The objection wasn't in the least bit unexpected. The uncertainty and wariness rolling in Skulduggery's soul wasn't either. The way Corrival narrowed his eyes at the skeleton wouldn't have been, from Skul's perspective, except that Gabe could see why the older sorcerer was doing it.

Gabe also saw the flicker toward him, the quiet internalisation of Skul's words and what they implied.

Gabriel nodded again. "I know. And I don't particularly want another migraine. But eighty-thousand lives, Skul. If it comes down to my suffering a bit in exchange for saving over eighty-thousand lives, it isn't really a contest."