The attempt at levity hadn't worked, and maybe rightfully so. For all that Hopeless had heard from Raine, it was one thing to hear, another to experience; and Hopeless had come from a time long, long before the rest. He wasn't used to this, these connections being more fragile than they ought to be. Even the Dead Men had things that should be deadly serious.

So Hopeless said simply to Ghastly, "Ask Skulduggery and Anton," and turned to wrap one arm around Erskine, and one around Saracen, and stroked Erskine's temple.

"It changes everything," he said quietly. "Sharing burdens lightens them." If Hopeless had only made sure they'd share them in the event he was gone. He'd relied too much on his magic, on the assumption that he wouldn't die. Stupid, stupid. "You're still a brother. What you suffer still matters to us, whether or not it does to yourself."

Anton, meanwhile, grunted once more, shaking the tin pot gently and then pouring several different cups. "China's here. She and I--have not been on good terms."

Yes, because that's a complete explanation.