Page 63 of Spit

“My cleaning lady’s name is Hettie.” He said proudly, puffing his chest.

I patted his shoulder. “Of course.”

“Come on.” His eyes narrowed when he realized that I was patronizing him. “Let’s go get you a weapon.”

A genuine smile spread on my lips. “Really?”

Trey chuffed a laugh and shook his head. “I thought women liked receiving things like chocolate and shoes.”

I looked down at my steel-toe-capped boots. “I wouldn’t mind a new pair of Docs, but they arehellto break in.”

“I noticed you were wearing some of Camio’s old clothing.” Trey quirked an eyebrow before gesturing to his sweatpants. “We match. How entertaining.”

“It wasn’t my choice,” I grumbled.

“Didn’t you bring any clothing with you?”

I gave him a look. “I was smuggled into the city in the back of a truck. I wasn’t aware I was coming until Beezelbub kidnapped me.”

“Oh, dear.”

“Ya think?” I put my hands on my hips.

“We should go shopping.”

“After the knives.” I rubbed my hands together.

I wasn’t sure where Trey had wandered off to, but I had managed to find a room dedicated to all sorts of magical weapons, each cost more than I made in a year—and that was just the opening bid.

I was studying an ornate carved bow that the plaque claimed had once belonged to Artemis when I felt the same sucking vacuum of hunger that usually accompanied my shadow.

I followed the feeling, the tugging at my middle until I came to a box in the corner, a simple blade no bigger than my index finger. Black as night without a sigil or a mark on the edge. The handle was leather, worn in a way that suggested it was taken care of but used heavily.

I leaned in to read the placard in front of the glass—hoping to understand what I felt from the blade.

Astaroth’s Tooth– this blade is unlike any seen in the Human Realities. Astaroth, one of Beezelbub’s Dukes and closest confidants, created this blade using his own tooth. This weapon is exceptionally valuable because Astaroth has since been lost to time. This blade contains magic-draining qualities that have led to this weapon being what is known colloquially as a ‘null blade.’

This blade is a treasure of the Sixth Circle – Gluttony. It is said that only those that belong to Gluttony can use the blade, as it is too hungry for the average demon or magic user.

Whoever purchases this blade must register the weapon with the Office of the City Stewart at Hemlock House. (See auction manager for details.)

I’d had to leave New Orleans before Rose's parcel had arrived. Maybe it was fate that I’d stumbled on one in the Red City?

The amount I knew about null blades could fit inside a thimble. All I knew was that they stole magic, much like I did. I didn’t need a blade to be a magic thief, but something about the whole thing felt right. Like a null witch and a null blade were a matching set.

“Quite a unique piece, wouldn’t you say?” A male voice said, breaking me from my reverie.

With a carefully schooled expression, I glanced over my shoulder to find Mr. Bellgrady watching me, his face placid. His eyes had a hunger that I couldn’t quite place.

I cleared my throat. “Yes.” I agreed. “It’s lovely.”

“Would you like me to get it out of the case?” He offered benignly.

I had seen the price. Even if I sold my kidney, I could never afford such a weapon. Would I even want a physical object worth more than the rent on an apartment for the rest of my human life?

I offered a smile, though I knew it didn’t reach my eyes. I searched the room for Trey—he was nowhere to be found.

“I’m happy just to look,” I said.

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