"Stephanie." Valkyrie's mom says in a voice that makes her flinch, "What is going on? Who is this man?"
"It's a very long story. And…" Skulduggery opens his mouth to interrupt, but she cuts him off with a glare, "And this is Skulduggery Pleasant, skeleton detective."
"You mean he studies skeletons? Because that's not a detective, that's a mathematician." Her dad says, nervously glancing around the room.
"Desmond." Valkyrie's mom says sharply, "Didn't you see him? He is a-a…"
Valkyrie gestures miserably towards Skulduggery. He looks at her, tilts his head, and slowly lowers his façade. Her dad's eyes get so round, you can see all of the white. Her mom gives a little shriek, faints, and while she's falling she accidentally throws Alice in the air.
"NO!" Valkyrie shouts and she flicks her hand, calling the shadows. Too late, she realizes she's not wearing the ring. She closes her eyes, and opens them to see Alice floating in the air, cooing loudly, and her mom propped up on… nothing? Out of the corner of her eye she sees Skulduggery move his hands. Her mom rises, and floats over to the sofa, where she drops peacefully. Desmond rushes over to her, grabs a vase, and splashes her with water. At the same time, Valkyrie runs to get Alice, but she hears an angry shout behind her, and she whirls.
"Wha- DESMOND!" Her mom roars, and as she looks around she spots Alice, "Someone get her!"
Valkyrie runs, snatches her up, and turns nervously to her parents.
"The party's in half an hour. Go get ready. After the party, I want a full explanation young lady." Her mom says, and Valkyrie starts to run off, but turns as her mom continues, "Stephanie. Give. Me. Alice."