Chapter 405

Drio didn't move but the air charged with a new alertness.

The glass on the vial cracked and the half-demon gave a low, satisfied growl. When she pulled her hand out, it glowed green. The Rust had been absorbed into her skin. Foam bubbled at the corner of her mouth, and she flicked out a fleshy tongue to wipe her lips clean.

I barely suppressed my shudder.

"Good quality." Her voice was hoarse and her pupils were dilated. Then her head lolled forward and she slumped over the table.

"This is pointless," Drio said to me in a low voice. "She's a junkie demon who can't help us."

"No, the Appraiser is a half-demon using it when the noise in her head gets overwhelming. Rust reboots her brain. She'll wake up with a sharp clarity that helps her focus. She needs it."

His expression turned thunderous. "You know this how?"

"Because I'm good at my job." I gave him a humorless smile. "What did you think?"

Say it. I dare you.