Meredith nodded at me from behind the bar as I walked in. I waved at her, turning toward the corner where I’d met the bladesmith last time. He was waiting, his eyes sharp.

I sat. “Thank you for meeting with me.”

“You’re welcome. I was intrigued by your message.” The bladesmith tilted his head. “What is it that you need?”

I took a deep breath and handed him the arrowhead Cara had given me. The pointy end was still wrapped in soft cloth. I didn’t know how much it would affect me, but I definitely needed to find a way to protect myself from the arrow. The last thing I needed was to fall and impale myself on something that could kill demons.

But I finally had a weapon that would protect me from ending up as Samael’s toy.

“I need you to make this appear invisible to demons. Even the most powerful high demons. And if possible, I’d like to be able to clip it under my lanyard.”

He let out a low whistle. “You don’t ask for much, do you? I love a challenge, but that has Rowan in it.”

“I’m aware. That’s why I need it hidden.”

David shook his head. “Hiding rowan wood from a demon would require demon blood for the spell.”

I gave him a slow smile. “Would half-demon blood work?”

“Well, now that’s an intriguing prospect. I’d need to ask the witch I work with.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “It will be expensive. Are you sure you want to do this?”

“I’m sure.” Thanks to the money Mariam had wired into my account, I could afford to work with the bladesmith. Besides, at this point in my life, I couldn’t afford not to work with him.

David reached for his phone and murmured into it while I signaled for a drink. He hung up and looked at me. “The witch happened to be just around the corner. She agreed to come meet us.”

Mere brought me my drink, gave the bladesmith a wary look and hurried away to a group of unseelie near the door.

“Where is your friend who likes to watch the pretty barmaid?”

I gaped at David. “Who are you talking about?”

“The demon who’s always here sitting at that table and flirting with everyone who moves while keeping his gaze fixed to the woman who just brought you that drink.”

I choked on my own spit. “Do you mean Vas?”

The bladesmith shrugged and I pulled up a photo of the demon. He nodded.

Vas had a thing for Meredith? Enough of a thing that he was coming in here and watching her work?

How did I miss that?

“Ah, here she is now.”

I turned toward the door as it opened. Hannah walked in and shot me a wide smile.

“Halfling,” she smiled in greeting. “Now this is interesting.”

“It sure is.”