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“Asclepius.”

“That’s the one.”

“He used her blood for healing and to revive the dead.” I didn’t see what this story had to do with Keith. He wasn’t healing anyone or reviving any dead people. That honor went to our local necromancer, Zach.

“The head of Medusa,” Laurel mused. “Incredible what the right blade can do—and the right blood.”

I had no idea how I was supposed to respond to this strange turn in the conversation. Keith was controlling minds, but chopping off his head seemed like a very last resort.

“I should probably get back. Thanks for your help, Laurel. I appreciate you.”

“I’m here to serve.”

“Spoken like a true druid.”

I flew home to check on Jinx, then drove my golf cart to the office, managing to hit every bump and buried tree root on the way there. By the time I parked outside the building, I was certain I’d destroyed the cart’s tires. If I had to bring it to the shop again, I was going to lose my mind. The shop took forever to fix anything.

The first thing I noticed in the office was the pile of weapons on Penny’s desk.

“I finished my list,” she said, beaming with the pride of a Spelling Bee champion.

“Good job.”

“Where should I put these?” She inclined her head toward the weapons.

“Put them in boxes and I’ll take care of them. Did anyone give you a hard time?”

“Barbara Hannity wanted compensation. I told her to submit a formal request with the HOA.”

I was impressed. If Barbara submitted the request, she’d have to admit she’d been in possession of contraband. She’d never do it.

“Clever girl. To celebrate your hard work, I have a little present.” I handed Penny the star pin. “Wear this with pride.”

“This is for me?”

“You’re a member of the team, aren’t you?”

She affixed the small star to her shirt. “Thank you. I love it. Did you make it yourself?”

“No, I lack the skills, but I had a friend make it for you.”

Her eyes glistened with emotion. “I haven’t received a gift in a long time.”

“What was the last gift you got?”

Penny lowered her eyelashes. “A dagger.”

A weapon had been the last gift she’d received. That present hadn’t been for her, not really. The real gift had been for those who’d given it to her.

“Did the Fates ever give you anything that wasn’t a weapon?”

The answer would’ve been no for me. I was curious if Penny had been treated the same.

“They gave me a bird, but I had to leave him behind when I left their service.”

“Then he wasn’t really a present for you, was he?”

“I suppose not.”