Valkyrie scowled. "Jesus Tanith, I don't fancy Skulduggery!"

Tanith was grinning at her. "Yes you do."

She threw a cushion from one of China's library chairs. "I don't!"

"Look, Val it's fine! I know you're dating Fletcher and all,"

"Yeah, and I like Fletch!"

"I know you do! But, what I'm saying is, it's okay to, you know, keep an eye out, if you know what I mean..."

Valkyrie pulled a face and Tanith laughed. "Ew, no! I don't like Skulduggery, OK, we're just friends!"

China walked by. "What's this I hear?"

Tanith sniggered. "Val fancies Skulduggery."

China arched an elegant eyebrow and smiled. "Personally, I knew this would happen."

She glared at both of her friends. "I don't!"

It was true. Her and Skulduggery were partners and friends, nothing more.

Tanith and China laughed. The only time they weren't scratching each other's eyes out was when they were talking about this subject. Somehow, it seemed to drift into conversation more than was really necessary or indeed, more than Valkyrie was really comfortable with. And it wasn't just Tanith and China. It was Ghastly and Vex, even Shudder had brought it up.

Everyone just seemed desperate for gossip and she didn't know why.

Valkyrie shook her head and got up. She walked away. Tanith followed.

"I mean, you have to admit, it's kind of hard not to fall for him."

She spun. "I have not 'fallen' for him, okay?"

"Fine. Whatever you say..."

Tanith was quiet for all of three seconds.

"But you'd make such a cute couple!"

Valkyrie glared at her again. "I'm with Fletcher!"

"But even Davina Marr saw it, and she's as thick as," Tanith paused, "something really thick!"

Valkyrie rolled her eyes and brushed passed Tanith.

Tanith was about to start taunting her again when Skulduggery rounded the corner.

Valkyrie smiled. "Thank god you're here! Finally someone with half a brain to talk to!"

Tanith snorted behind her, but not for the reason Skulduggery thought.

He chuckled. "I'm sure I have more than half a brain..."

"I can see your ego from here."

"Well, I would hope so, you're standing about 2 metres away from me."

"It's the size of the sun."

"Are you sure you're not exaggerating a tad there?"

"I'm not, trust me."

"Are you ready to go?"

She nodded. "Yeah." She turned to say goodbye to Tanith, saw her standing there grinning stupidly.

"Shut up!"

"What, I didn't say anything."

Valkyrie punched her arm then left with Skulduggery. They got into the Bentley and it roared to life. They pulled out from the tenement building and drove towards central Dublin. "So, what were you and Tanith talking about?" Skulduggery asked.

"Nothing much." Valkyrie replied and he tilted his head towards her.

He could always tell when she was lying.