And wouldn’t you know, Rowena was behind the hostess’s table, and before either of us could speak, she stepped out behind it and said in the most annoyed voice possible, “This way, please.”

I raised a brow as my gaze swept the dimly lit interior. “You really love these little visits, don’t you?”

“I await them with bated breath,” she responded.

I smirked as Zayne’s brows lifted. “That’s right. You’ve never had the pleasure of being greeted by Rowena. She’s always so eager to see me here.”

“I can tell,” Zayne replied flatly.

Rowena said nothing as she led us past the partition wall. Like before, everything but the round table in the middle of the room had been removed. Only three chairs were positioned at the table, and the Crone sat this time facing us. The table was bare of plates and glasses, and I had a sudden feeling that after this meeting, the table and chairs would disappear.

And so would the Crone.

Her shirt was the brightest pink I’d ever seen, and something...glittered across the front of it.

“How old is she?” Zayne whispered to me.

“Older than you think I look,” the Crone answered. Apparently her hearing wasn’t affected by age. “Come. Sit with me,” she called, her head tilted toward Zayne.

As we got closer, there was no mistaking the look of awe that settled into the lined, deep brown skin as she stared up at Zayne.

And there was also no mistaking what was bedazzled across her shirt in purple crystals. DON’T FLIP MY WITCH SWITCH.

Nice.

Zayne pulled out the chair to the Crone’s left for me to sit. I murmured my thanks.

The Crone chuckled as she watched Zayne take the seat to her right. “A Fallen with manners?” The skin at the corners of her eyes creased even further. “Or a Fallen who is in love?”

“The latter would probably be a more accurate observation,” Zayne answered, and my heart did a little jig in my chest.

Her lips turned up in a smile as she leaned toward Zayne. “You are something I’d never seen before, unique before even now. A Warden who befriended demons, something that has always set you above others. You achieved restoration of your Glory, a nearly impossible feat, and you gave away heavenly acceptance for love. Now, a Fallen with heavenly fire coursing through your veins. I’ve waited a very long time to say this. You have always been undervalued and underrated, but that has changed.” Her gaze roamed over Zayne. “You’re magnificent.”

“I really like her,” Zayne said to me. “Should’ve come here sooner.”

The Crone batted her white-tipped eyelashes—actually fluttered them at Zayne. “You are always welcome.” She lifted a small hand, stopping short before touching his arm. “May I?”