She's capable, but no one's ever been able to learn much about the stone. Not even me. And there's no telling how much damage it's done to my body, how many years it's taken off my lifespan. I feel fine now except for the lack of stamina, but how long that lasts is anyone's guess.

[Yurick sighs.]

I'm not being fatalistic, Jonathan. I'm a realist, you know that, and reality is often cruel. I'm not giving up but I have to be prepared for the worst. If turning gives Charlotte more time for research, gives me more time, then... I suppose I can live with it.