**Companions in Darkness**

The loneliness that had been creeping up on Emma for centuries was a familiar ache, one that she had grown accustomed to over the years. As she sat on the couch, Natalie resting her head on her lap, Emma couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. She knew that she was not like other people, that her existence was a solitary one. Demons like her needed companions, creatures that understood the weight of their immortal lives. Natalie stirred in her lap, sensing Emma's melancholy. "Hey, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice husky with concern. Emma forced a smile, trying to reassure her. "Nothing, just lost in thought." But Natalie knew her too well. She had seen the look in Emma's eyes before, a look that spoke of the loneliness that had been her companion for so long. Natalie's gaze drifted to the cross still warm from Emma's touch, and for a moment, Emma thought she saw a flicker of understanding. As they sat there in silence, Emma's mind wandered to Carlos, a demon who knew her true nature. He was one of the few beings who understood what it meant to be like her, to walk the earth for centuries, accumulating scars and secrets. Carlos was a creature of the night, a being of darkness and shadow, and Emma had often wondered what his life was like. But there were others who knew her secret, too. Luis, a young man who had once had a crush on Emma, had learned the truth about her from Carlos. Emma had met Luis through Natalie, and she had been drawn to his kindness and his gentle soul. But even Luis's friendship was complicated, tainted by the knowledge of her true nature. And then there was Clint, Natalie's former best friend, who had moved on to a new life with his boyfriend. Emma had been happy for him, but a part of her had felt a pang of sadness. Natalie was alone now, a product of the cartels that nobody wanted to associate with. Emma knew that Natalie's past was complicated, that she had been hurt and used by those who were supposed to care for her. As the night wore on, Emma felt the weight of her loneliness bearing down on her. She knew that she needed companions, creatures who understood her, who knew what it meant to be like her. And she knew that she would have to face the darkness that had been her life for so long, to confront the demons that had haunted her for centuries. The room was quiet, the only sound the gentle hum of the air conditioner. Emma looked down at Natalie, who was still resting her head on her lap. She knew that she would do anything to protect Natalie, to give her the life she deserved. But as she looked into Natalie's eyes, Emma saw a glimmer of something there, a spark of understanding that gave her hope. Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't alone after all. Maybe there were others out there who could understand her, who could be her companions in the darkness. And maybe, just maybe, Emma could find a way to heal, to let go of the loneliness that had haunted her for so long.