Valkyrie slowly pushed herself up off the squeaky gurney feeling her skin stretch against its will as she stood. Her bones ached where the chain had almost burnt her flesh all the way down, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. This pain was temporary, but the healing process needed to hurry along if she were to get to those who hurt her. She never thought she'd have to face people like Billy-ray Sanguine or an intelligent vampire like Dusk. Cassandra Pharos had warned of such people and their names were some of many she had mentioned, but Valkyrie wasn't looking to mess with them. Suddenly she began to wonder if Cassandra saw more in her future than she let on or if it was simply a coincidence. Her arms wobbled as she gripped the bars of the bed and shuffled a few steps to the duffle bag of clothes and necessities Tanith had dropped off. Voices from the hallway grew closer and Valkyrie knew she'd have no time to rush back into bed, so she shut her bag and acted nonchalant.
"Valkyrie, I don't think you should be up yet," Skulduggery said when he appeared in the doorway with Tanith and China.
"I'm not getting any better laying in that bed. I need to move," she replied with a shrug. "Besides, I'm not staying here forever."
"No, you're not but look at you," Skulduggery added. He had no eyes, but Valkyrie knew he was looking at the bandages covering various limbs of her body. "You need time to heal above all else."
"I thank you for saving me, I really do, but I can take care of myself from here. If I can't, and something happens, then so be it. I'm dead."
"That's no way to talk," Skulduggery added. "We will get to them once you're better, but until then you need to rest."
Valkyrie balled her fists in frustration and closed her eyes. She didn't know why but she was in a mood and it was making her frustration manifest into anger toward he people in front of her. She could feel the tension emanating from Skulduggery as well. She remained quiet, sorting through her angry thoughts, until she heard light pop, making her open her eyes. A boy stood in front of her. He was young with blonde hair sticking up in various directions. Was it hairstyle or did he simply not own a mirror? Valkyrie glanced at her bag thinking she may have one in there for him to borrow until a previous conversation dawned on her.
"Fletcher Renn," she stated.
The boy grinned from ear to ear and nodded. "I see my reputation is preceding me, being a great teleporter and all," he replied.
"No," Valkyrie replied flatly. "I think your hair is preceding you." She looked at Tanith, who barely contained her giggles, not feeling quite ready to be kind to Skulduggery. "Now I understand what you guys meant about the hair."
Fletcher Renn frowned. "What did they say? They always tease me but whenever they need help what do I do? I'm always there." He sunk into the chair beside Valkyrie's bag and sulked.
"Why is here?"
Tanith looked at Skulduggery who seemed was too frustrated to speak as well. "We called him in to talk through some things we will need soon," Tanith replied.
"Typical," Fletcher snapped.
"We have some ideas in place to figure out who else is working with Sanguine and Dusk, as well as who made that chain."
"Well, I'm coming to," Valkyrie said. "I'll get changed and we can go in 5 minutes."
Tanith sighed. Getting involved in this weird bickering between her and Skulduggery was not on her to do list for today, or any day. "Look, Val, I really don't think that's a good idea. I want you to come but what's the point if you can barely stand? You'll end up being sent back here worse than when we first brought you in."
They're using you, a low voice said. Valkyrie glanced behind her, but no one was there. They don't need your help. They only wanted you to be their bait. Congratulations, you made great bait. Now they can go and do their jobs… without you. Valkyrie clutched her head in pain and winced.
"Valkyrie," Skulduggery said, concern in his voice. He took a step forward and Valkyrie stepped back.
"Get away from me," she snapped and sunk to the floor, still holding her head.
"What's wrong with you?" He extended his hand to touch her shoulder, but she flung it away with her hand.
"Like you care," she laughed humourlessly. That's it. Don't let them control you, they hate you. Valkyrie shook her head as if the motion would make the voice disappear.
"What is your problem?" Skulduggery snapped.
"I think she has an attitude problem," Fletcher added.
China made her way to the front of the group and looked at Valkyrie's eyes. They were darkening but not enough for someone to notice if they didn't know to look for it. "I think this chain has done more than just burn Valkyrie's skin," she said as she peered at Valkyrie. "As I had said, I assumed there was more magic in the chain than for just simply making it scolding hot. I suppose what we are seeing now is a manifestation of that magic."
"Just leave," Valkyrie spat.
Skulduggery was about to speak when China put a hand on his arm. "Let's give her some time," she said, giving him a pointed look and gesturing toward the hallway.
Everyone shuffled out and China shut the door quietly behind her. "This isn't good," China said before Skulduggery walked away.
"You know what's going on?" He asked.
"It seems the effects of whatever magic was poured into the chain has travelled to her brain. She's starting to lose herself. It's like she is being turned into a completely different person but controlled to become a particular way."
"So, she's shutting down?" Skulduggery asked, confused.
China shook her head, concern and curiosity etched on her face. "She's being controlled to hate you. She's going against you and if it continues, it will be against all of us. By that stage, it will be too late."
"Well we can't let it get that far, can we?" He replied stern and determined.
From within the room, Valkyrie removed her ear from the door and shuffled back to her bed. She was losing control of herself and she couldn't do anything about it. Oh, you don't want to do anything about it. We're going to help you recognise your true power.
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