Skulduggery Pleasant_ Death Bringer - Derek Landy [57]
“If I repulse you…”
“You don’t repulse me, Caelan, because you look like a hot nineteen-year-old. But every time you say something, I’m reminded of the fact that you’re really just an old man. And… OK, I’ve never actually said that out loud before and it’s really kind of disgusting.”
“For people like us, age doesn’t matter.”
“For people like you, the old men, age doesn’t matter. For people like me, the teenage girls, it suddenly becomes very icky.”
“I’m trying to make you understand, Valkyrie, that love transcends the meaningless. If I love you, I won’t let anything stand in my way. If you love me—”
“Which I don’t.”
“—then you won’t let anything stand in your way. Marry me, and we’ll be together for ever.”
“No.”
“You can only hide from your feelings for so long.”
“And you can only hide from reality for so long. I’m not going to marry you, Caelan. Right now, I’m going home.”
“I will accompany you.”
“No, you will not.”
“The Death Bringer might return.”
“You really need to relax. I’ve got my phone worked out so that all I have to do is tap a little button and Fletcher and Skulduggery come teleporting in. She won’t be back, though. She’s had her fun.”
“You don’t need them. I am the only one you need. I am your guardian angel.”
“I’m giving you the night off, OK? Go out. Have fun. Meet a girl. Don’t obsess over her too much. I promise you, you’ll be much more cheerful in the morning.”
“You are the only one for me.”
“I’m walking away now.”
“Say you love me!” he called after her, and she rolled her eyes.
Chapter 22
The Church of the Faceless
corn kept her waiting, but it was a beautiful morning outside so China didn’t mind. It was an obvious little game, designed to teach her who was in charge. A little clumsy, and somewhat disappointing to see that dear old Eliza would resort to it, but it was an inoffensive tactic. According to Gallow, today was the day that he would be revealed to China. She wasn’t sure yet if she believed him, but she definitely didn’t trust him. He had told her to act suitably surprised when he appeared. China hadn’t made any promises.
She became aware of Prave glaring at her from across the church, and arched an eyebrow. “Can I help you?”
“I’m not in love with you,” he snarled.
“How dreadful for me.”
He gripped the sweeping brush like he was strangling it. “You think everyone falls in love with you. Well, you’re wrong. They are weak-minded fools. That’s not me.”
“Obviously.”
“The only love in my heart is for the Faceless Ones, and you will not take that from me.”
“Perish the very thought, Mr…” She paused. “Whatever your name is.”
“Prave,” he blurted.
“Mr Prave, excellent.”
“I have worshipped the Dark Gods since I was a boy. My parents were loyal to them. My father fought alongside Mevolent himself.”
“That’s nice.”
“He wasn’t a traitor. Not like you!”
“And what was your father’s name?”
“Benzel Travestine. He was at Mevolent’s side when they destroyed the Sanctuary in Marseilles.”
“I doubt it. I’ve never heard of your father, and I was in Marseilles when the Sanctuary fell. It was my Diablerie that opened the doors to allow Mevolent entry. Your father wasn’t there, I’m afraid.”
Prave stared at her. “You’re lying.”
“I could name each and every sorcerer who toppled that Sanctuary. I won’t, because you’re truly not worth the effort, but I could. It seems your father was exaggerating his importance, Mr Prave.”
“My father was a hero!”
“To his weak-minded son, I’m sure he was.”
Prave hurled the sweeping brush away and stormed over, fists clenched. China turned her head to him and sighed. He stopped a hand’s breadth away, face red and snarling, like he was forcing himself not to commit incredible acts of violence.
“You,” China said, “are a very impressive man.”
“Do not mock me!” he screeched.
China smiled. “Walk back over there, pick up the sweeping brush and continue cleaning. Or go for a nice walk and think about all the lies your father told you. I really don’t care what you do, so long