Skulduggery was, despite himself, fascinated. And perhaps slightly intrigued. The threat of the Passage, and the thought of entire groups of people all over the world hiding that minor mass murder detail from their ruling Sanctuaries, made him angry. There was no doubt about that. But that anger was tempered this time by his promise to Gabriel, and the reminder that there was no Death Bringer to make this happen. Because if this didn't scare Valkyrie off Necromancy for good - or at least away from the Temple, even if she wouldn't give up the ring - then nothing would.

Of course, there was the underlying realization that Skulduggery had been very close to doing this himself, but he was able to ignore that in the face of Wreath stumbling over his own words, then quieting down altogether.

Skulduggery was watching a conversion at work. Or at least the early stages of it. Wreath was beginning to question his own beliefs, growing angry because he didn't know what else to be, looking away because he didn't know the answer to Gabe's question and he didn't really want to. Gabriel, perfectly calm and supportive throughout, maybe gently nudging Wreath in the right direction occasionally, but ultimately leaving the process up to him. It was fascinating. It didn't change Skulduggery's opinion of Wreath in the slightest, especially now that he knew what the Necromancer had been hoping to accomplish, but it did cast Wreath in a different light. Not new, or better. Just different.

But, Skulduggery had achieved what he was hoping, and then some. He wouldn't be happy if Valkyrie continued pursuing Necromancy, and he would seriously question her intelligence, but at least now she would know the consequences ahead of time. That was all he'd ever wanted. Satisfied, Skulduggery motioned Valkyrie over.

"You wanted to go home," he told her gently as she approached. "Something tells me I've been delaying that for far longer than just today."

"That's it?" If Skulduggery didn't know any better, he would say Valkyrie had tears in her eyes. "You're going to drop a bombshell like that on me and then just send me home?"

"I'm not sending you anywhere," Skulduggery contradicted her. "But if you wanted to call Fletcher and have him take you home, I wouldn't stop you. In fact, I'd encourage you."

"What about the Passage? Shouldn't we be doing something about that?"

"What is there to do? You're not going to kill anyone, and they have no other Death Bringer. We're fine for now."

Valkyrie shook her head. "Shouldn't we at least tell someone?" she persisted.

Skulduggery nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. Because our esteemed Grand Mage Guild has been in such a mood for listening lately. I'm sure he'd welcome another doomsday scenario from us. He might even send thank-you notes to our prison cells."

Valkyrie laughed. That was good. She didn't laugh nearly often enough. Today had been very good for her in most respects. "Okay, fine. Just... try not to end the world or anything until I get back."

Skulduggery put a hand solemnly over his ribcage. "I promise, I will try my utmost best to keep our resident Archangel friend in check, and to make sure he doesn't do anything reckless, such as accidentally bring Lucifer into our reality, or suffocate our children's charities with teddy bears."

"If either of those things happens, you'd better call."

"Of course." Skulduggery put his hand on her shoulder. "Now go and be with your parents. I'm sure subconsciously they've been worried sick."