She breathes out in a shudder, feels a bit of weight eased just in being able to admit to it. And that Skulduggery doesn't dismiss it all as irrational or irrelevant.

It's such a relief to hear him say it, about her still being there. And it's true, she doesn't want to let Fio down. But there's one thing she wants to ask of him, that's difficult to work up the courage. It feels like too much. Too needy.

"I... can I ask you for something?" she begins, tilting her head up to peer at him through dark lashes.