**Chapter 12: Natasha's Warning**

The sun cast a warm glow over the apartment, illuminating the quiet morning scene. Yelena sat on the couch, watching Emma play with her dolls, her heart swelling with love and protectiveness. It had been three years since she'd left her life as the White Widow behind, and she'd thought she'd finally found a sense of peace. But as she glanced at Natasha, who was sitting in the armchair, sipping a cup of coffee, Yelena's instincts flared. Her sister's presence was a reminder that her past was never far away. "Natasha, what do you want?" Yelena asked, her voice firm but controlled. Natasha set her cup down, her eyes locking onto Yelena's. "I want to warn you, Yelena. The Red Room won't stop until they capture or kill you. They'll keep coming, no matter how hard you try to hide." Yelena's grip on her coffee cup tightened, her mind flashing back to her training days. She had thought she'd left that life behind, but it seemed her past was determined to catch up with her. "I know," Yelena said, her voice cold. "I've been prepared for that." Natasha stood up, her eyes scanning the room. "You need to be more than prepared, Yelena. You need to be ready to fight. They won't give up easily, and they'll stop at nothing to get what they want." Yelena's gaze lingered on Natasha's face, searching for any hidden motives. But her sister's expression was neutral, and Yelena couldn't read her. "What do you know, Natasha?" Yelena asked, her voice cautious. Natasha's eyes flicked to Emma, who was still engrossed in her play. "I know that the Red Room has a new handler, one who's more ruthless than any of the others. They'll use every trick in the book to get to you, Yelena." Yelena's heart sank, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. She had thought she'd left her life as an assassin behind, but it seemed her past was about to catch up with her. As Natasha walked over to the window, gazing out at the city below, Yelena felt a sense of unease. Her sister's presence was a reminder that her past was never far away, and that she might have to face it head-on. "I'll protect Emma," Yelena said, her voice firm. "No matter what it takes." Natasha turned back to face her, a small smile on her face. "I know you will, Yelena. You're a good mother. But you're also a skilled fighter. Don't let them push you into a corner." Yelena's gaze lingered on Natasha's face, searching for any hidden motives. But her sister's expression was neutral, and Yelena couldn't read her. As the morning wore on, Yelena couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being pulled back into her old life. The Red Room and SHIELD might think they could use her, but Yelena had other plans. She would protect Emma, no matter what it took. And if that meant fighting her past demons, then so be it. She was ready. The air was thick with tension as Yelena and Natasha sat in silence, the only sound the distant hum of the city outside. Yelena's hand instinctively went to the spot where her katana, Yamato, was hidden, a reassuring presence that reminded her of her skills and her strength. As she looked at Emma, Yelena knew that she would do everything in her power to keep her daughter safe. The Red Room and SHIELD might think they could use her, but Yelena had other plans. She would protect Emma, no matter what it took.