The Jade Dragon by Rowena May O'Sullivan

kitchenette.
    â€œDamn it!” He marched out onto the landing and called down to Zelda. “There’s a piece here, but it’s in Alanna’s bedroom and it’s not worth my immortal life to go in there without her permission.”
    â€œI’ll call her,” Zelda came to the bottom of the stairs. She held a finger to her lips silencing his next words. There must be clients in the Gallery.
    Aden swore. “I’ll wait here.” He stood at the window looking out over the small center of Raven’s Creek, expecting to see Rosa and her sisters walking up the street any second.
    But when he heard a sound behind him, he turned, thinking that perhaps they had come from a different direction, only to find Gregori standing in the room, his hair disheveled, his clothes far too small for him and an irritated glare in his eyes.
    â€œWell, now,” Aden grinned. “I was wondering when you’d turn up again.”
    â€œI’m here, like a bad penny. Lyzander tells me he saw Albert searching for me? How is that noisy flutter-bug?”
    â€œThat so-called flutter-bug is about to become a father.” Aden moved forward without regard for his own safety and gripped Gregori’s forearms, a huge smile on his face. “With responsibility comes maturity. Don’t let his playfulness fool you into thinking he won’t hunt you down and burn you to a tasty crisp if you so much as harm a single soul.”
    â€œAnd it’s wonderful to see you again, too.” Gregori was without a doubt, pleased to see Aden and not at all put off by the threat. “Although I can’t say the same for that sorceress downstairs.” He grasped Aden’s forearms and tugged Aden into an embrace.
    â€œShe saw you?” Aden looked to the stairwell. “And you’re still alive?”
    â€œDo you think I’ve become as dense as the stone I was trapped in?” Gregori lowered his voice and without communicating they both moved to the far wall to ensure they remained unheard. “No one should cross her. She’s more influential than all of Marylebone combined.”
    â€œMore importantly, Anton is not happy. He’s pissed and he said to tell you ‘forty-eight hours before deadline, as discussed.’ Eleisha is even more displeased that you didn’t stop by to say hello. Whether you’re successful or not in your hunt, I’ve received instructions to craft another stone dragon strong enough to hold you for all eternity if necessary.”
    â€œGo ahead and craft one. It won’t be needed. If necessary, I’ll put you in it instead.” Gregori put a finger to Aden’s shoulder and made a sucking noise with his tongue and teeth. “After I’ve drained most of your magic, I’d ensorcel you easily.”
    â€œYou forget. I know you.”
    â€œYou shouldn’t be so confident. Being stuck in stone for ten years has left me feeling as twitchy as a glow-worm in daylight. I may have told Anton I’ll return in ten days’ time, but I’m now telling you, there’s no way I’m going back into stone of any shape or form.”
    Alarm flared in Aden’s chest. He inspected Gregori’s aura. He was under control but there were flares of red, shooting out indiscriminately. “What will you do? Rescind your magic? Become mortal?”
    â€œThat would be as bad as being imprisoned. No. If I fail, I will have to go rogue.”
    Aden’s eyes widened as alarm sparked embers of fear in his gut. “Are you crazy?”
    â€œMaybe Alanna will go with me.”
    â€œYou can’t force her to love you.”
    â€œI don’t need to love her to bind my magic with her.”
    â€œShe has to come willingly. You know that. Or it won’t work. Plus there’s the small problem of her being mortal and magic bound.”
    Gregori glared at him. “Why the Bells tolled for me so early is a complete