"Auditory hallucinations," Skulduggery added to the list with a brief shake of his head. "Materials in the food that shouldn't be there. Hair, dead flesh, what have you. Of course, that wouldn't be a problem if... well," he managed a faint chuckle, "if I was used to eating in the first place." He didn't mind admitting it for now. It wasn't as if the knowledge could potentially be used against him.

An involuntary shudder ran through Skulduggery's obstinate body at Gabe's explanation. He'd seen a lot worse as well, of course, but something about suddenly and vividly being able to imagine the pain involved was not sitting very well with the former skeleton. "Well, if it worked, I'm sure he's grateful now," Skulduggery said. "Can you describe the butterfly?"

It was an odd question in such a serious situation. But if any part of Skulduggery recognized that, it wasn't sharing the information with his conscious mind just then.