Briefly, Astarion considers lying about having the artefact. Will Gale protect him more vehemently if he believes Astarion is carrying the only thing saving them both from becoming soulless monsters? ...Unlikely. Gale is one of those infuriating do-gooder types (the kind he long ago stopped believing in). Also, he would likely then demand to see the item to study it, and Astarion would not be able to produce it.

It's a flitting thought based on pure survival instinct (wanting a source of protection he can rely on), but he has learned the value of- of some small amount of honesty if two people are to rely on one another. He pulls another face as if admitting to this truth is difficult too.

"...I had been hoping it might be on you, but it would seem neither of us have the artefact and neither of us have any tentacles as of yet. Well, you're the expert on the subject," or at least he's more well read about it than Astarion is who reads a great deal now, but admittedly did not read much at all for a time, "any theories as to how long we can expect to wait before our fevers set in and we begin shifting?"

He... barely manages to curb whatever panic he might be feeling about the subject even if there's more than a hint of urgency in his hushed tone.