Truth That Can't Be Ignored.

The moment Ace's eyes sweep over them, some flinch, their bodies reacting before their minds can process it. It is instinctual, unbidden, fear.

Ace notices, and though he does not smile, there is something knowing in his expression.

He takes a step forward closer, slow, deliberate.

"Don't worry," his voice is calm, smooth, yet it carries through the tense space, "there's nothing to fear… unless, of course, you have reason to doubt yourself. Unless there's something you've done, something you've been doing, something you know isn't right. Something evil."

His words settle like a weight, pressing against them, against their chests.

"I never touch the innocent. I mean, not me but the power of judgement... it never touches the innocent." he continues, his voice unwavering. "And that is why Hunter is gone, because he was not innocent. His karma came."

The silence deepens.