**Reunited in Dreams**

Later that night, Emma dreamt, Natalie sleeping peacefully beside her. In her dream, Natalie's transformation was on full display. Gone was the tough, hardened cartel leader, replaced by the bubbly Latina with shoulder-length natural black hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. She was wearing a comfortable beige low-cut tee with a salmon neckline and salmon sleeves cuffs, the soft colors a stark contrast to the dark and gritty world she once inhabited. As Emma gazed at Natalie's serene face, her eyes landed on the small cross necklace that dangled on her chest. It was a symbol of Natalie's reconnected relationship with God, a reminder of the journey she had undertaken to find redemption and peace. Emma's eyes lingered on the cross, a pang of curiosity stirring within her. She had always known that Natalie was a woman of faith, but it wasn't something they often discussed. Emma, on the other hand, had never been a woman of faith. Her life had been marked by a series of near-death experiences, and many had begun to call her a demon, a creature that refused to die. The label had always bothered her, not because she was concerned about what others thought, but because it highlighted the fundamental difference between her and Natalie. While Natalie's faith had given her a sense of purpose and direction, Emma's existence was defined by her resilience and determination. As Emma continued to dream, she saw herself and Natalie walking hand in hand through a lush, vibrant forest. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birdsong echoed through the trees. It was a world that was both familiar and foreign, a place where Emma felt a sense of peace and belonging that she had never known before. Natalie turned to her, a bright smile on her face, and Emma felt her heart swell with love and affection. In that moment, she knew that she would do anything to protect Natalie, to keep her safe from harm. As the dream began to fade, Emma reached out, her hand instinctively seeking Natalie's. She found it, and held on tight, the connection between them a lifeline that bridged the gap between reality and fantasy. As she slowly opened her eyes, Emma was greeted by the soft glow of the morning light, and Natalie's gentle snores. She smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude for the woman lying beside her, and the life they had built together. The dream had been a reminder that their love was a source of strength, a beacon of hope in a world that often seemed dark and unforgiving. And as she gazed at Natalie's peaceful face, Emma knew that she would cherish and protect her, no matter what the future held.