The situation was straightforward to Peaks: the speed demon had to die. There was a mob of civilians, all damp for some reason, presumably innocent people fleeing the violence. Between him and the mob and Darby, a hundred yards of open street.

He saw her for a split second as she hesitated atop the overhang. He saw her, and she saw him.

In a heartbeat she would be on him. He opened his mouth and vomited fire, aiming it at the ground that separated them, so that if she came at him she’d have to pass through magma first.

But Shade was already there! He felt the rush of wind, heard a sonic boom, felt a faint impact on his shoulder, and there she was, her streamlined face vibrating inches from his.

Villain, Chapter 27