If they hadn't literally just watched Maeve extract a writhing parasite from Leonardo's flesh, no one would have believed it.
The crowd was paralyzed with shock. Hexcraft was real.
Exposed in front of Gotham's most powerful elites, all the color drained from Natalia's face.
How the hell did Maeve know about this?
Remembering the mysterious disappearance of Mrs. White back at Azure Bay, everything clicked into place for Natalia.
She realized Maeve must have seen through her medical facade from the very beginning.
Leonardo, trembling slightly, forced out the question burning in his mind.
"Miss Vance, what exactly is going on here?"
Maeve casually strolled past the crowd, holding up the vial so everyone could see the disgusting parasite thrashing against the glass.
"This self-proclaimed Shadow Healer makes a living by passing off dark magic as legitimate medicine."
"Want to know why you felt that sudden surge of vitality after her acupuncture?"
Maeve stopped directly in front of Leonardo.
"It was a neurological illusion. The parasite numbed your pain receptors the moment it entered your bloodstream."
"Remember the grand promise she just made you?"
"Seven sessions, and your body would be in its best condition."
"Notice she said 'best condition,' not 'cured'."
"From the perspective of Hexcraft, once this parasite latches onto your nervous system, you lose all autonomous control."
"It means if she wants you to feel euphoric, you'll feel euphoric. If she wants you to feel agonizing pain, you will be in agony."
"Once this little monster feeds on your blood long enough to mature, it takes total control of your body and mind, acting entirely on the caster's commands."
The crowd listened to Maeve's brutal scientific breakdown with mounting horror.
A trembling voice broke the silence. "Is that the Puppet Hex?"
Maeve flashed a brilliant smile in their direction.
"Bingo. It is indeed the Puppet Hex."
Leonardo slowly turned his head, fixing Landon and Natalia with a look of murderous betrayal.
"Is she telling the truth?"
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