Erskine let out a low chuckle and shifted to the side, bumping Anton lightly with his shoulder. "Don't be that way, Anton. You know I still love you."

It only occurred to him what he'd said after the words were already out of his mouth. Suddenly looking stricken, Ravel turned his attention back to the tablet, grateful for the reason to turn his face away. His eyes stung. Teasing didn't seem like such a great idea anymore.

"China's here?" he asked eventually, clearing his throat. "That must make Skulduggery happy. The two of them were thick as thieves last I saw them."