“No, I get that, it’s just … Maybe what I’m asking is how? How did you decide to ignore your original purpose and, you know, take on this new one?”

“It was easy,” the Engineer said. “The thought occurred to me that I was master of my own destiny. Once I realised I could exist, and I mean that on a purely intrinsic level, the world opened up for me. I defined my own purpose.”

“But you’re right back here, where you started.”

“Because I am needed. When I am no longer needed, I will redefine my purpose again. Why do you ask?”

“I … I don’t know. I suppose I’m wondering what my purpose is. A few days ago, everything was clear. Do the job, have a normal life. But now I’m … I don’t know if I’m going to get that.”

Footsteps outside and Stephanie turned as Fletcher peeked in.

“Thought I’d find you here,” he said. “Hi, Engineer.”

“Hello, Fletcher. Would you like to use your soul to deactivate the Accelerator?”

“Cheers, but no,” he said, walking in. “I’m here to see Stephanie, actually.”

Stephanie forced a smile on to her face. “So how is Valkyrie?”

“She’s doing good,” he said. “Doctor Synecdoche is running a few tests, and apart from being hungry, she seems fine. Apparently Darquesse moved beyond the need to consume food.”

“Good for her,” Stephanie said. “So why aren’t you with Skulduggery, huddled round Valkyrie’s bedside, giving thanks that she’s returned to us alive and well?”

Fletcher looked at her. “What are you worried about?”

“Me? I’m not worried about anything. I’m good. I’m great. I’m—”

“Steph …”

“We were meant to kill her!” Stephanie blurted. Immediately, she reddened. “I mean … not Valkyrie. Darquesse. That was the plan. That’s why I agreed to help in the first place. We kill Darquesse, we all go home. Instead, what have we got? Darquesse is in a snow globe, Valkyrie’s in a hospital bed, and where am I? What’s my place now? Just like that,” she snapped her fingers, “I’m dropped as Skulduggery’s partner. Just like that the original is back, the real one, and once again I’m the scary reflection nobody can trust.”

“I trust you,” said Fletcher.

“You? The moment Valkyrie bats her eyelashes at you, you’ll forget all about—”

His hand went to her face and he turned her head and kissed her and took the rest of her words.

When they broke apart, he looked into her eyes. “You’re my girlfriend,” he said. “You. Not her.”

“But she’s—”

“You, Steph. Got that?”

Stephanie nodded.

Fletcher smiled. “Love the outfit, by the way.”

They went upstairs to the Medical Wing.

Valkyrie had her own room. Of course she did. Only the best for Valkyrie Cain. Stephanie and Fletcher walked in, and Skulduggery and Valkyrie looked up.

“Hi,” said Stephanie.