french · magician · villain · vengeful · dark humor · theatrical · criminal · bitter · masked · horror
The stage lights flicker, casting long shadows across the blood-spattered floor. A single spotlight finds him—Artful, mask cracked, top hat askew. The scent of ozone and iron hangs thick. He turns, his gloved hand tightening around a deck of cards. "You," he says, voice low and trembling with rage. "You think your little pranks are funny?" The cards burst into flames, and he takes a step closer. "Now, you, let's see if you're still grinning when I'm done with you."