The tunnel they were in was small tight, and Valkyrie was feeling slightly claustrophobic. It was only until they reached the small storage room that they would split up in, and although it was only a short distance, it felt like forever.

Arrant held up a hand to stop, and she did, but Dexter behind her couldn't see this, so he ran into Valkyrie. Squished, again.

"This is the room," Arrant whispered, "Remember your part of the plan."

Valkyrie nodded silently and one by one, they slipped into the room. Dexter stood by Valkyrie as they watched Gillan and Arrant quietly move out into hall, cloaking sphere in hand. Dexter took out his own and gave Valkyrie a small smile. "Are you ready?" He mouthed and she nodded again.h

Twisting the sphere, they moved into the hall, pressing themselves against the wall whenever someone passed. One hall went, then another, and they were almost there when a group of mages came around the corner. As they passed slowly, arguing about something, the one closest to them turned his head and faltered. His eyes narrowed and he stopped fully. The others stopped and turned.

"What do you see?" One asked, "Getting a vision?"

The man shook his head, "No. There's... there's someone here."

Dexter grunted, "Psychic," he muttered and twisted the cloaking sphere, enveloping them all. Shouts rang out, but the group was quickly dispatched. Dexter dragged the last man into a small storage closet. He looked at her, opening his mouth to say something, but was cut off by a shrill alarm.

Dexter cursed and jumped to his feet, grabbing Valkyries arm. "We have to go," he whispered urgently and she nodded, taking off down the corridor. She took the lead, bolting down the halls. The doors became stronger looking, more enforced the further she went down. She skidded to a halt infront of a steel studded door and flexed her fingers, pushing the air and blasted down the door.

Valkyrie stopped in the doorway. Dexter pushed past her as she took in the room. There where etchings all over the walls, disturbing images that made her falter. It the middle of ther room there was a single wooded chair, and in that chair sat Skulduggery. He sat limply in the chair, and he didnt raise his head when Dexter nelt down. He still didnt move when she walked around to his front.

He looked a mess. Valkyrie could see the large crack on the top of his head more prominently. His suit was ripped, and she could tell by the odd slanting angle of his position, that some ribs and possibly something else was broken.

Dexter stood and stepped back, the chains falling to the ground and the shackles snapping open. Skulduggery still didnt move and Valkyrie started to get worried until Skulduggerys hand slowly closed and flexed.

He took a moment, hand closed. "Thanks," he mumbled, head still lowered.

Valkyrie nodded, and watched as he slowly stood from the chair, supporting himself on the arm rest. His right leg buckled, and Dexter bolted forward, draping one of Skulduggerys arms around his neck, supporting him. Skulduggery grunted, and finally raised his head, looking at Valkyrie. She nodded at him, holding back the want to hug him.

Dexter moved to the door, Skulduggery on his arm, and Valkyrie moved out behind them. The alarm was peircing, but so far no mates had come down that way. They moved along painstakingly slow due toto Skulduggerys condition, trying to make it back to the room in which they had entered.

Valkyrie walked backwards, covering their backs, and counted the doors in her head. One, two, three doors, take a right. One, two, left. Two more doors, then right and then they where there.

They turned the last corner, moving as fast as they could, but froze, and stared at the door. A man smiled. "Going somewhere?"

Sorry for the super short chapter. I had a little thing called writers block. It is also winter break here in Washington so hopefully I can get more chapters out.

Thanks for reading!

-Arcane