[Her grip tightens unconsciously, and Pepper’s eyes remain focused into the distance, the shadows that linger in the corner of Natasha’s room. Even asked gently that question sparks so much guilt, because she should have told Natasha—warned them all, really. She’s a threat now. A danger. She could become the thing that kills them all.]

I didn’t want it to be real. [She still doesn’t, but it undeniably is, and Pepper swallows hard before she continues.] There was already so much—I was hoping that maybe they had taken it away.

[Or in such denial she believed it was possible.]

I’m sorry. I know I should have told you.