The cool breeze of the Venetian evening stirred the air as Amelia followed closely behind Ezio through the winding streets. Her movements were still measured, her body aching with the lingering soreness of her recent injury. Each step reminded her of the gash that had nearly cost her everything, but she ignored the discomfort. Healing had its limits, and time was no ally in their mission. She'd rather be on the move, contributing to their cause, than remain cooped up in Leonardo's workshop, even if it meant enduring a bit of pain.
As they approached the meeting place, Amelia couldn't help but notice the lively hum of Venice around them—the gondoliers singing, merchants calling out their wares, the soft murmur of the canals as they reflected the lantern-lit walkways. But beneath the beauty, tension buzzed in the air, as though the city itself sensed the unrest lurking beneath the surface. She glanced sideways at Ezio, catching the determined set of his jaw. His focus was unyielding, yet there was a softness when he glanced back at her, a silent question in his eyes: Are you sure you're up for this?
She responded with a faint smile, pushing back the ache in her side. "I can handle myself, Ezio. Don't worry."
He offered a wry smirk in return. "I've learned better than to doubt you, Lia. Just... don't push yourself too hard."
They arrived at the designated spot, where a shadowy figure awaited them. Antonio de Magianis stepped forward from the gloom, a confident smile tugging at his lips. He was a lean man, his posture hinting at a lifetime spent navigating the undercurrents of Venice's streets. Amelia sized him up quickly—his sharp eyes, his relaxed stance. He looked like a man who knew his way around a blade as well as he did a negotiation.
"Please, enter!" Antonio greeted, gesturing for them to come closer. "Your good work has restored us to our former strength, Ezio. We are ready to strike." He was a lean man with sharp features and a confident air stepped forward, his eyes flicking between Ezio and Amelia with a discerning look. Beside him stood a young woman with a cocky smile, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders as she studied Amelia with interest.
"Amelia, this is Antonio de Magianis, leader of the thieves here in Venice," Ezio said, gesturing toward the man. "And this is Rosa, one of his best."
Antonio inclined his head with a welcoming smile. "Ah, so this is the infamous Amelia I've heard so much about. Welcome to Venice, signorina. Any friend of Ezio's is a friend of ours."
Amelia offered a polite nod, noting the calculating look in his eyes. He seemed like the kind of man who could charm you with one hand and cut your purse strings with the other—a skill set she could respect. "Grazie, Antonio. I'm glad to finally meet you. Ezio's spoken of the work you do here. It's impressive."
Antonio's smile widened slightly, though his eyes remained shrewd. "It's not often we get visitors like you in our city. And if Ezio vouches for you, then I have no doubt you'll be an asset to our cause."
Rosa, meanwhile, gave her a once-over, her gaze lingering on the bandage peeking out from beneath Amelia's sleeve. "Ezio mentioned that you had gone through a rough patch. He has been eager to see you back on your feet."
Amelia met Rosa's gaze evenly, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "And I hear you've been teaching Ezio a few tricks—mind if I borrow a lesson or two?"
Rosa's smile widened into a genuine grin, and she gave a nod of approval. "You might just fit in around here after all, signorina."
Ezio placed a hand on Amelia's shoulder, his touch warm and grounding, even through the tension of the moment. "Antonio and Rosa have been helping me prepare for what comes next," he explained, glancing at both of them before looking back to Amelia. "They've agreed to join forces to take down Emilio Barbarigo. We'll need all the help we can get. Just tell us what needs to be done, and I'll see that it is."
Antonio's gaze flicked to Amelia briefly, a curious glint in his eyes before he turned back to Ezio. "You'll approach from above, under the cover of night. Emilio has posted archers around the Palazzo. Kill them, but do so quietly. As they fall, my men shall replace them."
Ezio nodded. "Nessun problema. I'll take care of the archers and return to you."
Amelia spoke up, her voice firm despite the tension knotting her stomach. "I'll be there to watch your back, Ezio. We can't afford any mistakes tonight."
Antonio gave her a small nod of acknowledgment. "Good. With both of you on this, I feel better about our odds. But be careful—Emilio's men are as dangerous as they come." He paused, offering a small, knowing smile. "In bocca al lupo."
Ezio returned the smile, his confidence unwavering. "Crepi il lupo."
They moved out into the Venetian night, their steps merging with the shadows as they climbed to the rooftops. Amelia could feel the sharp pull of her wound as she hoisted herself onto the ledge, but she gritted her teeth and pushed through it. There was no time for weakness. They had a job to do, and she wasn't about to let her injury slow them down.
As they reached the edge of the rooftops, Ezio turned to her, a hint of concern still lingering in his gaze. "You know, you don't have to be up here with me, Amelia. I can manage the archers alone if it's too much."
She rolled her eyes, even as a ghost of a smile tugged at her lips. "I've heard enough of your gallant speeches, Auditore. Let's just get this done before you start worrying about wrinkles."
He chuckled softly, his tension easing. "You always know how to lighten the mood."
With that, they split up, each moving along the edges of the Palazzo. Amelia crept through the shadows, her focus zeroed in on the first archer perched atop a nearby platform. She moved silently, a breath slipping past her lips as she closed the distance. With a swift strike, she dispatched the archer, catching him before he could make a sound. She dragged his body into the shadows, her heartbeat steadying as she watched the city below.
Ezio worked efficiently on the other side, his movements precise as he took down each archer with the ease of a dancer moving through a well-practiced routine. Amelia couldn't help but feel a surge of pride watching him—pride and something else she wasn't ready to name. She pushed the thought away, focusing on their mission. There would be time to think about such things later, perhaps, when they weren't fighting for their lives.
When they regrouped near Antonio, Amelia noticed the way Rosa's eyes lingered on Ezio, a teasing smile playing on her lips. Rosa's confidence was infectious, and it was clear she was used to getting what she wanted. But Ezio's attention remained unwaveringly professional, his focus entirely on the task at hand.
A small, irrational spark of satisfaction flared in Amelia's chest at that, and she couldn't quite suppress the smirk that tugged at her mouth as she caught Rosa's eye. *You're not the only one here who knows him, signorina.*
"Well done, Ezio! Everything is going according to plan. As we speak, my men are replacing the archers you've removed. The way to the Palazzo is clear now," Antonio announced, a note of excitement in his voice.
Ezio nodded, glancing back toward the palazzo's walls. "But not the building itself. Emilio's guards still patrol its border."
Ugo, one of Antonio's trusted men, stepped forward. "Use my men. They can distract the guards—save you from having to fight."
Rosa, leaning casually against a nearby column, grinned at Ezio. "And when it comes time to storm the place, remember what I've taught you."
Amelia narrowed her eyes slightly at the tone in Rosa's voice, but she kept her expression neutral, refusing to give any sign of irritation. It wasn't her place to feel possessive, she reminded herself. And yet, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief when Ezio merely offered Rosa a polite nod, keeping his focus on the plan.
"Sii cauto, Ezio," Antonio cautioned, clapping Ezio on the shoulder before turning to Amelia with a more measured smile. "And you too, signorina. "
She offered him a faint smile in return, though there was a spark of determination in her gaze. "We'll be careful. But I'm not planning on letting Ezio have all the fun tonight."
With their plan set, Ezio and Amelia slipped back into the shadows, navigating the rooftops until they reached the palazzo's walls. They moved like ghosts through the darkness, their steps silent against the ancient stone. Amelia's muscles protested with every motion, but she kept her breathing steady, focusing on the rhythm of their movements.
As they reached the highest vantage point, they paused, looking down at the sprawling palazzo below. Emilio's guards patrolled the grounds, their torches casting long shadows across the cobblestones. Amelia glanced sideways at Ezio, catching the steely determination in his eyes.
"Ready, Lia?" he asked, his voice low.
She nodded, rolling her shoulders to loosen the tension. "Just try not to get too far ahead of me."
He chuckled softly, the sound barely audible above the night breeze. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Antonia reached forward and grasped Ezio's forearm in a show of support and appreciation. Ezio nodded, and together, he and Amelia slipped back into the shadows, making their way toward the Palazzo della Seta. Amelia moved alongside him, her steps silent against the cobblestones. Her hand brushed the hilt of her dagger, and she took comfort in the familiar weight of it against her palm.
As they approached the palazzo, the imposing structure loomed above them, its stone walls lit by the glow of torches. Emilio's guards patrolled the perimeter, their movements methodical and alert. Ezio signaled to Amelia with a quick nod, and she knew it was time to put Antonio's plan into action.
They moved like phantoms through the darkened streets, using the cover provided by Ugo's men to slip past the guards at the gate. When a pair of soldiers broke off from their patrol, distracted by the commotion Antonio's thieves created, Ezio dispatched them with a swift, silent motion. Amelia followed close behind, her eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement.
She gritted her teeth against the lingering ache in her side, willing herself to focus. Pain was something she had learned to live with long ago, and tonight would be no different. As they began to scale the walls of the palazzo, Ezio led the way, his movements graceful and sure as he leaped from ledge to ledge.
Amelia followed, her climb slower but steady. Her muscles protested with every pull, but she pressed on, the determination burning in her chest overpowering any physical discomfort. She watched as Ezio reached the top of the building and slipped over the ledge. Amelia joined him a few moments later, pausing to catch her breath as she crouched beside him on the roof.
From their vantage point, they could see Emilio inside, speaking with another man—Carlo Grimaldi. Ezio's jaw clenched at the sight, his hand drifting to the hilt of his hidden blade. "Stay close," he whispered to Amelia.
"Always," she replied, her voice low. She moved to cover his flank, scanning the area for any sign of approaching guards.
They listened to the conversation below, the tension in Emilio's voice palpable as he spoke. "Your little house of cards is crumbling, Emilio," Carlo taunted, his expression cold.
"A minor setback. It will be dealt with," Emilio retorted, though there was a nervous edge to his words. "This povero scemo—Antonio, and his thieves—"
Carlo cut him off with a sneer. "Never mind them! It's the Assassin you should be worried about!"
Ezio glanced at Amelia, a shadow of a smirk playing across his lips. She rolled her eyes, but there was a glint of amusement in her expression as well. They moved into position, and as the two men continued their conversation, Ezio signaled to her, readying for the next phase of their plan. While Ezio prepared to make his move, Amelia kept her attention on the guards below, her dagger at the ready. The night air was cool against her skin, and the adrenaline that thrummed through her veins was a welcome contrast to the feverish weakness she had felt for weeks.
Ezio slipped silently through a nearby window, dropping down to confront Emilio. Amelia followed close behind, staying in the shadows as he engaged their target. The confrontation was swift and brutal. Emilio's protests turned into gasping breaths as Ezio's blade found its mark.
"Do not be afraid," Ezio murmured, his voice a mix of regret and resolve.
"I feel no fear, assassin," Emilio rasped, blood seeping from the wound at his throat. "Only regret. I sought unity... Stability... Order…"
"At too great a cost," Ezio replied quietly, and for a moment, Amelia thought she saw a flicker of something in his eyes—sorrow, perhaps, or understanding. But then the mask of the Assassin slipped back into place, and he spoke the final words. "Non trovo alcuna gioia in questo, ma non c'è altro modo. Requiescat in Pace."
As Emilio's body slumped to the floor, Amelia stepped forward, watching as Ezio knelt for a brief moment of prayer. The silence stretched, and she moved to cover his back, her senses alert. Just as she turned, a shadow moved in the periphery of her vision—a guard creeping up from the side, blade drawn. Before she could react, an arrow whistled through the air, striking the guard squarely in the chest. He crumpled to the ground, and Amelia's head snapped up to see Rosa standing nearby, a bow in hand and a smirk on her lips.
"Sorry! We couldn't resist," Rosa called out, her tone playful. "Come! Let's open the gate for Antonio."
Amelia offered a nod of thanks, though her jaw tightened slightly as she noticed the lingering look Rosa cast toward Ezio. But he barely seemed to notice, already focused on the task at hand. Together, they descended to the lower level, where Rosa helped them unlock the gates and let Antonio's men pour into the palazzo. The thieves tore down Emilio's banners, reclaiming the building in the name of the people. Antonio approached, his expression filled with gratitude and relief.
"Seta is fallen, and Emilio is no more! All thanks to you, Ezio!" Antonio proclaimed, his voice carrying over the shouts of his men. He turned to Ezio with a genuine smile. "Tell me, Ezio... How can I repay you for your service?"
"Money's always nice," Ezio quipped, though there was a note of exhaustion in his voice.
Antonio chuckled, and one of his men handed Ezio a small but heavy pouch. "Easy enough. What else?"
Ezio's expression turned serious. "Emilio was meeting with a man named Carlo. He looked to be a government official. Do you know him?"
"Carlo Grimaldi," Antonio replied, his expression darkening. "He sits on the Council of Ten. Why do you ask? What are you up to?"
Ezio exchanged a glance with Amelia, and she gave him a subtle nod. "I have a meeting to attend," Ezio said, bowing slightly.