So in this chapter I have actually based Valkyrie's delivery on my own experiences from my childbirths. I have given birth two times: first to a boy and then to a set of twin girls. Both times went really well and quick: my first delivery took around 6 hours from when I first got my first contraction until my son was out and the twins only took 2 hours from the time they broke my water until they both were out. With this said I don't have any experience with a difficult and tough delivery, so I wanted to give Valkyrie an easy one as well. She has gone through a lot of shit, so I wanted to make something easy for her for once :)

Skulduggery picked up his phone. He dialled a number and placed the phone against the side of his skull where his ears once had been. While he waited for the person on the other end to answer, he placed a hand on Valkyrie's back to support her. "How are you, Valkyrie? Do you feel the need to cringe or are you just in pain?"

"I don't need to push... It's just contractions so far..."

Skulduggery was about to answer her when the person he called answered. "Synecdoche, it's Skulduggery. It's time now. Where should we go?" Skulduggery listened to Synecdoche's answer and then nodded. "I understand. See you there then. We can be there in half an hour. If anything changes along the way, I'll let you know."

Alice, who hadn't said anything since Valkyrie told her the baby was on the way, now turned to Skulduggery with a determined expression on her face. "What can I do?"

"Get the diaper bag that Valkyrie has prepared for the baby's arrival. It is in our upstairs bedroom on the floor next to the bed. Then I'd like you to pack some changes for Valkyrie and hygiene items. Toothbrush, toothpaste, pads, things like that."

"Yes sir!" Alice gave Valkyrie a hug before running up the stairs.

As soon as Alice was out of sight Skulduggery turned to Valkyrie. He had stroked her back the whole time and now he bent down in front of her so he could look into her eyes. "Deep breaths, Valkyrie. Don't fight the contractions, wait them out. If you feel the need to push, you must say so at once. It means the baby is on its way out. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Valkyrie nodded. "Yes, I can hear you clearly, Skulduggery."

"Good. Keep breathing calmly and try to relax, even though I understand it's hard."

Valkyrie did as Skulduggery told her, and she quickly noticed that it helped with the pain. The contractions were irregular, and she knew that was a good sign, as it meant the baby wasn't going to come out for a while. She just hoped it would continue like this until they got to the hospital. She preferred not to give birth at home or in the Bentley. She wanted to be surrounded by doctors and nurses who could guide her through this.

"I have to call mom and dad... and tell them it's time." Valkyrie picked up her phone and was about to dial her mother's number when Alice came into the living room with a diaper bag and a suitcase in one hand and her cell phone pressed to her ear in the other.

"There is no danger with her, mother. She's only having really strong contractions so far. Skulduggery has called Synecdoche and warned her that we are coming. Yes, I will say hello. Okay, see you at the hospital then." Alice hung up and looked up at Valkyrie. "Mother and father have been notified. They will meet us at the hospital. I said I'm going with you, as it might be good to have another person with you to help Valkyrie if anything happens along the way. You Skulduggery will need to have your full attention on the road."

Skulduggery laughed. "Sometimes I forget that you're only 18, Alice. You are very wise for your age."

"It runs in the family."

"Skulduggery, start the car. Alice, you can put the bags in, and I'll be right back. I'll just call and let Tanith know we're on our way. Besides, I need to go to the toilet. The little one pushes on the bladder…"

Alice gave Valkyrie a hug before saying "Absolutely, sis. Don't delay too long and call if you need help."

Alice and Skulduggery walked out the front door and over to the Bentley. Valkyrie, still holding her cell phone, dialled Tanith's number and went into the bathroom as she waited for her best friend to answer. She managed to lift the toilet lid and sit down before Tanith answered. Valkyrie could tell by her tone that Tanith knew why she was calling.

"Val! Finally, you call!"

"Hello Tanith. How is Anton?"

"He is doing just fine. He may only be a day old, but he's already a little bundle of energy and a food wreck. It feels like he does nothing but eat, poop and sleep in a loop. Luckily, he's barely cried a thing since he was born, which I'm really glad about considering how sore I still am after the birth."

"Good to hear that… everything is going well for you." Valkyrie took a deep breath and had to fight not to cry out in pain as another contraction ripped through her.

"It's your turn now, isn't it? I can hear it in your breathing. Let me guess: you are having very strong contractions?"

"Yes. They are very irregular at the moment so I don't think the baby will arrive for another few hours. Skulduggery and Alice are preparing the car right now. We are about 20 minutes away if nothing happens along the way."

"Sounds good. I guess that it's Synecdoche that will deliver you as well? She is divine that woman! I probably would never have coped with my birth as well as I did if I hadn't had her by my side."

"I don't want anyone else to deliver me. I trust Synecdoche completely." Valkyrie stood up and washed her hands. "Now I must hang up, Tanith. See you later when the baby is born. I can't wait to meet Anton. He looks so cute in the picture you sent!"

"And I can't wait to show him off to you. I also can't wait to meet your baby, Valkyrie. See you later when you have the energy. Love you, sis."

"Love you too." Valkyrie hung up and walked out of the bathroom. She closed the front door behind her and locked it before walking down to the waiting Bentley.

"How are you?" Skulduggery asked as she reached them and as he helped her into the car. "Any changes?"

"No, no changes." She put on her seat belt and tried to find a comfortable position to sit in, but it was difficult because her whole body ached.

"Good. That means we still have plenty of time. Hopefully. After all, contractions can go from irregular to regular from one minute to the next."

"Get in the car and drive. The faster we get to the hospital, the faster we can see our baby and I won't be in pain."

Skulduggery got behind the wheel and backed out of the driveway. Valkyrie closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing while slowly stroking her stomach. The child moved restlessly inside her stomach and Valkyrie couldn't blame him or her. The only thing she hoped was that her baby was laying with its head down and that it wouldn't cause any trouble when it was time to come out. She also hoped the birth would go well. She was afraid that her body would shut down and that she would lose the baby. She knew it didn't happen often, but the risk was still there.

"Sister, are you okay? Do you need anything? I brought some water and fruit in case you need something to eat."

"Thanks, Alice, but I can manage. Nothing has changed. I try to keep my breathing calm, as it helps with the pain."

"Okay. Tell me if I should do anything."

"I will…" Valkyrie began but cut herself off as another contraction shot through her. This one was much stronger than the previous ones and she screamed loudly in pain. She took a firm grip on the doorknob with her left hand while her right gripped Skulduggery's leg. She was gasping for breath and shivering in pain.

"Valkyrie, what's going on? Talk to me!"

"I..." She didn't make it any further before she felt something wet run out from between her legs and down the length of her legs. She looked down at herself and saw how a large stain had formed on the seat where she was sitting. She looked up at Skulduggery with horrified eyes. "The water just broke."

Skulduggery stepped on the gas. "Hold on. We must go to the hospital now. I don't want you giving birth in the car if I can avoid it, Valkyrie. It would be far too messy and ruin the clothing. Do you know how hard it is to find good clothing for cars like this one?"

"I think the clothing is already ruined…" Valkyrie moaned and shuddered in pain as a new wave of pain shot through her.

"It's just a little amniotic fluid. It is much more difficult to wash away blood."

"How can you joke right now?!" Alice shouted in the backseat. "Valkyrie is about to give birth! If we don't hurry, the baby could get hurt! I read somewhere that if the baby doesn't come out within an hour of the water breaking, it can lead to major damage!"

"Don't worry, Alice. Valkyrie and I always joke when we're under pressure. It allows us to keep the fear at bay and concentrate on what needs to be done."

"He's right, Alice…" Valkyrie moaned. "There is no danger, sister. Skulduggery would be just a little pissed off if I gave birth in the car, but he'd quickly get over it because he loves me, and our baby more than he loves the car."

"But not much more, it should be added."

Valkyrie laughed. She closed her eyes and tried to relax, but it was hard because of the pain and the contractions that were coming faster and faster. She understood that the time for pushing weren't far away and the only thing she could hope for at this point was that they would make it to the hospital before it started. She could hear Skulduggery talking to someone on the phone and she had to strain to concentrate on what he was saying.

"Synecdoche, the water just broke. Valkyrie's contractions are coming more frequently now, and she is in significantly more pain now than just a few minutes ago. We'll be with you in about five minutes. If I were you, I would prepare a room if it has not already been arranged. Something tells me this is going to be a quick delivery."

"This is going to be the longest five minutes of my life…" Valkyrie moaned, narrowing her eyes as another contraction went through her.

Alice leaned forward and stroked Valkyrie's hair. "Shh, I'm here, Stephanie. Everything will be okay. Remember what Skulduggery told you. Breathe with the contractions. Don't fight back. Breathe slowly and try to relax. There, much better. In, out, in, out."

Valkyrie concentrated on Alice's voice and felt her heartbeat begin to slow and her body begin to relax. The pain went from excruciating to manageable and she felt that even the baby's movements became calmer. She closed her eyes and stroked her stomach slowly. "I understand you're impatient and want out, but mom's body needs to prepare for your arrival first and that will take some time, I'm afraid."

"We have arrived." Skulduggery turned off the car. He unbuckled Valkyrie before scooping her up in his arms and lifting her out. Alice was right behind them as he walked through the hospital's front doors.

Synecdoche was waiting for them and when she saw Valkyrie's huddled, shaking form she motioned for Skulduggery to follow her. As they walked, Synecdoche asked Skulduggery questions which he answered as best he could. Valkyrie moaned loudly and clenched her hands around Skulduggery's shirt. Skulduggery could feel how tense she was, and he understood that the labour pains had started. He turned to Synecdoche and said, "I think we need to quicken our steps, Doctor."

Synecdoche pointed to a door in front of them. "Put her on the bed that's in there. Help her out of her clothes, then put on her the white hospital gown that is on the chair next to the bed. Try to get her not to push until I get back. I'm just going to get a nurse and then we'll get started."

"Where do you want me?" Alice asked.

"Wait outside. The fewer people at the birth who are not supposed to be there, the better. I take it your parents are on their way?"

"Yes, they should be here any minute. I'll sit in the entrance and wait for them." Alice gave her older sister a quick hug before heading back the way she had come.

Skulduggery did as he was told and carried Valkyrie into the room where he laid her down on the bed. "Valkyrie, I'm going to have to undress you now. Think you can help? The faster we get your clothes off, the faster you get to push."

Valkyrie just nodded and held her arms up so Skulduggery could pull off the dress she was wearing. Her bra and panties came off quickly and before she knew it Skulduggery had managed to slip her into the white hospital gown Synecdoche had provided. She lay down on the bed and took Skulduggery's hand. Her whole body shook from the labour pains that were going through her right now and the only thing she wanted to do was push, but she held back. The pain that shot through her every time she didn't make her cry.

"Where's Synecdoche?!" she screamed as another contraction shot through her.

"I'm here, Valkyrie." Synecdoche entered the room with a blond, blue-eyed nurse behind her. "This is Klara, and she will help me during the birth. Do you have any questions before we begin? I see that the child does not want to stay any longer."

"Now we do this!" Valkyrie said emphatically, taking Skulduggery's hand. She looked into his black eye sockets and even though he had no eyes that could convey what he was feeling right now, Valkyrie could still see that he too was nervous.

"Let's go." Synecdoche placed herself between Valkyrie's legs and parted them. She inserted a finger into Valkyrie and let it stay there for a second before nodding to herself. "It's for sure almost time. Valkyrie, every time you feel a pain coming on, I want you to push, but not too hard. The baby will not come out faster just because you push harder. Follow the pain and as soon as you feel it is going away, you stop pushing. Do you understand?"

Valkyrie nodded and readied herself. It wasn't long before the next contraction came, and she did as she was instructed. She could feel her and Skulduggery's baby moving along her abdomen with each new contraction. She did not know how much time had passed, but when she heard Synecdoche exclaim "I can see the head! You are amazing, Valkyrie! Two or three more pushes, and then it's done!" she was filled with relief that made her dizzy.

"You can handle this, Valkyrie. You are strong. Soon you will be holding our child in your arms."

Skulduggery's velvety voice gave her the last strength she needed to squeeze out their child, and the moment she heard the screams of a newborn baby echo in the room, she cried. She felt something being placed in her arms and when she looked down, she looked right into her child's eyes. They were bright blue with small splashes of green in them and they were the most beautiful thing Valkyrie had ever seen.

"Congratulations, Valkyrie, Skulduggery. You just had a little girl."

"Hello, you. It's your mother. That spooky guy with no skin sitting next to me is your dad. He may look evil, but he's actually a real softie. You'll get used to him pretty quickly, I promise."

Skulduggery leaned forward and ran his hand over their daughter's cheek. "Hello, Sylvia."

Valkyrie managed to tear her gaze from her daughter and let it land on Skulduggery instead. "Sylvia?"

"That's her name. Sylvia Cain Pleasant."

"Do I have nothing to say here?"

"No, because I've known we were going to have a daughter all along. I saw it on the ultrasound and ever since that day I've been thinking about what to call her and I quickly became attached to Sylvia."

"Have you known about the gender all this time and not told me?!"

"You didn't want to know, so I kept quiet. Unlike you Valkyrie, I can keep a secret a secret."

Valkyrie laughed. She was far too happy to be angry at Skulduggery. She had just had a daughter, for God's sake! She looked down at Sylvia again and kissed her forehead. She couldn't understand that she had been so against a child. Sylvia was the most wonderful thing that had ever happened to her!

Sylvia started whining. She opened and closed her little hands while moving her head back and forth, as if searching for something. She looked at Valkyrie with her blue eyes and opened and closed her mouth, making Valkyrie understand what her daughter was trying to convey. She opened the hospital gown and placed Sylvia against her left nipple. It didn't take many seconds before Sylvia closed her little baby mouth around her mother's nipple and began to suck. Within a minute she was asleep.

"That is a very good sign. You have a healthy little daughter. When she's done eating, you can wrap her in the blanket that Klara will bring out, Skulduggery. Valkyrie will need to shower before I allow anyone to come in and greet you."

Skulduggery turned his gaze to Synecdoche. "Thank you so much for everything, Doctor."

"I was just doing my job. If you'll excuse me, I'm needed elsewhere so if it's not something you need at the moment…"

"Wait, Synecdoche, before you go." Valkyrie looked at Synecdoche. "Will Sylvia also be able to use magic like us?"

Synecdoche nodded. "Time will tell, but I'd say the chances are very high given that both of her parents are strong magicians."

Valkyrie also nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Synecdoche."

"I'll come and see you in a few hours. If you need me, just press the red button above your head, Valkyrie."

Synecdoche left the room and the nurse, Klara, gave Skulduggery the blanket they had been promised. She looked down at Sylvia. "Congratulations to you both. She is very beautiful, your daughter. When you're ready Valkyrie, just hand her over to Skulduggery before going through the door over there. Inside you have a toilet and a shower. I will go in there now and arrange things that you might need."

"Thank you, Clara."

Klara smiled again before going to get the bathroom ready for Valkyrie. When they were alone, the new parents looked at each other and smiled. Skulduggery leaned forward and pressed his teeth against Valkyrie's lips while caressing her cheek. "I love you, Valkyrie."

"And I you, Skulduggery." Valkyrie released Skulduggery's gaze as a whimper from their daughter escaped her as she lay in her mother's arms. Valkyrie slowly rocked her back and forth as she hummed quietly. Sylvia quickly calmed down when she heard her mother's voice and let go of Valkyrie's nipple.

"I can take her now." Skulduggery put his arms around Sylvia and lifted her up. He wrapped her in the blanket before settling her against his bony chest. His daughter didn't seem to care that he didn't have any soft skin to warm her, instead she settled comfortably against him and let out a contented sigh before becoming still again.

Valkyrie felt tears of happiness roll down her cheeks as she saw her daughter in her father's arms. Her heart was filled with warmth and unconditional love. How had she ever doubted that she could not love her own child? It was only now that she understood what Skulduggery had been talking about when he told her about all the emotions that had gone through him the first time, he had seen his daughter several hundred years ago.

Skulduggery put his teeth against Sylvia's forehead and held her gently. "She is beautiful, Valkyrie. She is perfect in every way."

"She is." Valkyrie ran her index finger across Sylvia's cheek. "Although it pains me to leave her already, I am in dire need of that shower. Can you manage to entertain her for the minutes I will be gone?"

"She sleeps comfortably with me and will probably do so for a good while. You must bear in mind that this has been hard for her too." Skulduggery looked down at his daughter again, and Valkyrie knew that if he had been wearing his façade, he would have been smiling tenderly. "I promise nothing will happen to her while you're gone."

Valkyrie gave her daughter one last caress and a kiss on the cheek before heading into the bathroom. She closed the door behind her and stripped off the white hospital gown. There was a mirror in the bathroom, and she couldn't help but stop and look at herself. It felt strange not to see the big ball to her stomach that she had been wearing for so long. "I have to admit I look very good considering I just gave birth."

She smiled to herself before stepping into the shower. When she had washed herself, she put on a new, clean hospital gown that Klara had left for her, as well as a special pair of panties with a pad in them that would make sure she didn't walk around and bleed on the clothes, the bed, and the floors. Synecdoche had explained to her that she could expect some heavy postpartum bleeding that could last anywhere from a few days to several weeks postpartum. She would bleed the worst for the first two or three days, but if she started breastfeeding right after giving birth, it would speed up the healing process. It had something to do with hormones, Valkyrie hadn't really listened very carefully as the only thing she could think about was how sore she would be after giving birth.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, Klara was just in the process of changing the bedclothes and Skulduggery was sitting with Sylvia in one of the visitor's chairs. She was still sleeping as soundly as she had when Valkyrie left. She smiled at the sight of Skulduggery sitting there. He was relaxed in a way she rarely saw in him. His body language radiated calm and he slowly rocked their daughter back and forth while letting one of his skeletal fingers caress her face. His eye sockets never left Sylvia, even when she stood in front of them.

"How was the shower?"

"Divine."

"Good. You really needed it."

"Are you saying you don't find me attractive when I'm all sweaty and exhausted?"

"You're always attractive, Valkyrie. It was mostly the smell I was referring to."

Valkyrie frowned. "What kind of smell?"

"The smell of sweat mixed with blood and hormones."

"Ah." Valkyrie turned to Klara who had just finished. "Is it okay if my family comes in and says hello to Sylvia?"

"It's fine. Synecdoche will come in shortly to weigh and measure Sylvia. If you're okay with them coming in, it's okay with us too. They're sitting outside here if you want me to get them?"

"Gladly. I need to lie down and rest for a while."

Klara smiled and left the room. It wasn't long before her parents and little sister entered the room. As soon as they saw Sylvia, all three started crying tears of joy. Melissa was the first to venture forward. She ran a finger over Sylvia's cheek before looking up at her daughter. "She's divine, Stephanie. Synecdoche told me that you have named her Sylvia. It is a very beautiful name and suits her perfectly."

Valkyrie smiled as she lay in bed. "Thank you, mom. She looks a lot like me, doesn't she? I suspect the Edgley genes are potent."

"Of course, they are!" Desmond walked up to his granddaughter and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "We Edgleys are a strong family, not just because of the magic. Where do you think you got your beauty from, Stephanie? Not from your mother's side, that's for sure."

"Watch it, Desmond."

"Can you two stop? You embarrass yourself in front of your grandchild." Alice came forward and looked at her niece. "Hello, Sylvia. It's your Aunt Alice talking. Don't worry about Grandma and Grandpa, they're a little crazy but you'll learn to love them anyway."

Skulduggery chuckled quietly so as not to wake Sylvia. "Well said, Alice."

"Can I hold her?" Alice turned to Valkyrie as she asked the question and received a nod in response. She received Sylvia from Skulduggery and the moment she held her niece in her arms, tears welled up in her eyes. "She's even more beautiful up close. You two are so lucky to have managed to create such a little miracle. Because that's exactly what she is."

Melissa and Desmond nodded. They took turns holding Sylvia as they showered her, Skulduggery, and Valkyrie with loving words. They couldn't take their eyes off their grandchild for a second and Melissa cried more than once. Desmond tried to hold back his tears, but in the end, he had to see himself defeated.

When Sylvia finally woke up and saw three unknown people staring down at her, she started to cry. Valkyrie took her from her mother and gave her, her right breast, which immediately calmed her down. She eyed her aunt and grandparents suspiciously as she ate, and Valkyrie couldn't help but laugh. "She's got the suspicion from me, anyway."

"She just needs some time to get used to us. After all, she's only been out of the womb for an hour or so and everything is still very confusing to her," said Melissa. "I think it's time for us to go home and leave you guys alone now. Call if you need anything, Stephanie. Promise me you'll drop by on your way home as soon as Synecdoche writes you out."

"We will, mum. I love you all."

"And we love you." Her family waved goodbye and exited the room in the same manner Synecdoche entered.

"How is Sylvia doing? I see she is eating again. She seems to have a good appetite. She sucks hard and she has a good grip on your chest, Valkyrie. As soon as she has finished eating, I would like to measure, weigh and examine her if that is okay?"

"Do what you need to do, Synecdoche. We trust you completely," said Valkyrie.

And that's exactly what Synecdoche did. When she finished, she had a big smile on her face. "Everything looks completely normal. I can find no deviations whatsoever in Sylvia. She is a healthy baby at 3176 g (7 lb.) and 51 cm (20 inches). Her muscles are also working normally, and I have heard from Klara that she has done both number one and two, which is also a sign of her being healthy."

"Good to hear. I will admit that it was one of my biggest fears besides the birth: that there would be something wrong with Sylvia."

"Which is perfectly normal, Valkyrie." Synecdoche checked her watch. "No, now I unfortunately have to leave you again. I have rounds I have to make."

"Thanks again for everything, Synecdoche." Skulduggery stood up from the chair he was sitting in and held out his hand to Synecdoche.

"I'm just doing my job, Skulduggery," Synecdoche replied, shaking his hand. "I believe you have three people outside here who would very much like to come in and say hello, if you feel up to it, Valkyrie?"

Before Valkyrie could answer, the door opened, and her best friend stepped into the room with a baby in her arms. Behind Tanith stood Ghastly with a smile on his face. "Hello Valkyrie, Skulduggery and Sylvia."

Tanith walked up to Valkyrie and Sylvia. She gave Valkyrie a hug before turning to Sylvia. Tears welled up in her eyes when she got to see her best friend's baby. "Oh my god, Valkyrie, she is divine!"

Valkyrie laughed. "I've been told that, yes."

Ghastly walked over to Skulduggery and held out his hand. "Congratulations, Skulduggery."

"The same to you, Ghastly." Skulduggery shook Ghastly's hand before pulling him close so he could hug him. "I have to admit that I am touched that you decided to name your firstborn after one of our friends."

"Shudder would have appreciated it, even if he didn't want to admit it."

"Indeed, he would."

"Ghastly, come over here and look at this little golden cub! Who do you think she looks like? I think it's just Valkyrie in her. Possibly she's got Skulduggery's cheekbones, but that's not so strange, is it?"

Ghastly walked over to Valkyrie and looked down at Sylvia in her arms. "She's definitely got Skulduggery's cheekbones. Even his eyes, unless they change colour when she gets a little older. Skulduggery had blue eyes with green splashes in them when he was alive."

"If we are going to compare children with their parents, I have to say that Anton is very similar to his father. He's got your hair and your eyes, Tanith, but he has Ghastly's face shape."

Valkyrie and Tanith continued to discuss their children and who they were most alike, while their partners and the fathers of their children studied them. Both men smiled. They couldn't fathom that both of them had been so lucky to find their soul mates and that they were now standing here, at this moment, looking at their respective families.

Ghastly, who had been given a second chance alongside Tanith after Darquesse brought him back from the dead. And Skulduggery, who had become what he never thought he would become once more in his lifetime: a father.

One more chapter to go! The wedding is up next! :D