'And he's injured,' Valkyrie belatedly added to her silent speech. 'A Faceless One raked at his wings, which yes, he also has. He's drinking holy water right now. We're going to be helping him recover. Is that okay?'

Somehow, explaining the entire situation to someone else - even if it was only in her imagination - was helping Valkyrie accept it. Suddenly it was less fantastical and more solid fact. She tried to imagine how her parents would react, but quickly stopped when the trail ended at a mental hospital.

"I will do my best," Skulduggery nodded. "I won't guarantee anything, but I will endeavor to remain in one piece until we get there." He paused, and some more amusement crept into his tone. "Valkyrie and Fletcher can pray for our safety, if that would help."