Fen wanted to interrupt and break the pleasantries. A deadly rage smoldered in his chest. He knew this boy. Hunter! Fen's thoughts spat at the boy beneath him, suddenly disgusted with his awkward situation. His teeth clenched and fists tightened as the rage grew inside. You're a dead man. Fen's wished he thoughts could kill. The animation of Alice's voice broke his spell and the levity of the situation became clear to him. He had to play dumb. Bide his time.. or he might endanger Alice's life. The one person his mind dared to call 'friend'--or she was familiar at least.
He looked over, only to realize he was being stared at. "Sorry... my chest is hurting again" he told them, trying to relax. It's just a white lie.
"But he's still there", Fen cut into the girls' conversation, "the dragon, I mean". He looked from Alice to the other girl, weighing something in his mind before speaking. "He taught me how to..." he rubbed at the aching in his neck. The darkness still coursed through his skin. Fen's voice grew distant, "... cleanse my curse". Or at least control it some.
Fen felt a sympathy for the pale girl. He knew what it was like to feel weak. "What's his name?" Fen nodded to the little nimble creature on the girl's shoulder, "wait--" People before pets, stupid. "--what's your name?" He had a new interest in her now.