Dead Promises

Melinda Downey crept quietly into the room. Jonathan sat by the bed, slowly trailing his fingers through the Riddler's limp hair. The Prince of Puzzle's expression was calm, peaceful even, as if he were just sleeping.

But the Scarecrow's face was anything but a picture of tranquility.

His features were grim, his expression a mixture of anger and grief.

But it was his eyes that captured Roulette's attention the most.

The blue of the irises seemed to blaze like an icy fire against the suffocating blackness of the pupils, which seemed wider than normal, and suddenly Melinda was struck by the irrational idea that if she came any closer she might get sucked in and never find her way out again.

It was terrifying.

Then, in an almost controlled motion, Jonathan carefully withdrew his hand from the Riddler's hair, letting the red-orange strands slip, one by one, through his slender fingers, only to let his hand drop to the Prince of Puzzle's face, sliding the tip of his index finger very softly down his cheek in a light caress.

All of a sudden, Melinda realized that the Scarecrow was murmuring something.

Taking another soft step into the room, Roulette strained to hear. Slowly, Jonathan sat up, perfectly erect in his chair, and once again, Melinda caught a glimpse of the blue fire in the Scarecrow's eyes.

"I'll kill him for you, Eddie." he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur as his slim fingers clenched into tight fists. "I'll kill him."