Hey,

Sorry for taking so long but things have been happening in my family so I couldn't update but here it is enjoy. Also this is not completely my idea I had some help from Amy. i guess. So please enjoy.

Valkyrie's Pov

I could hear muffled sounds around me, a beeping that was constant to my ears; along with the voice that I couldn't forget. Skulduggery. I could hear my name being called multiple times. But when I tried to open my eyes, the weight of my eyelids were far too heavy, as if they were boulders at the entrance of a cave.

But the more I tried, the easier it became. Soon enough, I could open my eyes and see my surrounding room.

I was no longer in the dilapidated building with Dusk and Sanguine, but in the sanctuary hospital. In front of me sat Skulduggery, I was sure that if he had eyes, they would be screwed shut. I cleared my throat, causing his skull to tilt up.

"You're awake,"he stated, like it was hard to realize.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice hoarse.

"I managed to pull you from Dusk's grasp, but I couldn't arrest either of the criminals." Skulduggery sounded lame and disappointed in his failure.

I soon found that I could be released once I had awoken. I also decided it would be best that for tonight I stayed at Gordon's for the night. So after phoning my mum to inform her, she hesitantly agreed to my choice.

The car ride in the Bentley was quiet, I could read Skulduggery like a book, he was obviously not impressed with himself, knowing his mood swing, I decided to let it slip as we pulled up in the drive.

After thanking Skulduggery, I entered the old mansion that was once owned by my now dead uncle. I know this sounded weird but, the house was unusually quiet, usually, echo Gordon would be muttering rather loudly about his unfair life.

My phone's stupid ring tone echoed into the quiet hall. The number was definitely Skulduggery's.

As I answered the mobile, I could hear crashes from the other end.

"Valkyrie?"Skulduggery's voice sounded urgent,"the Sanctuary is under attack! I know it's impossible, but Serpine is leading them! He's sent his assassins after you!"

Before I could answer the quiet was smashed, literally.

The window to the side of me shattered as two shadows entered the room. I stood back, positioning myself in a fighting stance; but as I managed to see the attackers faces. There was no mistaking them.

Dusk and... but it was impossible, he was dead, but no; it was definitely him.

Caelan.

"Val? What's going on Valkyrie?"Soon, the line went dead.

Before I could react, I was on the floor, his cold breath, against my face and neck.

"Who's going to save you now? I've waited a long time for this,"

With that, everything went black...

Sorry this chapter was short but I couldn't think how to put it into a dramatic chapter, so you see the review button? Please click it and give me ideas and, if you want this story to be Valduggery, please say.

Thanks!