“She has a long list of dangerous things,” Zayne tacked on, helpful as always.

The Crone only smiled. “Sometimes you got to raise a little Hell to get things done.”

25

Istared at her as tiny goose bumps broke out over my skin.

“Thank you for this,” she said, nodding at me and then Zayne as the man from the last time I’d been here appeared, still wearing a suit. He carried a champagne glass to the table and placed it front of the Crone. The liquid was a frothy pink.

“I told you that there are all manner of things that can be accomplished with a feather from one who has Fallen.” The Crone slipped said item from the bag. “Especially one who still carries grace within them. There is only one other in this world and beyond, but his...well, I’m not quite sure any beauty can be accomplished with his feather.”

“You talking about Lucifer?” I watched her curl the feather in her hand.

“Who else?” She held her hand over the opening of the glass. Her lips moved, her voice too fast and low for me to understand, but whatever she said sounded like a prayer to me.

Zayne shifted across from me, his brows knitted as he watched the Crone.

“I’m leaving the city today,” she continued, opening her hand. Flecks of crumbled feather dusted in golden light fell into the glass. “Heading south to visit my grandbabies.”

“Sounds like as good a time as any to get out of the city,” I commented as she dropped what was left of the poor feather onto the table.

The Crone picked up the champagne glass. “But I doubt they will recognize me.”

My heart thumped against my chest as she lifted the glass to her lips. I started to move forward—

“It’s okay,” Zayne said, voice low. “Whatever she is doing, it’s okay.”

He was sensing her intentions—her soul—and whatever he was feeling didn’t concern him. I guessed that was good since she took a drink of whatever the hell she’d concocted...and kept drinking.

And drinking.

My eyes widened as she downed the entire glass in one gulp like she was a pro at doing shots.

“Goodness,” she whispered hoarsely, pressing the back of her hand against her mouth as she let out a little belch. “Woo, that has a bite. Tangy.”

Slowly, I looked over at Zayne. He blinked, his head jerking back. “Holy...”

My gaze snapped back to the Crone and my jaw hit the floor. “Shit...”

I don’t know what I was expecting when I looked at her, but what I saw wasn’t anything on the potential WTF list.

It was like watching someone age...in reverse.