"Useless?" Raine echoed, raising her eyebrows. "Practically speaking, 'useless' is the state in which it's most necessary to have a friend along." Though she could acknowledge such times might also be the times in which one least wanted a friend around to witness that weakness. "If, however, by 'useless' you mean 'emotionally compromised'--"

She broke off there, and the look she gave Skulduggery in return was a little wry. "Dead or not, you're still human," she told him. She thought it obvious, but perhaps he forgot sometimes. "I'd be more worried if you felt nothing." A breath, and then, judging it appropriate, "I'm sorry to have intruded." And, however belatedly, for his loss.