**Chapter 28: Shadows of the Past**

Emma's expression changed, her eyes clouding over with a mixture of emotions as she gazed at Natalie. For a moment, Natalie thought she saw a glimmer of something like guilt, but it was quickly replaced by a determined look. "Natalie, I think it's time I told you something," Emma said, her voice low and serious. "Something that might change the way you see me, and yourself." Natalie's heart began to pound in her chest as Emma took a deep breath before continuing. "I've done something, Natalie. Something that I'm not proud of. Something that I thought would bring me peace, but instead, it brought me pain and regret." Emma's eyes locked onto Natalie's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. "I created a monster, Natalie," Emma said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "A monster from a boy named Carlos. He was innocent, Natalie. Just a kid, with a heart full of love and a smile that could light up a room. But I took him, and I broke him. I turned him into a vengeful, cruel creature, driven by a desire for revenge against those who wronged him." Natalie's eyes widened in shock as Emma's words hung in the air. "You see, Natalie, what you did to Rory, it was...small, compared to what I've done. I've hurt people, Natalie. I've hurt them in ways that you can't even imagine. And I've done it all in the name of revenge." Emma's eyes seemed to bore into Natalie's soul as she continued. "But I've come to realize that Carlos is coming for me, Natalie. He's coming for me, and he's going to hurt me. And I think he's also going to hurt you." Natalie's face remained impassive, but Emma saw something flicker in her eyes. A hint of recognition, perhaps. "Why would he want to hurt me?" Natalie asked, her voice neutral. Emma's eyes narrowed. "Because I broke his heart, Natalie. I loved him, and I lost him. And now, he's driven by a desire for revenge against me. But there's something more, Natalie. Something that I think you know, but have never told me." Emma's gaze intensified, as if she could see right through Natalie's defenses. "You weren't an innocent child in that orphanage, were you, Natalie?" Emma asked, her voice low and serious. "You were part of the group that hurt Carlos, weren't you?" Natalie's face didn't change, but Emma saw a flicker of something in her eyes. A hint of guilt, perhaps. "I...I was pressured," Natalie said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. Emma's expression softened, and she reached out, her hand gently brushing against Natalie's face. "I believe you, Natalie. I believe that you were pressured, that you were a part of something that you didn't fully understand. And I'm not going to judge you for it. But I am going to protect you, Natalie. I'm going to protect you from Carlos, because I know that he's coming for us both." As Emma spoke, her eyes locked onto Natalie's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The air was thick with tension, but it was no longer just about Natalie's past. It was about the future, and the danger that lurked in the shadows, waiting to strike.