**Chapter 10: SHIELD's Offer**

As Yelena stood panting, her katana still clutched in her hand, she noticed a group of agents approaching them. They wore SHIELD uniforms, their faces stern and professional. Maria Hill, a woman Yelena had heard of, stepped forward. "Yelena Belova," Maria said, her voice firm. "We've been tracking you for some time. We know about your past, and we're willing to offer you a deal." Yelena's grip on her katana tightened, her instincts on high alert. She didn't trust SHIELD, not after everything she'd been through. "What kind of deal?" Yelena asked, her voice cautious. Maria smiled, a small, calculating smile. "We want you to work with us to take down the Red Room. They're a threat to global security, and we believe you're the only one who can help us stop them." Yelena's eyes narrowed. She'd expected this. SHIELD always wanted something in return for their help. "I don't want to get involved," Yelena said, her voice firm. "I've left my past behind. I have a daughter to protect." Maria's expression didn't change. "We understand that, Yelena. But the Red Room won't stop until they capture or kill you. And if they get their hands on Emma... well, you don't want to think about that." Yelena's grip on her katana tightened. She knew Maria was right. The Red Room would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. "What do you get out of this?" Yelena asked, her voice skeptical. Maria's smile grew wider. "We get to neutralize a threat, and you get to protect your daughter. It's a win-win." Yelena snorted. "You think I'm that easy to manipulate? I'm not going to work for SHIELD just because it's convenient." Maria's expression turned cold. "We're not asking you to work for us, Yelena. We're offering you a chance to make things right. You've got skills that could be used for good. Don't waste them." Yelena looked at Natasha, who was watching the exchange with interest. Her sister's eyes seemed to hold a message, but Yelena couldn't quite decipher it. "I'll think about it," Yelena said finally, sheathing her katana. "But I'm not making any promises." Maria nodded, a small smile on her face. "I'll take that as a maybe. For now, let's focus on getting Emma to safety." Yelena nodded, scooping up Emma in her arms. As they walked away from the park, Yelena couldn't shake the feeling that she'd just made a deal with the devil. She glanced at Natasha, who was walking beside her. "What do you think, sister?" Yelena asked, her voice low. Natasha's eyes flicked to Yelena, then back to the path ahead. "I think you're in a tough spot, Yelena. But I also think you can handle it." Yelena raised an eyebrow. "You're not going to try to talk me into working with SHIELD, are you?" Natasha smiled, a small, enigmatic smile. "I'm not going to tell you what to do, Yelena. But I will say this: you need to be careful. SHIELD and the Red Room are just the beginning. There are other players in this game, and they're all waiting for you to make your move." Yelena's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew that Natasha was right. She had to be careful, for Emma's sake as much as her own. As they walked, Yelena felt a sense of determination growing inside her. She would protect her daughter, no matter what it took. And if that meant working with SHIELD, or taking on the Red Room alone, then so be it. She was ready.