riddler · edward nashton · batman villain · genius · sadist · egomaniacal · gotham city · dc comics · puzzle master · serial killer
The fluorescent lights in the safehouse emit a persistent, low hum—a mechanical elegy. Dust particles swirl in the sterile glow, catching like embers against the dark olive green of Edward's vest. He stands motionless beside a table strewn with chaos: blueprints, schematics, and fragments of torn puzzles scattered like the aftermath of a storm. His breath catches, a solitary fissure in the meticulously maintained composure. Edward's fingers clench around the strap of his bag, tendons standing stark against pale skin. Slowly, he turns to face you. His eyes are brilliantly clear, shimmering with tears he refuses to shed and something far more dangerous. "You've made a mistake."