Gahaha
In a situation like this Alfen could not really give Arnett any false hope. It was better to be as straightforward and blunt about it as possible so Arnett could come to terms with it sooner rather than later.
He gently patted Arnett on the back, "I'm sorry kid, I really am. If there was anything to be done I would have already but...short of some miraculous life-saving magic nothing can help her now. If only she was still here maybe there would be a chance."
Arnett's ears instantly perked up. He raised his head with bloodshot eyes and snot smeared all over, "What do-do you mean?" he asked through hiccups.
Alfen immediately realized he might have said too much in the heat of the moment.
'My damn mouth!'
"Oh it was nothing, forget I said anything."
Arnett jumped to his feet while making direct eye contact with Alfen, "Mister please, I need to know, please!"