Flayer shook his head slowly.<em>"Now I'm not one to play counselor, but if my theory is correct, and this Luna was sent here due to a crime you committed, that is no fault but her own.  Now, you could make the argument that it was your inaction that allowed her to take the fall.  But if you had come forth and admitted your involvement in the crime, they would not have believed you.  For you would have spoken desperately and unconvincingly, and they would have taken <strong>you</strong> to be the one that was attempting to go in <strong>her</strong> stead.  I can only imagine that, when Luna told the courts that she was guilty of the crime, she spoke with the ultimate conviction of one that is willing to do anything in order to preserve the life of something she loves."</em><br/><br/>But at the next series of questions the Beast physically recoiled, his voice taking on a measured revulsion.<em>"Don't speak of such lunacy!  I am many things, Miss Jemma, but a raper of women is not among them.  I have no interest in touching you in any manner that could be construed as sexual.  Furthermore, you are mistaken when you assume that my word carries so little weight.  If I tell them to keep their accursed dicks in their pants, they will do so.  I am <strong>always</strong> watching.  If I need to castrate every uncouth male in this entire complex, I will do so in the interest of keeping you from being hurt.  Is that clear?"</em><br/><br/>He took her chin between his fingers again, caressing it with his thumb.<em>"Yes.  Like a flower, preserved under glass for eternity.  A bit too poetic?  But you have my word that anyone that dares to mar you will very much wish they hadn't."</em>