Sorry for the wait/mistakes!

Valkyrie awoke from the darkness of her unconsciousness unsure where she was for a moment. The throbbing ache in her throat reminded her she was in her bedroom at Gordon's mansion and had just been strangled. She rolled over groggily and propped herself up on her elbow. Something white caught her eye as it fluttered to the ground beside her. It was a note.

Miss Cain,

This is what happens when you start messing with the wrong people. Stay with Pleasant and you won't live for much longer. Next time I won't let go…

Valkyrie rolled her eyes. Only a small part of her brain flashed with fear, but it only made her adrenaline rush increase. Once her head stopped throbbing she stood up slowly and looked in the mirror. For a moment she was confused, why did she look so good?

The event!

Her head snapped to the alarm clock on her dresser only to receive a sharp pain in her head and a reminder that she only had twenty minutes. With the makeup left from the artists, Valkyrie touched up the hand marks around her neck as best she could. She secured a few more pins in her hair and slipped the dress on. While descending the stairs she slipped on her heels, swiped her bag off the table and ran out the door. With exactly fourteen minutes till the event she was speeding off down Gordon's driveway. She was suddenly grateful for declining both Skulduggery and Tanith's offers for a lift. Whatever just happened at her house, she wasn't sure if she wanted anyone else to know.

XxXxX

It took longer than Valkyrie had anticipated to get to the sanctuary's hall. Skulduggery had instructed her that the hall was separate to the sanctuary but close. Behind the main building was another structure very similar. This building was dedicated solely for formal events held by the sanctuary. Valkyrie parked her car smoothly next to a van Valkyrie recognised as belonging to Ghastly Bespoke. While she knew her attire wasn't something she should be so carelessly rushing around in, she couldn't help throwing herself out of the car and speed-walking to the hall.

The building's exterior, like all the others, was unsuspecting and rundown, however, opening the dusty doors revealed a much different interior. The foyer, though nothing special, was crisp and clean. The floors were a lovely black marble which contrasted with the stark white walls. The double doors ahead of her were a deep mahogany with classic, gold handles.

"Name?"

Valkyrie tore her attention away from her opulent surroundings to the short, plump man next to her. "Valkyrie Cain," she muttered. His tone when addressing her was anything but friendly.

"Enter," he commanded while he checked off her name on his list.

Valkyrie pointed at him. "You, little man, need to learn to use some manners and be polite."

The man's eyes widened for a second like a reprimanded child, but Valkyrie didn't stay to see or hear another response. She was already late enough.

She entered through the heavy doors only to be shocked again. The black marble floors continued throughout the entire hall. It confused Valkyrie for a moment as to why she was higher than everyone else until she remembered this building sat on a hill. The entrance overlooked the main area of the large, circular room. The balcony ran all the way around the interior with French doors leading to exterior balconies. Laid before her feet was a lush, red carpet and as classy as it was, reminded Valkyrie of flowing blood as it ran down the stairs in front of her.

When she walked the ten steps to the stairs leading down to the main area, she was presented with a problem. There had to be about 30 lots of steps in this staircase and her heels were anything but compliant to this kind of activity. Valkyrie gripped the railing as if her life depended on it and not-so-gracefully descended the stairs. With a feeling of accomplishment, Valkyrie made the final step to the ground level and looked up. Many eyes were on her, both men and women, and she was suddenly conscious of her attire. She was Valkyrie Cain, wearing a dress, makeup, and heels. What a night!

XxXxX

Skulduggery began to think Valkyrie had skipped out on the event. In fact, he had been mildly expecting it though it would have disappointed him. He decided he wanted to play a trick on her tonight. She didn't yet know about the façade symbol China had given him a few years ago and on the night decided to wear it. Valkyrie would be looking for a skeleton that wasn't there. Well… it was hidden behind fake skin, but you get the point.

The moment Skulduggery noticed peoples' heads starting to turn he had assumed a beautiful woman had walked into the room or someone of great significance. He was right. Descending the last three steps was both a beautiful woman and someone of great significance. Valkyrie Cain looked astonishing. Her dress was a blood-red, form-fitting gown that accentuated her slim, toned body. Small, shimmering crystals collected at the bottom of the dress and strayed up in an ombre effect. Her chocolate brown hair cascaded in soft waves down her bare back and the sparkling silver necklace complimented her eyes and sharpened her features.

Skulduggery almost wanted to lose the façade and go greet her. That would make the heads turn away, he thought. Though Skulduggery knew Valkyrie was a confident girl, there was no mistaking the pride on her face when she managed to successfully take the stairs without falling. Leaving his façade on, Skulduggery gracefully walked over to her.

"Miss Cain?"

Valkyrie looked up with wide, chocolate eyes. "Uh, yes?"

"You look awfully beautiful tonight, I'm afraid you have the entire room engaged in your presence," Skulduggery's voice was fairly distinct, he thought, and he could see the confusion in her eyes.

"Oh well, it's not often I get out in a dress," she admitted.

"And yet, you manage it so well."

"Almost fell down the stairs," she replied, "but at least that didn't happen. I'm sorry, do I know you?"

Skulduggery shrugged. "I get around quite a lot, we must have crossed paths I'm sure."

XxXxX

After a long time of chatting and drinking with Tanith, Valkyrie grew anxious over Skulduggery's tardiness. What if he was attacked too? The thought filled her heart with dread. Switching the water in her hand for a sparkling liquid in a flute glass, she tried to forget about everything.

New one coming very soon…