Valkyrie pushed her way out of the decrepit building that housed China Sorrows' library and into the sun. That wasn't so bad. She had clearly shaken China up a bit by defying her ability, but Valkyrie didn't feel any remorse. She imagined China Sorrows could be a beneficial ally, and maybe one day a friend, but Valkyrie didn't like the way she worked. China seemed like the kind of woman who would use any means to get what she wanted. Valkyrie didn't like that.

The Bentley gleamed as the sunlight reflected off the flawless black paint making it stand out in the ruined town like a flower amidst a drought. Just as she extended her hand to the car's door handle, a gloved hand circled her upper arm, turning her around.

"What was that?" Skulduggery asked. Genuine confusion dripped from his voice.

Valkyrie leaned her back against the door and shrugged. "What was what?" She replied.

"You weren't affected by her. How?"

Skulduggery tilted his head, so she decided to indulge him. "When this all began for me, I made an effort to find someone who may be able to shed some light on my situation. I had power and I wanted to know why. I found myself at Cassandra Pharos' doorstep and she helped me."

Skulduggery nodded, "She's a wonderful sensitive."

"She is," Valkyrie agreed. "She told me that I have great power and that while I may not know much yet, I am far more advanced for someone who had only just discovered magic. So, apparently that means I am immune to natural abilities like China Sorrows has."

"Interesting," Skulduggery murmured. He reached behind Valkyrie and opened the passenger door.

Inside the car, silence ensued for quite a time.

"Skulduggery?" Valkyrie said.

"Hm?"

"Why are you so concerned with the people that are after me? You barely know me."

"Valkyrie, these people are some of the most notorious criminals around. While I don't know who is involved, Sanguine is a part of it and his friends aren't necessarily innocent. For all we know, they're up to some grand scheme, you're in the way and so they need to eliminate you. So, by finding them we stop them before they get too far. You know, save the world from evil and whatnot," he said with a wave of his hand. "Aside from all of this, I do care for you. Cassandra Pharos wasn't wrong in what she said. Anyone can see that your potential extends beyond the average. I've had many partners before, none of which I actually wanted or needed – they were useless. But, you're different. You're smart, strong, and determined. You'd make a great detective, not as good as me but one can dream."

Valkyrie rolled her eyes, "you sure know how to ruin a moment, don't you?"

He chuckled, "I also knew your uncle."

Valkyrie's smile dropped. "Gordon?"

"That's him," Skulduggery replied. "He knew about this world, as I'm sure you already know, but we were great friends. He never had any magic, though he wished he did. Instead, I would take him on some detective work with me which inspired many stories he wrote. I must say I don't think I had ever been in so many fights before until I took him along with me."

"How have I never met you before then?" Valkyrie asked, shocked by the news.

Skulduggery parked the car by the pier in Haggard and turned to Valkyrie. "You have. I met you when you were young. Gordon spoke fondly of you every time I saw him that it felt like I knew you."

"This world has been right in front of since I was little," she murmured.

Skulduggery nodded. "Do you remember the night you stayed at his mansion? The night on the day you found out about your inheritance?"

"Yes. Wait… your name was in Gordon's will. How did I not remember this?"

"It was. I couldn't make it, but I received what Gordon intended to give me. Anyway, the night you stayed at Gordon's you were almost under attack. Gordon wrote stories that were mostly true and partly fiction. Some of his stories mentioned certain powerful objects sorcerers can use. This led many to believe that Gordon was in possession of some of these objects, so he became a target. I got word that various people were going to raid his mansion in search of these items. I was fighting some of them just outside the house that night."

"This is crazy. We've been so close on so many occasions."

"I ended up staking out the house until the morning when your mother arrived," he admitted.

"Why?" She asked. "I mean, I assume these objects are probably detrimental if in the wrong hands but why go to so much effort?"

"Gordon was a dear friend. Those people would've torn his home apart to get what they wanted. Not only that but you were inside, and I wasn't about to let any of them hurt you. Trust me, they aren't partial to hurting the youth."

Valkyrie suddenly felt a heaviness in her chest. Skulduggery Pleasant had been in her life without her knowing it. He had protected her and been good friends with her favourite uncle. The heaviness was foreign but warm and she found herself thinking of Skulduggery in a different light. She was finally sure that she could trust him and that made her feel surprisingly good. As thoughts of the skeleton detective invaded her brain, she managed to conjure up a possible plan of attack.

"You said they would've torn his house apart to get what he wanted. This suggests recklessness and greed, right?" She said.

"Precisely," Skulduggery agreed.

"So, why don't we use me as bait? I've either been at home or with you since our encounter with Sanguine so there's never been a chance for them to try. I suggest we throw me out as bait, lure them in and get it done. Even if we don't catch them, we may at least find out who else is involved."

Skulduggery put a hand to his chin and nodded. "That's a good idea. We will arrange all necessary precautions and back-up so there will be no chance of you getting hurt and a big chance of catching them."

"I'll call Tanith," Valkyrie replied.

"And I'll call Ghastly. The faster this gets done, the better."