Sorry for mistakes, typing on a phone is frustratingly slow and daunting. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this new instalment!
As Dexter drove them up to the mansion a pair of headlights appeared in his rearview mirror.
"Oh, it's Skulduggery," he said when Valkyrie kept turning around to see who had followed them. "I wonder where he went."
"I don't know," Valkyrie murmured thoughtfully.
"Do you mind if I just drop you off?" Vex asked. "I have to go to the sanctuary and sort a couple things."
"No, of course," Valkyrie said, still absentminded.
Dexter brought the car to a stop right under the porch stairs that glowed from the yellow light. Dexter touched her arm gently. "It's been nice," he muttered and Valkyrie froze on the spot. "I'll see you some time soon."
"Bye," Valkyrie whispered, slightly dazed that she stumbled out of the car. She didn't even notice the skeleton walking up the stairs when her boot caught on the bottom step and she fell. Her hands flew out to stop her face from cracking against the stairs above her. As her hands scraped along the old wood she felt splinters entering her palms in various spots.
Skulduggery was already there helping her up by the elbows and righting her. "I know I'm amazing but no need to get so carried away on my presence," his head tilted as he looked down at her.
He was back to normal so it seemed, Valkyrie thought. "Ha-ha," she replied dryly.
"How was your time with Dexter?" Skulduggery's tone took an unexpected hard edge but Valkyrie didn't notice.
"Fine," she shrugged. "He doesn't like China much."
"Ah, who does?" He replied as he swung the front door open and made way for Valkyrie.
"She asked about you," Valkyrie added.
"Did she now?"
"Yep, wanted to know how you were doing."
"What did you say?" Skulduggery replied warily.
She shrugged. "I just said you were fine. Acting a little strange but I think that was just my own opinion."
"Ah, well turning into your darkest personality isn't exactly fun," Skulduggery replied. "I'm okay though, no need to worry your pretty little head."
It was silent in the mansion except for a faint snoring coming from their right. On the lounge Tanith was lying with her head on Ghastly's shoulder snoring away.
"Looks like hard work has been going on," Skulduggery muttered sarcastically. "Come on, let's get these splinters out."
He led them both to the kitchen table where Valkyrie sat while Skulduggery grabbed a pair of tweezers.
"What exactly had you so clumsy that you almost fell up the stairs?" Skulduggery asked, slight amusement colouring his tone.
"Oh, uh, nothing," Valkyrie stammered.
"Dex trying to charm you?" Skulduggery replied only this time his voice took on a harder tone, or so Valkyrie thought.
He began working on her hands, plucking out the larger splinters first then getting to work on the smaller, harder-to-get ones.
"No," she replied weakly.
"I know you're lying," Skulduggery said immediately. "You needn't lie to me about things like this. If you are interested in him..."
"What? God, no. I mean, he's handsome and all but no," she gave a little laugh at the thought.
"Ah, alright then," Skulduggery replied quietly. "All done."
Valkyrie scratched her hands, the red dots bright and irritating on her skin.
"So are you going to tell me where you went tonight?" She asked.
"Not a chance," he replied and Valkyrie furrowed her brows.
"Why?"
"It's insignificant."
"Maybe I still want to hear it."
"Then that is very silly."
She sighed. "Fine."
In the other room came an annoying ringing from a mobile phone. Moments later Ghastly emerged from the same room looking tired and sluggish. "For you," he murmured and held the phone out to Valkyrie.
"Who is it?" Skulduggery asked curiously. Who would call Ghastly and ask for Valkyrie?
Ghastly merely shrugged and shuffled off like a zombie.
Valkyrie lifted the phone to her ear but stared warily at Skulduggery. She assumed they were thinking the same thing. Who could this be?
"Valkyrie Cain?" Came a strong yet unfamiliar male voice.
"Yes," she said simply with just as much confidence.
"You may not have heard of me but I'm sensing Skulduggery Pleasant has informed you. I'd just like you to know that in two days you will be dead and I will have your power," Valkyries face fell and Skulduggery held up his hands in question but Valkyrie couldn't find any words. "Or should I say I'll have Darquesse's power? Do you refer to it as another person or have you come to terms with your dark side? Either way, I'll have it and you will be dead so it's just a warning. Tell Skulduggery that I say hi. The names Alistair Marillac by the way."
The phone went silent and Valkyrie felt weak. He knew she was Darquesse. Skulduggery touched her shoulders and shook them gently.
Valkyrie's wide eyes turned to him.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Alistair Marillac says hi," she replied, her voice holding no emotion.
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