"So you're a shiftling then," Strange responds, equally dry. Honestly, he doesn't know why Billie's being so difficult! If she'd just answer his possibly invasive questions, then everything would go smoothly!

He's staying a little bit away from Billie and the pile of dead animals, as if by standing away she'll somehow forget that he's been conscripted to help move the bag o'corpses. Bell is standing a good distance away because she's a hare, she doesn't have thumbs, this is not her problem.

"Were your parents shiftlings as well? I've read theories about the blood curse aspect but I'll admit it was never my focus. When did you first learn you could change forms?"