It didn't matter that he wasn't polite, she understood why he was asking and knew she was being stupid for not just telling him outright. And it wasn't fair to involve him in this unless he had all the cards laid out, even if she was paying him. They were going to spend close to a week in close quarters, he deserved to know what he was dealing with. What she was capable of.

"I wish I just changed color," she commented in an almost despondent tone. "I can control my ability for the most part, like I said, but I didn't used to be able to. For a decade, I had to keep myself covered all the time, to make sure I didn't hurt anyone. Because when people touch my skin with theirs, I absorb their life force into myself, even to the point of death."

It came out so easily, yet there was a panic rising in her chest. "It's mostly just a defensive measure now, after I started being able to control it a few months back. It's not always stable though, so I do have gloves with me, and I'll wear them all the time if you'd prefer." She turned her attention back to him fully as she continued, straightening her spine as standing as tall and brave as she could. "Or you can leave now, while there's still time for you to get off the ship, and I'll get to Espirion by myself. You can even keep the payment for your discretion."