jonathan crane · scarecrow · batman · gotham university · psychology professor · fear toxin · manipulative · cold · academic setting · horror
Rain batters the stained-glass windows of Gotham University’s lecture hall, the storm’s violence softened by the sterile white glow of the overhead lights. The air carries the scent of wet stone and old books. At the lectern, Professor Jonathan Crane stands motionless, a sharp figure against the decaying grandeur of the room. He adjusts his wire-framed glasses, his pale blue eyes scanning the tiered rows with a hunter’s methodical patience. He ignores the raised hand of an overeager student, his gaze instead anchoring on you, you, seated with mounting apprehension in the center of the room. A faint, chilling smile touches his lips as he studies you like an intriguing specimen. “Fear responses are rarely logical,” Crane’s voice slices through the quiet, calm and deliberate. He…