While Gabe retaining his human form didn't really erase the memory of the wings, or the unearthly glow, or the way he had just stepped through empty space like it was a minor inconvenience, Skulduggery was still quietly grateful for the change. He'd talked to some strange-looking people in his time, people who didn't look exactly human, but he couldn't deny how much easier it was to talk to Gabe as the fellow escaped prisoner, rather than the Archangel.

With a nod and one last glance out into the open sky, Skulduggery turned and led Gabe back toward the cave, stepping casually around the burning bodies as he went.

"I have no idea where it leads," he reminded Gabriel as the temperature even a few feet within the rough stone walls seemed to drop several degrees. "But it does appear to be empty. We can look for a way up further in."

The tunnel ahead reminded him of several places back at Landel's Institute, in a way the tunnels never had before. Maybe it was because he had hope again, a reason to keep trying to fight his way out. Maybe it was because for the first time, he knew he was no longer hallucinating, and he knew he was no longer alone. Maybe it was because he might finally have an answer to the question he'd always asked himself, but could never gather the grit to ask aloud.

"Ah, that reminds me," Skulduggery remembered, turning his skull toward his companion. "What's the policy on praying? Does saying or thinking the word 'God' invite eavesdropping, or would I have to be in a church?"

Not the question, but just as important for right now.