Hefting them, Gabe glanced at his forearm. Both compasses lit up as the next name on the list appeared.
"You are the first good news I've had in a fucking week," he said quietly. "How many of these can you make me?"
"That thing cost a fortune," Tamer replied. "I've got enough materials to make you fourteen. If I rope in my assistant, I can produce two a day."
"Fourteen?" Gabe frowned. "I need a few hundred, and I can't wait months. I need everything I can get in a week or two."
"Tell the half-breed to fund it," Tamer suggested. "If you got people, send them my way. I used machinery to cut the pieces. They can assemble it. I'm the only one who can seal it."
"Get started. Rhyn won't say no," Gabe said.
"If you say so. Hope this keeps that dick off my back for a while."
"He knows I'm going through some shit right now. He should leave you alone," Gabriel agreed. "Do you need the original, or can I keep it?"
"Take them both. I have the specs."
"Thanks." Within the week, the death-dealers stuck in the mortal realm could start collecting souls again. A trickle of relief went through him as he realized he was able to fix one of the many issues he faced. He had a feeling the most difficult was the one hiding in the Sanctuary.
"Alright. I'll check in tomorrow," Tamer said. "Looks like something exploded." His gaze was on the blood-soaked sand where Gabe landed.
"Pretty much."
Tamer shook his head and rose, disappearing into a portal. Gabe climbed to his feet. The sun was down, the afterglow of sunset lingering on the horizon. His trench and shirt were shredded and his favorite sword shattered, along with the majority of his other weapons. He gathered the three daggers that survived.
His gaze went to the Sanctuary. Reluctantly, he walked up the sloping hill and to the door that opened automatically for its master, unlike the portal home. He glared at it and strode into the well-lit courtyard of the Sanctuary.
He sensed Deidre but didn't go to her, instead walking through the open-aired hallways until he reached the quarters reserved for him. Pushing the door open with his foot, he dropped the contents of his arms on the bed and opened the dresser drawers. There were no trench coats outside of the underworld he'd consider wearing, but he pulled on a soft black t-shirt and strapped a few sheaths to his body.
Ready, he left his room and walked through the courtyard.
"You're not going to see her?" Daniela's voice was heavy with disapproval.