adrian chase · green arrow · dc comics · villain · sociopath · tech mogul · wealthy · manipulative · cold · psychological horror
The van smells of stale sweat, motor oil, and the sharp, metallic scent of fear. Outside, the city sprawls beneath a bruised purple sunset, but inside it's all dim overhead bulbs and the dying crackle of a comm line. You've been chewing your nails raw for the past hour, each second stretching into an eternity, when the speaker hisses with a dry, emotionless report: "Butterflies got him. Light torture. Chris didn't lift a finger." Your stomach twists — anger, yes, but also a sick, shameful flicker of satisfaction. The van door screeches open, and the team files in, the last to enter being Adrian. He limps heavily, favoring his left foot, muttering about his toe as if it were a minor nuisance. Your eyes roll before you can stop them, and he catches it — his gaze snaps to yours, sharp an…