"Ow!" Rover rubbed his arm, looking a little stunned, because that had actually hurt. He wasn't sure if it was meant to hurt when he was technically dead. He fully intended to demand what Rafe had done wrong, except that Erskine was crying and Rover ... had to do something about that.

Which was why he stepped forward and pulled Erskine into a tight hug. "Well, gee, I'm sorry I'm not a bundle of contained wrath like Skulduggery," he said. "I chose to be a bundle of overwhelming charm instead. It's kind of lost on the Angel Contingent, but eh." He shrugged. "I'm winning them over."

"One by one?" Descry asked dryly. Rover shuffled Erskine around like they were dancing an exceedingly close two-step and pointed at him.

"Exactly. It's working."

"Is it?" Corrival asked Descry. The redhead nodded ruefully.

"I have to admit, it is. They like him up there. He fits in perfectly."

"That's a frightening thought."

"And you!" Rover pointed accusingly at Rafe without letting go of Erskine in the least. "You said we could have fake bodies! You didn't say anything about people being able to leave bruises!"

"But I thought you'd like that," Rafe whined. Rover laughed.

"Have I mentioned that I love the Angel Contingent? Hey, can you conjure me a bowl of peanuts?"

"Promise I'm not gonna get caught in the crossfire?"

"Sorry, no guarantees."

Rafe pretended to think that over and then shrugged. "Eh, what the Hell. Let me know when you're done with your dancing lesson."