A/N: Ok, so this chapter is a little bit, ermm, depressing, but I'm quite happy with the way it has turned out, except for maybe the last few lines. Oh, and because I forgot last time, thank you to everyone that has reviewed or favourited, it means a lot and really encourages me to write more.

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river, at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had, just enough time

Dear Skulduggery,

By the time you read this letter, I will be gone. Over the last few years, I have come to realise that the only way to destroy Darquesse is to sacrifice myself. And this is something I will gladly do, if it ensures the protection of my friends and family.

Right now, I can't imagine killing everyone I know and care for, and I don't know what it would take to make me, but it has been foretold by every major Sensitive in the magical world. I just can't take the chance that something will push me to the edge and I won't be able to stop myself from falling. I know that you would try to catch me, but I would just pull you down with me. Understand that I can't risk my family's life like that. I can't risk your life.

I ask but one thing of you; don't tell my parents what happened to me, it would kill them. Let the reflection live out the rest of my life as she wishes. Just make sure that she tells my parents that she loves them every day.

And so, now comes the time to say goodbye. Please tell everyone that I am so, so, sorry.

Tanith- I am sorry that I won't have the chance to tell you this in person, but I know that if I were to see any one of you again, I would never be able to do what I know I must. I want you to know that even if we aren't related by blood, you are the best big sister and friend that a girl could ever hope for. I have always looked up to you and you have never let me down. You were always there when I was sad or angry, or when I just needed someone to talk to. Thank you.

Ghastly- Thank you for everything that you have done for me. I do this in the hope that the things your mother saw will never come true. Thank you for attempting to keep me safe, even though I have made it extremely hard for you. Sometimes, I wonder what my life would have been like if I had listened to your advice, turned tail and never looked back. Part of me wishes that I had, and then this whole thing would be unnecessary, but I wouldn't change the years I have had with you guys for the world. You make a great Elder and everyone looks up to you. I have always seen you as a mixture of an uncle and a protective older brother. By the way, we can all see that you and Tanith are completely, head over heels in love with each other, so do something about it. Look after her.

Fletcher- I'm sorry about the way our relationship ended, but it was never going to work out. I see now that the affection I have for you has always been brotherly. I think that things worked out for the best in the end, you will find a new girlfriend, someone who can keep you in line, and me... well, I won't need a boyfriend where I'm going. You have always been the joker of the group, the one who knows how to make us all laugh when we are feeling down. Thank you for that. Keep smiling, Fletch.

China- Look, whether you like it or not, I consider you a friend now. So deal with it. I'm not going to get all sentimental here, because I know you would probably just scoff, and miss my funeral. On the note of my funeral, will you do one thing for me, for old time's sake? Make me pretty, China. I don't think that the rest of them would be able to stand seeing me covered in blood. I'd like to be buried in the white dress that Skulduggery bought me for your party two years ago. That party was the first time that I knew we could be good friends. When you helped me get ready, and gave me advice about Fletcher, it really felt like you were another sister. Yeah, I know I said I wouldn't get sentimental. I lied. Thank you.

Skul- I left you until last, because I just don't know how to say this. You are the most self absorbed, egotistical, vain, arrogant person I have ever met, and it's unhealthy how obsessed you are about your hat, but you're my best friend. You introduced me into this world of magic and you have been there for me ever since. You have protected me from everything and everyone that has tried to hurt me. You're always just a call away, and you're the first person I look to when I have a problem. You're someone that I can always rely on and confide in. Sure, we have our ups and downs, but I wouldn't change a thing, because I love you... There, I said it. I'm in love with you, Skulduggery Pleasant. I have always loved you, and I always will, wherever I end up after this. I know that right now, you will be thinking up as many arguments as you can, but I don't care. I don't care that you're hundreds of years older than me, because you're young at heart. And don't even think about saying you don't have a heart because even though you can't feel it, you do. I don't care that you're a skeleton, because even when you try so hard to hide it, I see through your facade and I know that you are the most loving, affectionate, charming man that I have ever met. And I know you put on a high and mighty disguise, but you are a good man inside, where it counts, and that is an accomplishment in itself. With a past like yours, all the pain and suffering and hate you have been through, it's a wonder how caring you have turned out. I'd like to think that I have been a good friend to you, even when I wanted more. You're just so damn clueless sometimes, Skul! I just wish that we could have had more time together. Thank you so much, for everything.

Please make sure that everyone gets their message, and once again, I am so, so, sorry.

Goodbye, my love.

Valkyrie Cain x

Skulduggery reached the end of the note and fell silent. He put down the piece of paper and sat with his head in his gloved hands, tears running from his facade's eyes.

"Why? Why didn't I tell her how much she meant to me? Why didn't I tell her that I loved her?"

The hush of his friends around him said it all. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Ghastly held Tanith as she sobbed hysterically for her baby sister, and tried to hold in his own tears. Fletcher wept quietly as China ruined her hair by burying her face into his shoulder.

There was silence for the loss of a friend. The loss of a woman that still had so much left to live for.

And I'll be wearing white, when I come into your kingdom
I'm as green as the ring on my little, cold finger, I've
Never known the lovin' of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand.

A/N: I hope you all liked it! Please review!

The song in this chapter is called If I Die Young by The Band Perry.

Amara Calla xoxoxoxoxoxo