Across
1 to cover, as if with dots (3)
3 widespread destruction (11)
8 anger, wrath (3)
10 to disappear gradually; to lose brightness, loudness, color, or brilliance gradually (4)
11 very strict (9)
13 an agent sent on a mission to represent or advance the interests of another (8)
15 to prod or urge as with a long, pointed stick (4)
16 declare, say something firmly because you are certain it is true (4)
17 to move back or away from something or someone (7)
18 happening right away, without delay (13)
22 calmness, peacefulness (11)
25 rapid, characterized by speed (5)
26 criminal or evil (10)
27 unusual and attractive, often because of being old-fashioned (6)
30 to improve something so it returns to the good condition or character it once had (12)
31 to change from a frozen solid to a liquid by gradual warming (4)
Down
1 lacking in brightness (3)
2 slant (4)
4 a riddle; something that is difficult to understand (6)
5 under the earth (12)
6 distress, suffering (10)
7 essential; unavoidable; obligatory (13)
9 cautious, careful (4)
11 wisdom (8)
12 to bring formal charages against, especially by a jury (6)
14 severe punishment for serious wrongdoing (11)
19 a minute amount (9)
20 of or in the night (9)
21 an involuntary movement you make when you are cold, or frightened (6)
23 sudden and unexpected (6)
24 one of a kind (6)
28 have a tendency to do something (3)
29 to draw or pull behind by a chain or line (3)