"It's my taken name," Skulduggery explained, traversing back into the familiar territory with ease. "I chose it for myself." This time, he only hesitated a split second before launching into the full explanation. "Where I come from, it protects your given name from sorcerers who might otherwise be able to control you with it."

Either 'hearing a few things' meant Gabe just arrived last night and had a basic idea of what was going on, like the Once-ler, or he had no clue and nothing Skulduggery said would make any sense to him, anyway. It was mildly ironic that after only two nights, Skulduggery already considered himself a veteran of the place. But no one could get attacked by mounds of hair, rotting hands, and their own fire without claiming at least a little seniority privilege.

The sideways glance towards the door wasn't lost on Skulduggery. "Waiting for someone?" he asked without so much as craning his neck.