowed deeply before taking his leave, and Leonardo turned to his friends with an eager grin. "So here we are! Exciting, isn't it? Care to come in?"

Ezio shook his head, casting a glance toward the distant silhouette of the Palazzo della Seta. "Maybe later. I need to visit the Palazzo della Seta, try and gain an audience with Emilio."

Leonardo's expression faltered with concern, but he quickly recovered, offering a warm smile. "As you wish. But should you find yourself with free time, or another Codex page, don't hesitate to visit. My door is always open."

Amelia gave Leonardo a tired but sincere smile. "We'll keep that in mind, Leonardo. And... thank you. For everything."

Leonardo reached out, gently squeezing her shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Amelia. Venice is not always as gentle as her waters."

Ezio waited for Amelia to follow him, his expression softening as he caught her tired gaze. "Are you sure you're up for this?" he asked, his voice barely more than a murmur. "You've been through a lot."

Amelia met his gaze, summoning a small smile despite her weariness. "Leonardo, I should probably rest up a bit longer. That ship ride was not as smooth as I had hoped. Could I stay with you for a while?"

"Of course. Let's get you settled." Leo put his arm around her waist for support.

"I'll come by to check on you occasionally until you're back on your feet." Ezio told her.

"Be safe out there." She warned him.

"I will." With that he ran off to investigate the city. Leonardo helped her into the workshop and laid her down on the couch that was near the fireplace. It didn't take her long to fall asleep from exhaustion.

The next week in Venice passed slowly for Amelia, her days filled with a haze of pain, rest, and recovery within the safe confines of Leonardo's workshop. The small, cluttered space quickly became a haven for her, a place where the constant hum of the city outside was muffled by the steady rhythm of Leonardo's work, the scratching of quills, and the scent of paints and parchment.

Leonardo, ever the caring friend, had insisted that she remain with him until she had fully regained her strength. "I won't hear of you running around Venice until you're better, Amelia," he'd said, his expression unusually stern. "I've seen too many wounds made worse by impatience."

Amelia had initially protested, not wanting to be a burden, but the truth was that her body craved the rest. The sea journey had left her battered, her wound reopening more than once during the rough ride, and a fever had burned through her like fire. She'd spent the first few days at the workshop mostly bedridden, slipping in and out of a restless sleep.

When she was awake, Leonardo would sit with her, regaling her with tales of Venice's history, or explaining his latest inventions, which never failed to bring a faint smile to her lips. "You see, Amelia, if I adjust the wings here—ah, just imagine! A man soaring above the city like a bird!" he'd say, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. She'd listen, letting his passion for his work distract her from the persistent ache in her side.

"I'm sure you'll figure it out, Leo," she would reply with a small, tired laugh. "You always do."

Leonardo had fashioned a makeshift bed in a corner of his workshop, covering it with extra blankets to keep the chill at bay. When she had the strength to sit up, she'd watch as he tinkered with various devices and sketches, occasionally offering a dry comment or teasing remark that made him chuckle.

The days blurred together in a mix of exhaustion and quiet recovery, but gradually, her strength began to return. Her fever subsided, and she found herself able to sit up for longer periods, even venturing out onto the small balcony overlooking the canal. The cool breeze on her face felt like a balm, easing the restlessness that had built up within her.

One evening, after nearly two weeks had passed, she was sitting outside, her gaze fixed on the sun setting over the distant rooftops, when Leonardo joined her, holding two steaming mugs. He handed one to her with a gentle smile. "Tea. It's not quite the elixir of life, but it should help."

Amelia took the cup gratefully, wrapping her hands around its warmth. "Thank you, Leo," she murmured, taking a sip. "For all of this. I don't think I'd have made it through the last few days without you."

Leonardo waved a hand dismissively, though his expression softened. "Nonsense. You're made of stronger stuff than you think, Amelia. But it is good to see you looking more like yourself again."

She managed a small smile, though a shadow passed behind her eyes as she looked out over the city. "I don't know how long it will take before I feel like myself again. The wound is healing, but... there's something more."

Leonardo glanced at her, his curiosity piqued but tempered by his kindness. He reached out, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Give it time, mia amica. Some wounds take longer to heal than others."

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed up the stairs from below, and Amelia's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the familiar cadence. A moment later, the door creaked open, and Ezio stepped inside, his face brightening when he saw her sitting up.

"Look at you," he said, a crooked smile spreading across his face. "You're not dead after all."

Amelia rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her expression gave away her relief at seeing him. "Surprised, are you? It takes more than a few bumps and a knife wound to get rid of me."

He crossed the small room in a few strides, his gaze softening as he took in the sight of her looking stronger, the shadows beneath her eyes less prominent than they had been. He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face, his thumb lingering for a moment against her cheek. Without hesitating Ezio leaned down and kissed her forehead, leaving her shocked.

"I've missed you, Lia," he said quietly, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.

She felt a sudden tightness in her chest, a flood of emotions that she couldn't quite place. "You didn't have to worry so much, Ezio," she replied, trying to keep her tone light even as her heart ached with an unnamed longing. "Leonardo's taken good care of me."

Leonardo cleared his throat behind them, his expression both amused and fond. "Indeed, I've done my best. But I think she's ready for a bit more excitement. Don't keep her cooped up for too much longer, or she'll start dismantling my inventions out of boredom."

Ezio chuckled, glancing back at Leonardo with a nod of gratitude. "You have my thanks, Leonardo. Truly."

Leonardo waved them both off with a smile. "Di nulla, Ezio. Now, go, the two of you—explore the city a little, but gently. And Amelia," he added, meeting her eyes, "don't forget to come back and rest when you need to."

Amelia nodded, rising to her feet with Ezio's help. As they stepped out into the cool Venetian night, she leaned on him slightly, grateful for the support and for the warmth of his arm beneath hers. Her wound still throbbed dully, but the feverish haze had lifted, and for the first time in weeks, she felt like she could breathe again.

She cast a glance back toward Leonardo's workshop, where the faint glow of candlelight still shone through the windows, and smiled softly. "He's been a good friend, hasn't he?"

Ezio's expression softened as he followed her gaze. "Yes, he has. But he's not the only one."

She turned to him, meeting his eyes, and for a moment, the bustling city around them seemed to fade into the background. They stood there in the narrow alley, the sounds of the city mingling with the gentle lapping of the canal waters, and Amelia felt a sense of peace settle over her, despite everything that lay ahead.

"Thank you, Ezio," she said softly, her voice barely more than a whisper. "For not giving up on me."

He squeezed her hand gently, offering her that familiar crooked smile. "I wouldn't dream of it, Lia. Now come, let's see what Venice has to offer before you wear yourself out again."

The cool Venetian night wrapped around them as Ezio and Amelia wandered through the narrow alleys of the city, their footsteps echoing softly against the ancient stone paths. The city's canals glimmered under the moonlight, the waters reflecting the starlit sky above, creating a world that seemed to blur the line between reality and dream. Amelia's pace was slower than usual, her body still recovering from the journey and the fever that had kept her confined to Leonardo's workshop. But Ezio didn't seem to mind. He kept close by her side, matching her step for step.

They found themselves at the edge of a small square, tucked away from the bustling heart of the city. A stone bench sat beneath a cluster of olive trees, and Ezio gestured toward it with a grin. "Rest here a moment, Lia. I think you've earned it."

She huffed lightly but took the offer, easing herself down onto the bench and letting out a sigh of relief as she did. "You don't have to hover over me, you know. I'm not going to collapse any second."

Ezio chuckled, settling beside her. "Maybe not. But I'd rather not take the chance, just in case you get any ideas about sprinting off after some new troublemaker."

Amelia rolled her eyes but allowed a small smile to tug at her lips. "Venice has enough of those, doesn't it?"

"They seem to come out of the woodwork, especially when they hear there's an Assassin in town," Ezio said with a smirk. "But tonight, I think they can wait."

Silence settled between them, comfortable and familiar. Amelia leaned back against the bench, tilting her head up to the sky. The stars shone brightly above, unobstructed by the city lights. It was a rare sight, one that made the city feel smaller, more intimate, as if the entire world had narrowed down to just the two of them beneath the endless expanse of night.

"I used to stargaze a lot when I was a kid," Amelia murmured after a while, her voice barely carrying over the gentle lap of water against the nearby canal. "I'd lie on the roof of our house and try to name all the constellations. It made the world feel a little less… complicated, you know?"

Ezio glanced over at her, his expression softening as he took in the wistful look on her face. "I can't imagine you ever having a simple life, Amelia," he said gently. "But maybe that's why you see the stars as a way out. A reminder that there's more out there than what we're caught up in."

Amelia nodded slowly, her gaze still fixed on the sky. "When I was little, I used to dream about where I'd go, what I'd do, once I was old enough to leave my home behind. Before all of this... I thought about seeing places like Venice, Florence—places where life felt like it could be an adventure instead of a struggle."

She turned her head to look at him, catching the reflection of the stars in his eyes. "What about you, Ezio? What did you dream of before all of this? Before the Templars and the fighting?"

He let out a quiet breath, leaning back against the bench. For a moment, he seemed far away, his thoughts drifting back through the years. "I never really thought beyond what was right in front of me. I was a reckless fool when I was younger—more concerned with chasing girls and sneaking out at night than planning for the future."

Amelia snorted softly. "Some things never change."

Ezio grinned at that, but his smile faded as he grew more serious. "But I suppose I thought... one day, I'd take over the family business. Maybe find someone, settle down, raise a family of my own. A simple life, really."

Amelia felt a pang in her chest at his words, though she kept her expression carefully neutral. The idea of a future—one beyond the bloodshed and secrets—was something she rarely allowed herself to consider. But sitting here, under the Venetian sky, she couldn't help but wonder what that might look like for her. If there was a place in that future where she could find peace, perhaps even happiness.

"Do you still think about it?" she asked quietly, almost afraid to hear the answer. "What you'd do, once all of this is over?"

Ezio was silent for a long moment, his gaze distant as he considered her question. Then, he turned to her, a small, almost sad smile playing on his lips. "Sometimes. But it's hard to imagine what that would look like now. Too much has changed. I've changed."

"Yeah," Amelia whispered, looking down at her hands. She could feel the weight of her own thoughts pressing in on her, memories of everything they'd lost, of the people they'd become through the trials and pain. "I get that."

She glanced up at him again, her eyes searching his. "But maybe… maybe one day, we'll get the chance to find out. To see if there's something more than all this fighting."

Ezio's gaze softened as he looked at her, a warmth in his eyes that made her heart skip a beat. "Maybe," he said softly. "When the Templars are gone, when we've done what we need to do... maybe we'll get to see what's out there, beyond the shadows."

Amelia smiled faintly, a small, hopeful feeling unfurling in her chest. "That would be nice, wouldn't it?"

He nodded, and for a moment, they let the quiet stretch between them, the city around them seeming to hold its breath as if listening in on their unspoken hopes.

As the chill of the night began to creep in, Amelia shivered slightly, feeling the ache in her healing wound. Ezio noticed immediately, rising to his feet and offering her his hand. "Come on, Lia. Let's get you back to the workshop before Leonardo starts worrying."

She accepted his hand, letting him pull her up, but before they started walking, she lingered for a moment, holding on just a bit longer than necessary. When she finally released his hand, her fingers felt cold, missing the warmth of his touch.

They walked back through the city together, side by side, their steps in sync as they navigated the winding paths. The night still stretched out around them, full of uncertainty, but for the first time in a long time, Amelia allowed herself to think that maybe—just maybe—a future beyond the fight was possible. Even if it was just a fleeting dream, it was one she'd hold onto for a little while longer.