Ashley considers his hands, front and back, at the suggestion that his body is no longer his own and he might not recognize the difference. He's intrigued about this and also loathes it. He's never liked being cold.

"We had other priorities," Ashley points out, though he's more willing to answer questions now. "Arkady Raventon. The only person on earth I care about. He promised he'd come back to me, but he didn't. Death would be the only reasonable excuse for breaking his promise. He belongs here. I belong here," Ashley's meaning is a little more precise on the latter. Arkady belongs in the underworld. Ashley belongs in Ereuvir's arms. "Besides, you might find him interesting."