Drawing up sharply, Kiki inhaled a long breath of realization. "That's it," she said softly, almost to herself. She looked over at Bel. "It's easier for you to believe that she has been tricked all along and has given up her free will than it is for you to consider that she might be doing this because it is her choice, isn't it?"

Kiki dug her fingers into the cushions of the couch and waited for the fireballs to start flying.