[No immediate rejection- but he didn't expect it yet. Not at this junction, when so little has been explained. It's tempting to stop here; maybe they can keep this soulmate bond if he never elaborates. But... no. That wouldn't be fair to Bruno. With the fragility of this bond, he has a feeling that if he were to keep secrets, it would shake the foundation of what they have. That could lead to mistrust and to Harrowing, for both of them.

This requires honesty.]

I am a scientist.

[That's where he'll start. Give some background.]

The Hexcore was my most recent experiment. A fusion of magic and life. It has had successes and...

[Viktor sighs, setting his tea on the pew and unfastening a button on his glove- only one glove on his right hand. Slowly he peels it off and hidden beneath the fabric is his hand, but purple and made of stretched skin, tendon-like.]

Failures.