Another day, another instalment. I hope you guys are enjoying this story! It would be great if you could review so I know if this is worth continuing or not. I am having fun writing this one but if there's no interest there will be little point continuing! Thanks for reading guys!

Valkyrie clambered into bed. Going after Sanguine had taken longer than expected and the sun was already peaking over the horizon. She would get a couple hours sleep before it was time to get up and start again. Morning came before she was ready, but she got ready and headed to the pier, Skulduggery had some plans with her today.

"Remind me why we are going to a ball," Valkyrie said.

"It's not a ball, just a formal even but I would say it requires wearing a dress," Skulduggery pointedly said.

Valkyrie folded her arms over her chest and stared out the passenger window in discontent. Dresses? Formal events? What was she getting herself into?

"Are you sulking?" Skulduggery's voice was laced with pure amusement. "Wow, you are actually sulking."

"I don't do dresses," Valkyrie mumbled.

"Well, lucky for me I don't need to worry about any of that," Valkyrie shot him a glare to which he ignored and continued. "But what I do need to worry about is your safety. Ever heard of a man called Ghastly Bespoke?"

"Yeah, the name rings a bell, sure," she replied.

Skulduggery said no more as they drove to Bespoke tailor's. Valkyrie's knowledge of the magical community was extremely limited. She had only ever heard of the names of particular people and even then, she barely remembered them. It was decided that the less she was involved with the magical community the better. She figured the line between mortal life and sorcerer life would be too one-sided if she completely re-socialised into the magical community. Yet, here she was sitting in the passenger seat of an expensive Bentley next to a living skeleton. If that didn't show a bias, then what will?

"We're here," Skulduggery announced as if Valkyrie couldn't deduce that herself by the car slowing to a stop.

"Thanks," she said, deadpan.

Skulduggery, ever the gentleman, held the door open for Valkyrie and followed in behind. Ghastly appeared from around a corner of the shop within a second of the door opening.

"Skulduggery! Two visits in two days? Whatever have I done to deserve your presence again?" Ghastly was being sarcastic much to Valkyrie's delight.

"My presence is a blessing, isn't it Valkyrie?" Skulduggery gave her a slight nudge with his elbow to which she rolled her eyes.

Ghastly looked at her. "Valkyrie? As in, Valkyrie Cain, I assume?" He asked.

Valkyrie nodded, "that's me."

"I have heard a bit about you recently. In fact, Skul here was talking about you yesterday afternoon," Ghastly smiled.

Valkyrie grinned slyly at Skulduggery and back to Ghastly. "Oh, was he now? All good things, I hope," she said and nudged Skulduggery in mockery.

"I believe that is up to him to tell you," Ghastly replied, "I don't divulge secrets."

XxXxX

Skulduggery had just been to the park where he knew Valkyrie Cain would be. He'd followed her for a while before approaching her. It was better to see what or who he was going to be dealing with, especially when the person had become somewhat infamous. He had to admit that he wasn't expecting to be impressed. The girl could fight, but he knew he could teach her a few things that could make her unstoppable. The sanctuary had asked him to analyse the situation, that is, see if this Valkyrie Cain they've been hearing about is dangerous or not. Then he had to report back his judgement and that would be all.

Well, from what he observed, she could be very dangerous indeed. She was an Elemental yet she had the power for Necromancy which she used when necessary. He knew the sanctuary would be less than delighted to hear of abilities, but he was going to do what he could to help her situation. He hadn't expected to basically appoint her as his partner, but the idea struck him in the moment. She wouldn't be such a bad partner, she could fight better than any of the previous colleagues he'd had.

"So, what brings you here on this fine day?" Ghastly asked as he brought them both some tea to the couch.

"I need a suit for this event at the sanctuary," Skulduggery replied.

"You're getting a new suit for it?" Ghastly's voice was laced with surprise. "You usually just wear the ones you have."

Skulduggery shrugged. "I'm going for a different approach this time. I'll also be bringing someone in tomorrow for a fitting," he said.

"Okay, new suit it is then. Who's coming in for the fitting? What kind of clothes?"

"Protective clothes. I am bringing in Valkyrie Cain, she's –"

"I have heard of Valkyrie Cain. She does some work but not for the sanctuary, right? Young girl, too. Very interesting," Ghastly said.

"She can fight too," Skulduggery replied immediately. "The sanctuary wanted me to see what she was like, if she was dangerous or not."

"And?"

"She's dangerous, but she's on our side and that's what matters," Skulduggery said. "I think if the sanctuary saw what she could do they would find a way to detain her. I basically lied to her and said they sent me to help her and have her back should she need help. She's my new partner."

"Ah," Ghastly said. "I cannot say I'm surprised by your impulsivity but the selection in character is interesting. She's twenty-one, right?"

"She's twenty-one," Skulduggery confirmed, "but she doesn't act like it. She does what she does just to keep her family safe. Ghastly, she's Gordon's niece. She's had people come after her because of Gordon's possessions and stories yet she's still alive."

"I feel like there's something weird happening here, Skulduggery. Maybe you're not telling me everything or maybe you don't even know yourself. Just make sure this is a rational decision. You don't know this girl and she's never been officially on the map in our world. Freelance workers often have rogue tendencies."

"So, what about Tanith Low?" Skulduggery challenged.

"Well, you have a point," Ghastly muttered, "Just be careful, alright?"

"I always am."

"No, you're really not."

Skulduggery tipped his hat and left the shop. Ghastly was right. He wasn't telling him everything, but he wasn't sure himself there was anything to tell. Valkyrie was a welcome distraction and an amazing enigma.

XxXxX

Valkyrie left the shop without even getting any measurements taken or answers to what Ghastly had heard about her. The trip seemed like a waste of time.

"Ghastly doesn't need to take measurements, he gets all he needs from one look," Skulduggery explained.

Valkyrie was doubtful about this fact, it just didn't seem possible. "Alright, so when is this damn event on?"

"Tomorrow night."

"Tomorrow?!" Valkyrie complained. "Look, I don't like dresses but even I know that if you're going to tell a girl to dress all fancy, she's going to need some notice!"

"You have over twenty-four hours notice," Skulduggery noted.

"Okay, now minus sleep from that number as well as work and what do you get? Sixteen hours!"

"And… that's not enough time?"

"Don't talk to me."

"Well, if you're interested, I know a couple women that could maybe help, if you like?" Skulduggery suggested.

"Who?" Valkyrie's eyes squinted suspiciously.

"Well, there's Tanith Low. She was a freelance fighter like you, and Adept from London. She came to Ireland a couple years ago and has worked with us on big cases ever since, I'm sure she'd be happy to help."

Valkyrie hummed in reply so Skulduggery continued. "The other is China Sorrows, she –"

"No, no, no, no. I will go with the former, thank you. No China Sorrows," Valkyrie said sternly.

"Dislike for China, eh?"

"Don't get me started," Valkyrie muttered.

Skulduggery parked the Bentley at the pier in Haggard and pulled out his phone.

"Tanith, how are you? I need your help."

Thanks for reading!