[ While Dylan's comment hadn't exactly been an invitation to lore drop, it isn't unwelcome, either. Sharing history feels like a sign of trust, and Dylan's honored to hear it. He leans in closer as Hunter speaks, trying to understand the world he's describing.

At the mention of coven brands, Dylan's gaze briefly darts to Hunter's wrist, but he doesn't interrupt. ]

So like... a police force. You were a cop.

[ There's no malice or accusation in his tone, it's just a matter of fact statement. Dylan doesn't have a lot of love for the police — He's gone to them for help before, covered in bruises, and their solution was to drop him right back into the hands of his abuser with wonderful advice like "try to get along better with him."

But Dylan's not directing any of that toward Hunter. After all, Hunter isn't a cop anymore. Dylan doesn't know what exactly being in the "Emperor's Coven" entails, but when Hunter recognized it was bad, he left. He left and started fighting against that system. That alone is worth so much.

Watching Hunter explain it is like watching him age fifty years. He looks so... sad. And exhausted. Dylan's been homeless before and doesn't think he's ever looked quite that weary.

He's quiet for a moment, trying to think of what to say in a moment like this. Well, at least you're out of it now? Yeah, Hunter already knows that, Captain Obvious. I've made bad choices before, too? It's not a contest.

Honestly, trying to make Hunter feel better about it just reminds Dylan of the police trying to minimize his grandfather's abuse. At that time, all Dylan wanted was someone to acknowledge he'd been abused at all, that what happened to him wasn't right.

He decides to roll with that. ]

Sounds like the Emperor put you through a lot of awful shit.

He sounds like a dick. I hope he fucking chokes.