“I do know,” Daemon shouted. “I grew up under that bitch’s control. I do know.”

Her anger couldn’t match his, especially when he’d been able to put his finger on every doubt she had about succeeding. “You have a better idea?”

“Yes, Surreal, I have a better idea,” Daemon replied coldly.

Surreal licked her lips, took a careful breath. “I could help, create a diversion or something. Hell’s fire, Daemon, those people are my family, too, the first family I’ve ever had. They mean something to me. Let me help.”

Something queer filled his eyes as he stared at her. “Yes,” he said in a silky croon, “I think you could be very helpful.” His voice shifted, became irritated and efficient as he looked over the supplies piled on her bed. “At least you had the good sense to realize you would need to bring your own food and water since you won’t be able to trust consuming anything that might be there.” He headed for the door. “I’ll need a couple more hours. Then we’ll go.”

“But—” The look he gave her had her backing down. “A couple of hours,” she agreed.

It wasn’t until he was gone that she began to wonder just what it was she had agreed to do.

Little fool, Daemon thought as he stormed back to Jaenelle’s workroom. Idiot. If the kitchen staff hadn’t mentioned that Surreal had requested a similar food pack, he wouldn’t have known she was planning to go to Hayll, wouldn’t have been prepared to deal with her presence. Oh, he could use her help in this game. It hadn’t taken him more than a minute to recognize how many ways she could help. But, damn it, if she’d gone in and gotten everyone riled before he arrived…He had to buy Jaenelle seventy-two hours. A straight, clean fight would have gotten the others out, but it wouldn’t have done that.

So he would play out his game—and Surreal would have a chance to dance with the Sadist.

He walked into the workroom and snarled at Jaenelle, “I’ll need a couple more items.”

Her eyes widened when he told her what he wanted, but she didn’t say anything except, “I think I’d better give you a Ring that has a shield no one can get through.”

Since he figured both Lucivar and Surreal would want to tear his heart out in a few hours’ time, he thought that was an excellent idea.

The three of them stood outside the room that held the Dark Altar at the Keep.

Jaenelle hugged Surreal. “May the Darkness embrace you, Sister.”

“We’ll get them back,” Surreal said, returning the hug. “Count on it.” Glancing at Daemon, she went into the Altar’s room and quietly closed the door.