“Unlikely. From what we do know of the Jitter Girls, some very specific circumstances led to their present condition. You’re probably closer to Warlocks and witches than you are to sorcerers right now. Put a smile on that face, Valkyrie. You’re unique. Easily as unique as I am.”

“Two freaks in a pod, eh?”

His head tilted, amused. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” They walked on through the glorious corridors. This one had flowers and plants growing from the walls in bursts of vibrant colour. “Fletcher’s back,” he said.

“Is he OK?”

Skulduggery hesitated. “Yes. I think. He apologised, said he just had to get away. I don’t think anyone holds it against him. How do you think he’ll cope with Darquesse?”

“What do you mean?”

“His judgement. Will it be clouded?”

“By anger, you mean? I don’t think so. Fletcher’s not really a revenge type of guy. He’ll do all he can to help, but he’s not going to do anything stupid. No more stupid than usual anyway.”

“Good. We’ll be depending on him.”

“He won’t let us down,” she said, and then smiled. “I’m really going to miss this, you know.”

“Miss what?”

“This.” Valkyrie waved at their surroundings. “Plans and missions and briefings. You and me. If we all die, I’m really going to miss this.”

“If we all die,” Skulduggery said, “you’re not really going to miss much of anything. But I appreciate the sentiment.”

“And?”

“And what?”

“And is there anything in particular that you’re going to miss?”

“Do you have anything particular in mind?”

“Well, I don’t know,” said Valkyrie, standing in his way to make him stop. “Maybe someone in particular? Maybe someone in particular who’s standing very close to you at this very moment in time?”

“The plant?”

“No, not the plant. I said someone.”

“And it’s not the plant?”

“I know who you’re going to miss most. It’s OK to admit it.”

He stepped round her, and continued on. “That’s nice.”

She caught up. “Seriously? After all this time, you’re not going to give me this little piece of honesty? After all we’ve meant to each other?”

“You mean after all I’ve meant to you.”

“I’ve meant just as much to you as you have to me.”

“Debatable.”

“Please just admit it,” said Valkyrie. “You’re going to miss me, aren’t you?”

“Obviously,” said Skulduggery.

“Thank you.”

“Like a drowning man misses the land.”

“Awww …”

“Like a hesitant man misses the chance.”

“Yeah …”

“Like an oblivious man misses the point.”

“I have a feeling you’re mocking me somehow, but I can’t put my finger on how.”