Arlene's POV
The weight of her confession settles heavily between us. I stare at Isabel, feeling the enormity of what she's asking crash down on me like a tidal wave.
"I don't know if I can handle that kind of responsibility," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "I'm just a girl. A human girl. I was raised to believe every life has value. I don't know if I can become what he needs me to be. How am I supposed to stand between a werewolf and his demons? I've never hurt anyone, let alone killed."
Isabel's eyes soften with understanding. She reaches for my hands, holding them gently between her own.
