She frowned. “Are you saying that this is the dagger? But Johann, those stories are fairy tales. The Faceless Ones never really existed. There weren’t really terrible old gods who used to rule the world.”

Johann smiled. “For people like me, who work in the Sanctuary, such fairy tales have proven to be true more often than not.”

She looked back at the dagger. “It’s beautiful,” she said.

“Its beauty pales in comparison to you.”

Tanith bit her lower lip. “Could I... could I hold it?”

Johann smiled. “I would love to allow that, but I have strict security protocols in place. There are other items in my collection that I’m not quite so paranoid about.” He shrugged and laughed, and Tanith looked disappointed.

“Oh,” she said. “It’s just... It’s proof, you know? If those fairy tales are true, then this is... this is part of history. More than that. It’s part of myth.”

He looked at her, then at the dagger. “You know what? I think tonight was meant to happen. We were destined to meet, Tabitha. And who am I to argue with destiny?”

He waved his hand in front of the case and Tanith heard a click as the glass cover popped slightly. Johann tilted it back on its hinge.

“Be careful you don’t nick yourself,” he said. “One cut from this will kill. And that is no myth and no fairy tale. I have seen it myself.”

Her eyes adequately bright yet cautious, she reached in and took the dagger from its stand. She turned it in her hand, admiring the weight, the balance, the way the light caught the delicate blade.

She moved her body to obscure her handbag and, with her free hand, she opened it. The fake dagger wasn’t as finely balanced, but it was roughly the same weight. She took hold of it. It would do. She hoped.

“Magnificent, is it not?” Johann asked.

“I’m holding history,” she breathed. “This is... this is most... thrilling.” She looked over at the Ripper by the door, standing with his back to them. “Does he go everywhere with you?”

Johann glanced over his shoulder, and Tanith switched the daggers.

“Not everywhere,” Johann said, looking back at her, and Tanith smiled as she put the forgery into the glass case. Johann secured the lid and waved his hand, and there was another click. No alarm sounded. The forgery hadn’t been detected. Tanith relaxed. “We could go somewhere more private if you like,” Johann suggested.

“It’s a warm night,” she said. “I’d love a moonlit stroll.”