"In older, more simple times perhaps. But not when my victory was being broadcast across the world, Miss Arnault." Crane chides with amusement. "When anyone with a smartphone or access to a computer or television would be able to see it for themselves. The city I brought to ruin in the span of just a single night, given over to chaos, and its protector unmasked for all to see so that failure would have both a face and name. For all to see, and for their sense of hope to be destroyed it."

He observes the void for a moment longer, having just said all...that. "You see, Miss Arnault, fear flourishes when hope dies. That was the lesson I was in the process of teaching my world." He turns to look at her again, still speaking in the same soft tones, but the smile beneath the sack cloth seems far more wolfish than before, and there is an unpleasant glint in his eye. "How hopeful do you feel right now?"

He takes a step forward.