“At least I understand her. At least I am willing to give her what she needs.”“You’re willing to give her what she wants. That’s not the same thing. I’m not afraid to push her where she needs to be.”“Perhaps you push too hard.”“Did she say that?”Asmoday flashes a white smile. “She does not have to.”

“Asmoday.” She brushes her lips against his forehead. “You stupid, stupid idiot.” Kisses each of his cheeks. “Why did you do that, you big dummy?”He smiles at her. “I am not an expert, but I am fairly certain those are not correct terms of endearment.”

“I pledged my allegiance to Apophis, but I am only allied with Keely. Whatever she needs of me, I will offer her.”

“You do not realize the power you have over me,” Asmoday says quietly. He brushes the hair from her shoulders.Keely’s body goes rigid. “What do you mean?” She doesn’t want power over anybody.“You could so easily destroy me,” he says matter-of-factly.”

“You are not afraid of me at all, are you?”Keely swallows. She is, but at this point, what does she have to lose? “No, I’m not. Irritated, infuriated, disgusted, yes. But afraid? No.”He leans forward again. “Those are passionate feelings.”She sighs. “Those are bad feelings.”

“Where is he?”“Through the rabbit hole, Alice,” Asmoday instructs, gesturing with a sweep of his hand in the direction of the door.“Off to see the Mad Hatter, I suppose.”“Indeed.”“So,” Keely asks as she brushes past her brother, hand on the door knob. “What’s that make you? Twiddle Dee or Twiddle Dum?”

“Because they want to know whose side you’re on.”“I am on whatever side you are on,” Asmoday says.”