“I’m not a hero.” The masked man couldn’t hide it from the girl he was charged to protect any longer. In the face of all this, in the face of this twisted city filled with lies, there was nothing but the truth left standing in the way of what he wanted most dearly. This was a truth that would make or break this contract—it was a truth that could decide the fate of the world.

“Then what are you?” She didn’t ask who. No, Victoria would never ask for a who. She would only ask for a what.

“I’m a nobody,” he replied, his eyes shining through his mask. He knew she had only seen him outside it once or twice, really, once at the party with the shades on, once at that bank robbery where he had not wished to be involved. He’d played the role of an ordinary guy going to the bank well enough, his “younger sister” trailing along behind him because of the city rule—one should never venture out by themselves at any given time or risk sudden death, or worse. “I am a phantom.”

Victoria rolled her eyes. “Why did I think you were being serious?” She sat down on the recliner chair, pulled out a book and acted like nothing was out of the ordinary.

The masked man smirked. He couldn’t help it. “I’m not kidding around this time, Tori Bird. I am not a hero. I’ve told you as much. Even the city will tell you. I am no hero. And it’s time for me to stop protecting you.” He enjoyed using his pet name for his little bird, his little angel bird who was stuck in a gilded cage of shocked wires. He had to ensure that she would one day see the full of her city, and no longer be stuck here by herself. She would be set free, he would make sure of it.

“Okay?” She quirked an eyebrow quizzically at him. “What’s your aim?”

“My aim,” he began, preparing himself to rip of the mask. “Is this.”

He pulled the strip of black cloth fabric off with a flourish, as though he’d practiced this one move many times before.

“You’re that guy from the bank.”

“Gotcha.” He pulled finger guns on her. Not literal guns. No, he’d never pull a literal gun on Victoria, but he would play with her like that. It was fun.

“That guy from Mom’s party. The guy in shades.”

“Gotcha squared.” A wink, plus finger guns.

“Damn. You’re hot.”

This was the last reaction he’d expected. Obviously...what guy would expect that? But no. Victoria was full of surprises.

“Come with me, Tori Bird. I have an entire city to show you.”

“What—“

He took her in his arms, and they both vanished.