He cleared his throat. “Shall I… shall I interrupt the performance?”
She let the genuine desperation show on her face. She didn’t know how long Zee would have before her heart gave out. “Please hurry, before it’s too late.”
The man turned, flinging open the door and breaking into a run. As Ursula was left with her own thoughts, she could feel some of her energy returning. She could call Kester now, but she didn’t want to bring him into this until she’d already gained control of the situation. She didn’t need to call him just to tell him she’d become entangled in another disaster.
She reached down, feeling Zee’s pulse again. Still there, but growing fainter. Panic twisted through Ursula. She couldn’t let Zee die. Maybe this was the time to call Kester. She turned, reaching for her purse that lay on the tiles, when Silver-Hair slammed the door open, a green tube in his hands.
“I’ve got it!” he said, beaming. He rushed across the tiles and handed it to Ursula.
“Thank you so much. You’ve saved her life.” She popped off the blue cap, sliding the EpiPen out of its tube and scanning the directions.
“We should call an ambulance,” said the man.
“Let me concentrate.” It came out harsher than she’d meant it. “Please.”
She pulled off the blue safety, reared back her arm, and jammed the pen into Zee’s leg. She counted to ten, watching as Zee’s eyelids fluttered.
“See, she’s getting better.” She couldn’t believe this had worked. “You saved her. You’re an amazing, beautiful man.” Too much, Ursula. Rein it in.
He cleared his throat. “She’s not awake yet. I really think we should call that amb—”
Ursula slapped Zee in the face as hard as she could, and when the fae’s blue eyes opened, Ursula leaned over. “Zee, you had a reaction to the salad. It was the hidden walnuts.”
Zee’s gaze met hers, registering understanding.
Ursula leaned in close and whispered: “You need to tell this man you’re OK.” I really hope she can still glamour them.
“I—I’m OK.” Zee’s voice wavered, but Silver-Hair nodded.
Silver-Hair stepped closer, leaning over her. “Let me help you up.”
Zee shot up, grabbing the man by his collar. “I’m feeling much better now. You are no longer needed. Get the fuck out, and don’t tell anyone about me.”
In a daze, he rose and tottered out the door.
“Calm down, Zee.” Ursula sat back on the tile, letting out a long breath. “I asked you to glamour him. Not assault him.”
Zee’s eyes were wild. “What did you do to revive me? I feel like I want to kill something.”
“Epinephrine.”
Zee shook her head. “What is epinephrine?”
I really have no clue. “I think it’s some kind of life-giving hormone. Anyway, it fixed you. Let’s get out of here.”
Scowling, Zee lifted a hand to her cheek. “Did you slap me?”
Ursula shook her head. “Nope. Just an effect of the epinephrine, I think.”
Zee narrowed her eyes before glancing down at her dress. “Whose blood is on my Valentino?”
“Abe. I think he was a shadow demon. He tried to kill us. Look, we need to get out of here. Can you walk?”
Zee slowly stood, smoothing her hair. “I can’t believe that prick ruined my dress.”
Clutching her wyrm-skin purse, Ursula rose, unsteady on her feet. Zee shot her a sharp look before slipping her arm around Ursula’s waist. They staggered into the corridor, and Ursula kept her gaze on the floor, hoping to remain unnoticed. Nothing to see here, folks. Just two chicks in opera gowns, drenched in demon blood.
Chapter 25
Stepping out of the cold winter air, Ursula folded herself into the soft seat of the Bentley like a bird settling onto its nest, and Zee followed, shutting the car door.
Zee clutched her chest, shrinking into the corner. “I don’t feel so good.”
Ursula rubbed her arms, trying to warm herself. “Holy fuck. That was a close call.”
“My heart is racing,” said Zee.
“Are you okay?”
The fae took a deep breath, staring out the window. “I’ll be fine. Where are we going?”
Ursula glanced at the driver. “Take us to my place, please. The Plaza Hotel.” Just as she was letting out a sigh of relief, she realized she wasn’t out of trouble yet. Her target’s soul had been claimed by a shadow demon, and that meant Emerazel would murder her slowly. Dread raced up her spine.
The driver turned on the engine and tried to edge into the stalled traffic.
Outside, the wind beat against the sedan’s windows. Ursula rubbed her temples. “What the hell kind of demon was that? I think I’m in huge trouble.”
Zee didn’t answer, instead staring out her window. But something was wrong with the angle of her neck—she wasn’t moving. Ursula moved closer, touching Zee’s shoulder. The fae’s head slumped to the side; her mouth hung open and her eyelids fluttered.