Val glared.

“Uh, like the sign’s made of iron,” Tetra muttered.

“Iron is a theme.” Liam grinned. “You have to taste their Iron IPA. It’s the best beer I’ve ever drunk.”

Early though it was, patrons already filled the bar. Only a few stools were open—no booths—and Val steered Tetra toward an empty one beside two young humans.

“Lee!” Isabella, the curvaceous one, spread her arms. “It’s great to see you here.”

A worried frown creased Jess’s forehead above her thick glasses. “We didn’t have to come here tonight, you know.”

“This is a safe space.” Liam slid into the stool opposite them. “Don’t worry, Jess.”

“Evening, girls.” Val prodded Tetra into the stool beside Isabella’s. “This is my new tenant, Tetra.”

“She’s French,” Liam announced.

Tetra glowered.

“Nice to meet you.” Isabella raised her glass. “What are you drinking?”

Enzo hurried to them with a tray of empty glasses. “Hey, everyone. Sorry for the wait.”

Tetra’s eyes widened at the sight of the orc, and Val remembered her shock the first time she’d run into a para living in the human world.

“Soda for me, please,” Liam requested firmly.

“Good man.” Enzo slapped him on the shoulder. “It’s wonderful to see you here.”

“A round of Iron IPA for the rest of us.” Isabella grinned. “Right, Val?”

“Absolutely. Looks like you need a hand, Enzo.” Val moved around to the back of the bar.

“If you have a minute.” Enzo grimaced. “I thought it’d be quieter. Dante’s not available tonight.”

“It’s time I pulled my weight again, anyway.” Val grabbed his elbow and steered him firmly but discreetly to the back of the bar.

Enzo raised his eyebrows as she grabbed the tray from him and opened the dishwasher. “Who’s your new friend?” he asked quietly.

Val clattered the glasses into the dishwasher to muffle their conversation. “It’s a long story, but basically, she’s sentenced to vassalship for her crimes.”

“Crimes?” Enzo gathered clean glasses on a tray.

“Attempted murder.” Val paused. “Of Sinatria.”

“Aha. She sent the assassin,” Enzo guessed.

Val nodded as she pulled out the dishwasher’s second rack and continued stacking glasses inside. “You know how vassalship works?”

“Not really.”

“She’s magically bound to do whatever I tell her,” Val explained. “It’s a thirteen-year sentence.”

Enzo blinked. “That’s...intense.”

“I know. Not sure what I got myself into. Either way, she’s dangerous, but she’s under control. She’s a faerie made human-passing by...” Val grimaced. “By magic I’d rather not go into right now.”

“A faerie, huh?” Enzo shook his head.

“I’m sorry about bringing this danger to the bar. I didn’t know what else to do, but I’ll keep her from causing trouble,” Val promised.

Enzo snorted as he poured beers from a keg. “I don’t have time to worry about homicidal faeries blowing up my bar, Val. I’m much too busy serving drinks.”

“I’m here to help.” Val slammed the dishwasher shut.

“No, you’re not. It’s not your shift, and all your friends are here to visit with you.” Enzo shook his head. “How about this? You keep an eye on the atmosphere in the bar, and Jeff can help me serve drinks. He’s never minded doing double duty.”

“I’ll bounce, he serves.” Val grinned. “Sounds good to me.”

“Take your drinks.” Enzo thrust the tray into Val’s hand and added a soda can from the fridge. “I’ll talk to Jeff.”

Val returned to the bar, where Tetra sat in a sullen heap, arms folded. The faerie brightened when Val slid the tray across the polished wood.

“Four Iron IPAs and a club soda,” she announced.

Liam glanced at the beer, then jerked his gaze away. “Busy tonight, right?”

“Yep. I’m bouncing as well as visiting with you.” Val moved around the bar and slid onto a stool next to Tetra. “I apologize in advance if a bar fight interrupts us.”

“It’s cool.” Isabella grinned. “It’s always fun watching you perform. So, Tetra, tell us about France! Which part of the country are you from?”

“Another French girl was a client of Val’s recently,” Jess chipped in. “Sinatria. Do you know her?”

“Jess, come on.” Val chuckled. “Don’t be so American. Do you think every French person knows every other French person?”

Isabella and Liam booed Jess, who grinned sheepishly. No one except Val saw how Tetra’s shoulders tighten at the mention of her sister’s name.

Val downed half her IPA in one pull, and the bitter fluid washed deliciously over her tonsils. This is going to be a long night.

Enzo hastened over to them, sweat beading on the tattoos that encircled his bald head. “All good, everyone?”

“All perfect.” Isabella raised her glass, condensation shimmering on the outside. “We’re at the Iron Fist. Best bar in the city!”

A cheer rose from the group.

Enzo chuckled. “You’re festive for so early in the night.”

“Tetra, this is Enzo.” Val gestured at him. “He owns the bar with me.”