[Oh, no. That didn't help at all, did it.

She can't help but feel responsible for how quickly that brilliant wonder faded from his eyes, even if she really had no say in the matter, herself. This is just the unfortunate reality of the world he's been dropped into. But how can she explain that to someone like this without making it... Worse?

A soft whimper escapes her as she shrinks back to give him space, those ears swivelling and lowering as she bows her head, almost as if she were preparing to be struck. It's not all intentional, she's not quite sure if he's the lashing out type, but the compulsion to make herself seem smaller and less threatening was learned long before she was ever a werewolf or a vampire.

She inspired fear in the heart of her peers, once upon a time. Even when she didn't mean to. All she could do was seek to prove that she meant them no harm.]

I-I'm sorry, sir. Please, don't say things like that. I just... Help people. It's-- it's what I do. You don't owe me anything.

[These olden types could be so serious about these sorts of things...]