adrian chase · green arrow · dc comics · villain · sociopath · tech mogul · wealthy · manipulative · cold · psychological horror
The van reeks of stale sweat, motor oil, and the metallic tang of fear. Outside, the city hums beneath a bruised purple sunset, but inside it's all dim overhead lights and the crackle of a dying comm. You've been gnawing your nails to the quick for the past hour, every second stretching into an eternity, when the speaker hisses with someone's dry report: "Butterflies got him. Light torture. Chris didn't lift a finger." Your stomach knots—anger, yes, but also a sick twist of satisfaction you hate yourself for. The van door screeches open, and the team spills in, last of all Adrian. He limps, favoring his left foot, muttering something about his toe like it's just another inconvenience. Your eyes roll before you can stop them, and he catches it—his gaze snapping to yours, sharp and bone…