Wow, guys I am so sorry we haven't been updating but well yeah…A Levels (and IB) sucks! But I'm back with a (kind of) Valith (I think). Tis an AU so don't judge too much and just gonna pretend that Val and Skul are going out and that Skuls a dick (yes I know he's not he's fabulous but just for this pretend please?) Also just pretend that Val and China are best friends (ha!). Please read and leave a review and enjoy-Lexi :)

Disclaimer: No we do not own anything, we are no Le Golden God, Derek Landy

Masquerade

I walk through the door, my sense of dread increasing with every step I take. I see the door slam shut, trapping me in the belly of the beast. I feel the walls closing in, there are too many people. The panic rises in my chest but I push it down, taking a deep breath and reaching up to check my mask is in place. When I was sure it was secure, I pushed through the crowd, focusing on my one goal; find him. He promised he would be here. I squirm through the crowded house, people crashing into me, their apologies slurred with the alcohol I could smell on their breath. I resisted the urge to gag as the smell of cheap beer wafted up my nose. There were too many people. They were pressing into me from all angles. I pushed past and climbed the stairs, hoping that he'd be there.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I climbed; the landing was clear of any people and I could feel my breathing ease. I heard a giggle from behind the closed door to my right. My heart stopped dead as I heard his voice.

"Shh, not so loud!" Another giggle and then a sultry reply.

"I thought you liked it loud?" My chest tightened as my heart sank even further. I knew that voice. I covered my mouth before the sobs could escape me and I double over, one hand grasping the bannister next to me. Tears were streaming down my face, making my mask wet. How could they betray me like that? I couldn't take it any longer. My knees collapsed and I fell to the floor, gasping for breath as I curled into a ball with silent sobs wracking my body. I clamped my hands over my ears when I heard the first moan.

I heard the creak of the stairs but I had no desire to move. I wanted to lie there and die. I felt a hand on my shoulder and a concerned voice.

"Val?" I felt myself being rolled gently towards the warm body. It was Tanith. She still had her half mask on, ghostly in the cheap lighting.

"What's wrong?" she asked me gently. I just shook my head and bowed it in shame. I registered the hand on my shoulder move to my back and wrap around me whilst her other arm shifted under my legs. I felt her muscles strain as she lifted me off the floor and cradled me close to her chest. I saw her mouth open to ask me another question but a loud moan interrupted her. Her head snapped towards the door and she looked at me with such fury in her eyes that I almost flinched.

"Is that him?" she asked, her voice dangerously low. I nodded and saw a muscle feather in her jaw before she turned and carried me down the stairs, past all the partiers and out the front door, placing me gently on the bench outside. The cool air was refreshing and I was thankful that my sobs had stopped.

Tanith reached up to my face and I stiffened.

"Relax." She said to me gently, a smile playing on her lips. "You still have your mask on." She chuckled as my face flooded with heat and colour. She reached behind my head and untied the knot with deft fingers. I felt a rush of cool air as the mask fell from my face. She then reached into her pocket and pulled out a handkerchief which she handed to me with a small smile which I returned as I wiped my eyes. She was so nice to me. She looked towards the bedroom window above us and strode off towards the open door. I saw her disappear but didn't bother to follow. I sat, clutching the handkerchief, jumping as I heard incomprehensible yelling from above me. I wondered how no one downstairs had heard it. They're all drunk I thought bitterly to myself. I heard a crash and glanced up towards the window. I hope Tanith hadn't been hurt.

I gave a sigh of relief when I saw her stalk down the stairs and out the front door to join me once again. She slumped as she sat her hands on her knees. Hands I noticed which were bleeding. I leaned forward and gently took her hand in mine.

"Are you alright?" I asked, astonished at how hoarse I sounded. She looked at me in surprise.

"Yes, thank you" came the reply, so soft I had to strain to hear her. "I knocked him out." She said after a moment, looking a bit lost. I squeezed her hand gently, looking her in the eyes as I said:

"Good. That bastard deserved it!" Tanith raised an eyebrow as her lips tugged upwards into a smile.

"Valkyrie Cain!" he admonished mockingly "who knew you to be capable of such language!" I blushed and gave a soft chuckle. It was true; I wasn't known for my bad language. But I just shrugged.

"He cheated on me with my best friend." I paused. "Ex- best friend" I corrected. We were silent for a moment before Tanith turned to me.

"Shall I walk you home?" She asked timidly, her normally gruff voice soft and melodious and sweet. I smiled and nodded, letting her pull me off the bench. I linked my arm with hers as we headed off for my home, only a few streets away.

I was surprised to find myself saddened when I got to my front door. I enjoyed her company; she made me feel comfortable and welcome and didn't mind my constant ramblings. It was so easy to talk to her, she never brushed me off. Not like Skulduggery who'd just used me as a kind of trophy and refused to talk about anything other than himself and his own achievements. No, I found myself liking this Tanith; the one she never showed anyone.

As we said goodbye, she wrapped her arms round me and hugged me tight. I returned in kind, feeling my heart flutter at the contact. She pulled back and held out my mask to me but I threw it into the bushes.

"China bought it" I said in response to her questioning look. She nodded and stood to her full height before bowing low.

"Good night, Miss Cain." She said, smiling as I curtsied in return.

"Good night, Miss Low." I watched her turn and walk away, only opening my front door when she turned a corner and was out of sight. I went straight to my room and changed into my comfy old shorts and t shirt that I used to sleep in. I had just closed my eyes, thinking of Tanith when a sudden realisation hit me. I'm in love with her. I burst into laughter at the thought. I can't be in love with her! Oh God, I am! This was going to make life very interesting. I fell asleep dreaming of the blond adept.