"That's what your magic is for," Solomon pointed out, sipping his glass and watching with amusement as Skulduggery attempted to dry his suit. "I don't know if you've realised this, but Miss Cain isn't here. Ergo, anything that involves her isn't particularly relevant, especially since I barely know her."

He would have gone on, had opened his mouth to do so, when some of Skulduggery's words sank in and he snapped it shut again. Necromancy. Addiction. He groaned and rubbed his face with one hand. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. He'd forgotten--how could he have forgotten? He'd put aside the need for an item for so long that he had neglected to remember that Hayley would need one herself--or it would be addicting.

Unless he took this opportunity to see whether it was possible to teach without such facets. Maybe it would be possible; maybe it wouldn't. Either way, Hayley knew enough of the details to make the choice if she wished. Solomon would just have to rethink some of his methods.

"Your point is made," he said, and his voice was slightly muffled. Then he moved his hand and drank a mouthful of whiskey, and leaned forward, elbows on knees, thinking. "What was her reaction?"