[ At the question, Astarion's face falls—and then he scowls, the venom returning to his voice. ]

I don't see how that's any of your concern. You think just because of what you saw tonight, you have any say over what I do next?

[ Perhaps that isn't what Eddie meant, but it's what Astarion hears—someone trying to control him, to hold him to account. All the defiance that had dissolved away in the face of his master suddenly comes spilling back out, cruel and angry. He steps forward, fangs bared in a sneer. ]

You're not my keeper—you're just a scared little boy jumping at shadows. You couldn't even save anyone in your own realm and yet you think you'd be any help here?

[ The boy thinks he can help Astarion, but all he's done is made everything worse. By being there to see it. By making it feel real.

Sick with his own bitterness, Astarion begins to turn away, back towards the main road and the towering buildings beyond. But before he does, he gives the boy one last glance. ]

If you do see me again tomorrow night, do us both a favor and leave me the Hells alone. I have enough monsters of my own to worry about without adding yours to the list.