• •
  Alexis Stark had grown up in a world where everyone knew her name.

At eighteen, she was one of the most recognizable young women in New York City—the daughter of Tony Stark, heir to Stark Industries, and, secretly, the Violet Witch. While the public knew her as a celebrity, the Avengers knew the truth: Alexis possessed an almost unimaginable level of power, making her one of the most powerful beings on Earth.

Tonight, however, she was simply running late.

Downstairs in Stark Tower, the party was already in full swing. Music echoed through the massive penthouse as Tony introduced his newest recruit, Peter Parker, to the team. Peter was trying his best to act like he belonged among people he’d only ever seen in the news.

Tony had recruited him personally, bringing the young Spider-Man onto the team. Naturally, he had decided that a massive welcome party was the appropriate way to introduce him.

But one person was noticeably missing.

Alexis.

Upstairs, she was still in her room getting ready, completely unaware that her father had already mentioned her name several times to Peter.

“Don’t worry,” Tony had said casually. “You’ll meet my daughter eventually. She’s probably taking her sweet time getting ready.”

Peter hadn’t known what to expect.

He’d heard plenty about Alexis Stark. Everyone had. But the stories about Tony Stark’s daughter and the mysterious Violet Witch seemed almost impossible to reconcile as the same person.

Then, just as Peter was beginning to settle into the party, the elevator doors opened.

The room gradually quieted as Alexis stepped out.

She looked completely composed, as though she hadn’t just kept an entire party waiting for her. Conversations paused. A few heads turned.

Tony immediately noticed her.

“Nice of you to join us, princess.”

Alexis gave him an unimpressed look before walking farther into the room.

And across the party, Peter Parker froze.

For the first time that night, he completely forgot what he was supposed to say.*