“Yeah,” she sighed, sliding off the bed. “Back into Talon. Back into heavily-armed facilities crawling with security guards and people shooting at us if we’re caught. With no real idea of what we’re actually looking for. What’s one more crazy suicide mission, right?” She grinned at me and held out a hand to pull me to my feet. “We lead an exciting life, huh?”

“Yes, we do,” I agreed, lacing our fingers together as we headed for the door. Riley might see us and be angry, but I wasn’t going to hide what I felt any longer. “And I have a feeling it’s going to get more exciting from here on out.”

When we reentered the living room, a man stood just inside the front door. He was bald, wearing orange robes, and he was talking to Jade in low, furtive Mandarin, while Riley and Wes hovered close by and watched warily.

“What’s going on?” Ember asked as we swept inside.

“No clue,” Riley muttered. “This person showed up a few minutes ago, banging on the door with an ‘urgent message’ for Jade.” He shrugged. “I’m guessing a temple is in danger or a group of monks need her help with St. George.”

“No.” Jade turned to us, her eyes grave. “Worse, I’m afraid. I am needed elsewhere. I will depart tonight.”

“Again?” Riley frowned. “Can’t these monks do anything themselves?”

“It is not the monks,” Jade said. “I have been called home, to China. A summons has been issued, the first one in over two thousand years.” She looked away, her eyes distant and troubled. “The shen-lung are gathering. I must go.”

“You’re not coming back this time, are you?” I said. It was a heavy blow. Jade was not only a powerful, dependable ally; I had come to see her as a friend, as well. The Eastern dragon paused as she glanced at me, her eyes troubled.

“I do not know,” she replied. “Perhaps. I know that our work here, against Talon, is of utmost importance. But this cannot be ignored. My people are a solitary race. A gathering is called only in the most dire circumstances, when the fate of our very existence hangs in the balance. I suspect that the upheaval within the Order and Talon’s move to destroy my kin are at the heart of it. If they have called a summoning, then I must be there.”

Riley shook his head. “Well, if you have to go, we can’t stop you,” he said. “Lousy timing, though. We could’ve really used your help inside Talon. But if this summoning thing is that important...”

“It is. And I am sorry I cannot go with you to Talon. But my duty to my people comes first.”

“Keep in touch,” I told her as Riley crossed his arms. “At least give us a call when you know what’s going on.”