A bit longer but here it is. Please read and review, especially any comments on how you want the story to go!

Chapter 3

It wasn't until Valkyrie stepped into the road that she realised. With the Bentley gone, they'd have to drive around in...

"What is that!" She protested angrily. "It's..it's...". She broke off, unable to finish her sentence.

"It's yellow!" said Skulduggery happily. "I love it. The colour makes me happy. Or maybe the look on your face makes me happy. Either way-hop in!"

He gracefully hopped in. Valkyrie glared and fell in. They started to drive and immediately she missed the Bentley. This car didn't glide, or roar, it just sort of...chugged. Yes, she decided, the Canary Car chugged, and she hated it.

Soon after this she worked up enough dignity to speak

"Skulduggery, where exactly are we going?"

"I've been waiting for you to ask. We're going to the sanctuary. China is of course no longer in her library, but she still might have some information."

Valkyrie nodded. Ever since the attack of the warlocks and the betrayal of Erskine Ravel, China had taken over as Grand Mage. She was good, Valkyrie had no qualms in admitting, yet China Sorrows in a position of power still worried her. Ghastly, having recovered his stab wounds from Erskine Ravel, was still a solid, trustworthy member of the council of elders, as was Anton Shudder, who, despite his many protests, had been pressured into the post.

She enjoyed visiting the sanctuary now, the Dead Men, who had recently become a permanent fixture, helping to rebuild the fragile mess that was now Ireland, were often around, and she loved bumping into Shudder, Saracen and especially, even though she would never mention it, the infamously handsome Dexter Vex.

He always bought a smile to her face and made her laugh and although she tried not to stare, his body was...something else. She always looked forward to seeing him, even though it gave her butterflies in her stomach, So as she walked into the sanctuary, now in a new building in Dublin, she sneaked a look at herself in the mirror and gasped. Dark rings under her eyes revealed her lack of sleep, drops of dried blood had crusted on her face and her clothes were dirty. She excused herself, and, as Skulduggery made his way towards the Elder's throne room, she hurried to her office, which she shared with Skulduggery. She opened a drawer, took out a spare change of clothes and quickly got changed. She then went to the bathroom, washed her face and used the air to smooth her hair. Satisfied with her appearance, and feeling more confident about any surprise encounters with a certain Mr Vex, she made her way to China.

Sure enough, Dexter and Saracen intercepted her in a corridor, wide smiles on their faces.

"Hey Val," Dexter beamed. "How are you doing? Are you ok; you look tired."

Valkyrie blushed, then blushed even more as she tried to control her emotions, just as Saracen replied scornfully, "Or course she's tired you idiot. She hasn't slept in three days and she was attacked two hours ago."

Valkyrie's mouth dropped open, and answering her unspoken question Saracen said smugly, "I know things."

Dexter, however, looked concerned. Valkyrie cut off his questions with a short answer:

"I'm fine. We were chased by a couple of cars, Skulduggery's excellent driving just wasn't up to it, and we crashed. Then some bad guys tried to get us, same as usual, but we overpowered them and they're now in custody with more bruises than we have. I have a couple of broken ribs and fingers, and some cuts and bruises, but I'm pretty sure they're in worse shape. We'll follow it up tonight; work out who's responsible. That's why we are here; we've come to talk to China; see if she's heard anything. Honestly, I'm fine."

As she said this she shrugged, wincing as her ribs throbbed. Dexter noticed and his eyes widened with concern.

"You need some rest", he said firmly. "I don't care where you are, but tonight you can't work. I'll see to it myself."

He cut off her protests.

"That's what's happening, so deal with it. Now, let's go find China and Skulduggery."

Him and Saracen set off down the corridor, and Valkyrie followed, laughing occasionally at Dexter's silly jokes. By the time they reached the throne room, she was relaxed, happy and felt like a weight had been lifted off her.

As they walked in, China turned around, her silky black hair framing her perfect, pale face. Her blue eyes blinked once, took in the happy, laughing Valkyrie with Dexter, and her red lips pulled upwards in a knowing smirk.

Valkyrie ignored her and focused on the matter at hand.

"Have you heard any rumours that may help us China?" she asked.

"No, my dear Valkyrie, I haven't, and I don't need to tell you how distressed that makes me." Her pale eyes clouded over before clearing again. "I am, you can be sure, dealing with it well."

China then took a deep breath before she dropped a bombshell. "However, what I have heard are some rather worrying rumours about The Unnamed."

Saracen drew a breath, and even Dexter looked shocked. The Unnamed had been Mevolent's master during the war, but this was all Valkyrie knew. Skulduggery, after a short pause, spoke smoothly.

"If he's back, then this fragile peace we have established will be over. We will get on the case straight away. What exactly have you heard?"

China looked concerned. "Several bodies were found in the Amazon two days ago. Bearing his mark seared into their skin. I have heard of similar incidents in three isolated spots around the world. One man came to me with severe wounds, and died mere seconds after whispering his name in my ear. I suggest you go to the Amazon and search a band of cave for clues, the caves are a known magical site and the bodies were found near them.

"So we have a person or persons out to kill Valkyrie and I, the Unnamed may be back and the Bentley is out of action." Skulduggery summarised. "What a day this has turned out to be. We'll be straight onto it China."

Valkyrie smiled, unable to repress her glee to see Skulduggery finally following orders.

Shudder and Ghastly walked in, sombre looks on their faces. After greeting Skulduggery, Valkyrie, Dexter, and Saracen, they moved straight on to the matter at hand, although Ghastly shot a concerned look at Valkyrie's bruises.

"Are you ok?" He asked kindly.

Valkyrie nodded, and Shudder cut in. "Finding the source of the rumours regarding The Unnamed should be your first priority, Skulduggery. Nothing could be more important. You can deal with these killers at a later date."

"Actually, something can be more important." Everyone turned to Skulduggery.

"We were attacked today, and whilst Valkyrie looks fine, broken ribs, broken fingers and millions of cuts from shattered glass do tend to take their toll. She hasn't slept in three days. She deserves one night's sleep at home. We will get on the case straight away tomorrow morning."

Valkyrie was touched, but sensing China's impatience, she tried to protest. She didn't get very far before Skulduggery silenced her with a look.

China sighed impatiently, but seemed to know she would lose this argument. She grudgingly agreed, and Valkyrie, Skulduggery, Saracen, and Dexter took their leave from the elders.

"We'll come round yours too," Saracen proposed. Dexter nodded in agreement. "That way Skulduggery can meditate and if any other killers come calling, you won't be vulnerable, and we can do our thing."

Dexter cracked his knuckles and grinned. "I haven't had a slice of the action in days."

This was agreed, and Valkyrie felt a warm feeling in her chest. The care and concern of these men touched her, and whilst she may have lost one family, she suddenly felt as if she had gained another. Her very own, dysfunctional set of brothers.

She smiled. Maybe things were finally looking up.