Page 133 of Villainous Rise

Sweet? Modest? Those weren’t exactly the top descriptors on my personal brand list. ‘Chronically anxious rule-follower with Villain-related attachment issues’ would be more accurate, but that probably wouldn’t fit on a business card.

I managed a tight smile and shepherded Helios toward the exit before the reporter could ask me for my favorite baby names or something equally bizarre.

As the elevator doors closed behind us, Helios turned to me with raised eyebrows. “That was weird, right?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing,” I muttered, jabbing the lobby button. “Since when do journalists care about Keepers?”

“Maybe you’re famous by association now? The Nemesis contract is big news.”

“Yeah, but...” I frowned, replaying the conversation. Congratulations? Comment for the article? Sweet and modest?

Something wasn’t adding up, and my brain was working overtime trying to make the math work.

I glanced at my phone, half-expecting some notification explaining this bizarre interaction, but there was nothing except a text from Cipher that made my cheeks turn red.

Whatever was going on, I had bigger problems. Like a bunch of dead supers, modified tech, and a boyfriend who might be indirectly responsible.

Once we got back to the Tower and I got to my floor, Simmons was waiting for me. His posture was, as always, impeccable, but something in his eyes caught my attention.

“Ms. Bishop, a moment of your time?”

“Of course. What is it?”

“I was wondering if you had read Mr. Valor’s interview in Heroes En Vogue.” His voice was perfectly neutral, but I’d known Simmons long enough to detect the subtle undercurrent of concern.

“No, I haven’t had the chance yet,” I answered, suddenly wary. Right, the interview had been published yesterday.

“I see.” He handed me a tablet, the article already pulled up. “Perhaps you might want to review it before your next meeting with Mr. Valor.”

I took the tablet, scanning the headline: “Valor Speaks: On Legacy, Love, and the Future of Heroism.” Beneath it was a glamour shot of Valor, his perfect features captured in dramatic lighting.

I began reading, and with each paragraph, I felt the blood drain from my face.

“...my relationship with Keeper Bishop has evolved beyond the professional realm. While discretion is important in our line of work, I believe in transparency with my fans...”

“...Annie and I have developed a special connection that transcends the typical Keeper-Hero dynamic...”

My hands began to shake as I read further into the article, my heart beating harder with each new fabrication.

“Valor has always been known for keeping his private life quiet,” Cassandra wrote, “but today he’s breaking that tradition with some exciting news.”

“Annie and I have been keeping things quiet out of respect for our professional relationship,” Valor was quoted saying, “but I’m thrilled to announce that we’re engaged to be married.”

“What?” I shouted.

“We haven’t set a date yet,” he continued in the article, “but we’re thinking something intimate in the spring. Annie prefers simplicity, which is one of the many things I adore about her.”

“He’s dead,” I whispered. “He is an actual dead man.”

Simmons cleared his throat discreetly. “Would you like me to arrange a meeting with Mr. Valor to discuss this creative journalism?”

“No. I’ll handle this myself.”

My mind raced as I walked to the elevator. If Cipher saw this article, he would tear Valor apart with his bare hands. And then the Aegis would bring the full weight of the Alliance down on his head. I had to fix this before he committed a highly publicized homicide.

Staff members scattered out of my path as I stormed through the halls, no doubt sensing the rage brewing within me. I didn’t care. All I could think about was getting my hands on Valor and strangling him with his cape.

The elevator ride was interminable. When it finally opened, I marched down the hallway to the office Valor shared with Helios. I didn’t bother knocking as I shoved the door open with enough force that it banged against the wall.