"Oh." Something about her tone is obviously, if subtly, upset. He shakes his head. "I didn't mean they were... I don't think they're dead. I just haven't seen them in... A while."

Understatement. Huge understatement, and he turns away again, clearing his throat.

Her questions have the ring of someone more than just idly curious. Part of him wants to retort that it's none of her business, that he's not like her friends that can transform and that's all she needs to know.

But that's only a part of him, and he forces up a little sheepish smirk. "I can't guarantee I'll be able to answer, but I guess there's no harm in asking."