Completely by accident, just as it had been for Skulduggery. The only real difference between Solomon and Vile was the source of the triggering panic, and how they tried to end it. Solomon, terrified of death, instinctively threw others to the wolves to save himself. Vile, terrified of being set adrift in a world of life he could barely perceive, reached out for something with which to stabilise himself. And he'd found death.

Vile had been powerful enough not to need that triggering panic again. Solomon wasn't. And now that Solomon had given up Necromancy completely, he never would be. Was that enough to stop it from happening again, even by accident? If what happened with the Cleaver was any indication, probably not. And even if Solomon's accidental attempt didn't work, it was a lot like putting alcohol in front of someone struggling against a drinking problem. Power was addictive. There was only so much Skulduggery could do to bar himself from it.

"In case anything ever manages to override that astute judgment," he said, in the same general tone and manner of someone discussing an unusual weather pattern, "just try to keep in mind that if I'm anywhere nearby, and particularly if Gabe is not, whatever it is that terrified you might well become the least of your problems."

Would it be such an issue if Landel hadn't run his experiments? That was hard to tell. Skulduggery would still be able to feel it when Necromancy was used; that had always been the case, and probably always would be. He might not feel such an inclination towards using it if it weren't for Landel, but they could debate that point until the cows came home and it wouldn't make the slightest bit of difference.

So instead, Skulduggery's face changed as he watched the bumper cars. "So you have me to thank for the promotion? Excellent. Not even a full day in power, and already one of the Elders owes me a favour. I'm not doing too badly so far."