"I wish the goblins would come and take you away, right now." the dark-haired girl screeched at the impeccably dressed woman in front of her. Valkyrie Cain had hated the well-dressed woman since she had learned of her betrayal of Valkyrie's partner and best friend, Skulduggery Pleasant. China Sorrows had betrayed Skulduggery by handing over his family to the murderous Nerafian Serpine. His family was murdered before his eyes and it was all China's fault.
China knew she deserved it and she also knew what was coming. Seconds after the words were out of Valkyrie's mouth, the room was pitched into darkness. The room was filled with inhuman cackles of joy and excitement. There was a crack of lightning and thunder, even though the night had been calm moments before. A barn owl beat itself against the window trying to get in. The window opens itself slowly allowing the owl to enter. There was a swirl of glitter and a man appeared with hair that defied both reason and gravity, even more so than Fletcher's. His cloak was black with a high collar. His pants were tighter than should have been physically possible. He strode over to china and wrapped her in a hug. "Hello again, Sarah-mine." he said as though he had great feelings for her.
"Jareth, get your arms off me." China said through gritted teeth.
"And why would I do that, precious?" Jareth said, kissing her cheek.
"Because if you don't, I'll kill you." a velvety voice said behind him as a gun was placed against his head,
"Lower the gun Detective Pleasant and let me offer you a gift."