The skeleton stood in the center of the elaborate symbol. His skull was illuminated by the blue light, and the shadows surrounded him.
"Sebastian Michaelis."
A voice echoed out of the darkness.
"Nobody has called me that for centuries. Why have you summoned me here?"
"I want to form a contract."
The demon laughed.
"And what makes you think that I want to form a contract with you? I could take your soul, right here, and not go through the troublesome process of fulfilling my obligations."
Skulduggery nodded.
"You could, but you won't."
"You sound so certain. I can see it, your soul. I can reach out and take it."
The detective could feel the cold seeping through his bones to touch his very essence. He ignored it.
"I want Darquesse to return to Valkyrie Cain."
The shadows swirled, getting closer to the edges of the circle, but always staying out of the reach of the light.
"What if I don't want her to?"
"She's just another human to you. Why would you care?"
The demon made a low purring noise.
"Now she... She is unique. Made of darkness and fire... She seems like she could be a challenge, too. Her soul could be even more delectable than the Young Master's..."
Skulduggery growled.
"Make a contract with me, godammit!"
"No."
"Why not?!"
"I want a soul that has been surrounded by death and evil, but hasn't been tainted. Your soul isn't pure. It's twisted, almost to the point of being unrecognizable. You're no human. You're practically a demon."
Skulduggery kept his head up, but inside, he knew it was over. This had been his last chance to get Valkyrie back. This was it.
Then the shadows and the light merged, and the skeleton was alone in the dark.