“Anything else?”

“Hrunting is also missing.”

I gaped at her in stunned silence. When I could talk again, I stuttered out my words. “The sword that Unferth gave Beowulf? How much power are we talking here?”

She gave me a thin-lipped smile. “That sword was created by mortals. Hence why it proved ineffective. However, that sword will lead those with enough power to another much more important sword.”

“An important sword like the one Beowulf found in the cave? That sword was melted when he killed Grendel’s mother.”

“Was it?”

Wow. Okay. “Who was the sword stolen from?”

“A light fae named Aubrey. He’s somewhat of a weapon collector. The sword was stolen from his house.”

“So whoever has been stealing these artifacts already has a belt that can make them exceptionally strong, an amulet that can give them incredible knowledge, and a sword that can lead them to another sword known for killing monsters. Do I have that about right?”

Mariam raised one eyebrow. “Indeed.”

“Suspects?”

“There are few who know what these artifacts can do. But we have become… overconfident.”

I raised one eyebrow, and Mariam sighed again. “The artifacts were created several millennia ago. Some of them by the gods themselves. They were lost in various worlds, found, and lost again. They do not require power to wield them. They are their own power.”

So literally anyone could pick them up and use them in any way they chose– whether they were human, werewolf, fae, or demon.

“Okay. I need a list of anyone who knew about the artifacts and anyone who could’ve had access to them.”

Mariam nodded and reached for a piece of paper, handing it over. I scanned down the list of names and barely suppressed a sigh.

“Let’s start with the belt. Any video footage?”

Mariam looked offended at the suggestion. “It was in my personal office.”

“Anything else I need to know? Anyone who you came into contact with who made the hair on the back of your neck stand up?”

She shook her head and I put my phone down. “I require a five thousand dollar deposit which will pay for any incidentals, bribes, and travel necessary during the investigation.”

Mariam frowned at me. “I don’t think you realize just how important these artifacts are. In the hands of humans, werewolves, or other paranormals, they could wreak destruction across this world. Seelie artifacts can do everything from suppressing demon magic, to taking power from the world around them for the user to wield. If you can return them to us before they are used, I will pay you a hundred thousand dollars.”

Somehow, I managed to stop my mouth from dropping open. “Okay. I still need the deposit. And I need to talk to your receptionist.”

“She is waiting outside. You may interview her in here.”