DEXTER'S P.O.V.
We sat around Skulduggery's sort-of-office, waiting for news on Siren. The younger boy Caspian was talking to Ghastly, his head tipped to one side. Ghastly had been stunned when the boy had skipped over and started talking about fighting. Though, I supposed, not a lot of people would be as casual with him.
The other boy Dimitri had not been as friendly and still wasn't. He was staring out the window as though he was waiting. When he slept a few hours ago, Caspian had sat beside him and slapped away anyone who came near. The boy had woken up looking ill and he had accepted a cup of tea but that was it. There had been no more words.
We sat for another hour when Dimitri glowered. Caspian's head shot up and he froze.
A man bustled in and froze when he saw us all. He then swore when he saw Skulduggery.
"I was under the impression the office was empty," he said. He then spied Caspian. "You're safe! Where is Si-" he was cut off by Caspian hissing. There was a knock and two men swept in, each mirroring the younger boy's looks.
"SHADOW!" Caspian squealed and leaped into the brown haired boy's arms. Dimitri gave a small smile, while the man looked faint.
"I heard my sister was set fire to," the blonde said, his eyes grass green. They were unbelievably vivid. "May I ask about her whereabouts?"
"I'll take you," I said. We walked out the door and down to the infirmary. "May I ask your name?"
"Maxi," he said throwing the door open. The girl was sitting up, with Synecdoche resident healer buzzing around her.
"I think she's fine," I called. Synecdoche turned and blushed.
"Wouldn't want Ghastly and er, the rest of you to think I was letting her out because I was bored and tired of her whining," the woman snapped tossing her hair.
Siren was staring at Maxi. "Someone tried to kill us," she said slowly. "Is the lawyer here?"
"Yes," Maxi murmured, scowling. "Why use him again?" He handed Siren a bag and she walked out. When she emerged my jaw dropped.
"Because," she said smoothing down the skirt of a black Victorian dress, that hugged every curve. Ghastly would appreciate the tailoring. Erskine and Saracen would appreciate the curves. Maxi smiled and I realized the huge difference between brother and sister. While Maxi was almost welcoming, Siren was cold. He was friendly whilst I wouldn't poke Siren with a ten foot pole. I watched as Maxi took out a cane, one I had seen Siren's mother use. "Because, he is mundane. Never has a hope of using magic. He is a lowly man. A rat. So when he is of no use or when he crosses us..."
I shivered at their expression. Maxi's was similar to a hunting dog's. He looked delighted at the prospect of killing something. Siren's eyes were empty. She held no remorse. The girl I had met last night was not there anymore. But she was locked behind those eyes.
"How are the boys?" she asked as we walked.
"They're ok," I cut in. "Bored and Dimitri wouldn't eat much. He went to sleep and woke up with a really bad fever but Hopeless had it under control in seconds." The siblings exchanged looks. "Caspian took a liking to Ghastly," I added.
"I thought he would personally," Siren said. We stopped outside the door. I walked in and held it open as the other two swept in. If the man hadn't looked scared before, he now looked terrified.
"M-ms L-Loss," he stuttered standing abruptly.
"Mr Shard," she said smoothly and sat. Caspian ran over and jumped on her lap. Maxi clucked his tongue and lifted the boy up. "Can we get a move on? I have bastards to execute."
"Okay, but first I need to know everyone is present, including all the Dead Men and a Ms. Valkyrie Cain," the man said. We looked at Skulduggery's sidekick who froze. "Okay. The Last Will and Testament of Amelia Loss. It says:
I suppose as I am about to turn their lives on their heads, I shall start with the brave soldiers, The Dead Men. To each man, I present the grand total of two million euro, to do what their hearts desire. To Mr Shudder, Mr Bespoke and Mr Pleasant's sum, I add another million euro. Mr Shudder and Mr Bespoke, you both have businesses to run. Mr Pleasant, you have a young person to feed and a Bentley to keep running.
To Miss Valkyrie Cain, as a young girl with a large fortune in lieu for you, I only leave you one million euro. I also leave you one of ruby necklaces, Siren will know which one. It will compliment your eyes.
Now my children. I leave Maxi, my oldest boy, the estate in England, as well as his portion of the inheritance. I also give him a number of books in the library which I believe his name is already on. I also leave him, his father's signet ring.
To Shadow, I leave his inheritance, the estate in Belfast, and his father's cane. I know Maxi has no interest in it but I believe Shadow will find it useful. I also leave him my broach, given to me by his father.
To my dear, sweet girl Siren, I leave the inheritance, the estate in Dublin and my jewels. I also name Siren head of the Loss family as per tradition. I leave the rest of the library in her care.
To Dimitri, I leave his part of the inheritance, the Manor house in Southern Ireland and half of the contents of the Vault. This shall all be inherited when he turns eighteen, but until then, I leave him two million euro to use as he sees fit. I also encourage him to pursue a different path to the one he has chosen.
To Caspian, as I know his love to travel, I leave him the house in Normandy, Half the contents of the Vault and two of his father's rings. He shall also get his part of the inheritance. These are to be received on his eighteenth birthday. Until then, Caspian is to receive two million euro, to be controlled by Siren, and he can also get one of those wolves he's been harping on about.
Now, this is where I turn you on your heads. I have been killed. Murdered. My children will be in danger. So I ask of the Dead Men this.
Ghastly, I ask you to watch over Caspian. In time, he will pick his... body guard I suppose. You will not have to stick with him.
To Larrikin and Hopeless, I ask you to watch over Dimitri. You both have kind hearts and our powerful men. Teach him to see the sunlight.
To Dexter Vex, I ask you to watch over Siren. You have a light heart. I am sure between you, Erskine and Saracen you can teach her that letting go is okay. Teach her she is not a monster.
Now I ask this of my two sons. Ms Cain will surely become under target. Keep a good eye on her boys. Also, keep an eye on the Teleporters. There may come a time when they come under target.
Should the Dead Men refuse to.. teach the children, my brother-"
"No!" Siren yelped clapping her hand to her mouth, jumping up. I saw the girl, I had met last night. Her body was rigid with terror.
"Siren?" Maxi asked slowly.
"I will not go to him," she muttered. She turned to me. "Please don't send me there." I looked into her eyes. Then I heard Saracen swear. Her head whipped around to face him. "Tell no one Saracen. Please."
"We'll take her," he said, through gritted teeth.
"Yes, but I have to finish the reading. My brother Sylvester, will take the children. But I beg you not to let that happen. He frightens Siren. I don't know why," the lawyer, Mr Shard took off his glasses. "Is all of that okay?"
"Fine with me," Ghastly shrugged. Everyone looked at him in surprise. Hopeless thought for a second. He was a tall man and when he wasn't manipulating a face, he was a tall, pale man with dark hair shot through with silver. He had a friendly face and was gentle... most of the time.
Larrikin although he was a joker and rather... cuddly, he had quietened down since the war. He now had a fuzzy beard and he was smaller than Ghastly but taller than Saracen and I. I watched Hopeless and Larrikin share a look and then nod.
"We'll take him," Larrikin said. I knew Anton would be in on the deal, as both men more or less lived in the Midnight Hotel.
Now me. I looked at Siren and Saracen. There was something.
"Okay," I said. Siren sighed and sank into the chair her hands shaking.
"If that is all," the lawyer stood. Siren held up her hand.
"You know what happened to my mother. Let rephrase that. You know who shot my mother," she said shortly. The man trembled. I watched as Caspian leaned forward.
"I don't know about you," the five year old whispered. The change in his demeanor was slightly horrifying. "But I am feeling truthful." A pain blossomed in my chest and I suddenly wanted to tell all my secrets. Names kept going through my head. Valkyrie was clutching her throat and shaking.
"Focus Caspian," Maxi snapped and the boy blinked. The feeling rushed away from me and I gasped.
"Sorry," Caspian smiled and then turned his eyes back to Sharp.
"It has something to do with Diablerie," the man muttered. Everyone's head shot up. Siren smiled tipping her head to one side. "Goodnight Mr Sharp." She stood slowly and looked over at me. "I think we should talk about this." We all filed out until Maxi and Shadow were left. "Keep it tidy boys."
I flinched as screaming erupted from the room, followed by vicious laughter.