I will return

52

I see through Fred's eyes, or well, what is now *my* body. It took a while to master this costume, but practice makes perfect. I'm at the bus stop, watching people come and go. In this town, faces change little and rumors spread quickly, but what no one here imagines is that I have managed to take over at least 60% of its inhabitants. Every movement is watched and manipulated from the shadows... by me.

I look around me. There are people walking and talking, some of them under my control, some of them not, but I know for sure who is on my side. The funny thing is, as I watched all those bodies walking around like they were normal people, I finally understood something about this massive mastery I've achieved.

The purple demons of Daemon Ritus are back, but this time it's different. Instead of fighting for control of the bodies of the souls I stole, they have volunteered, giving me their unreserved loyalty. That changes everything. Last time in the prison, and before that in the city, he could only control a few like puppets, automatons without will of their own. Now, however, the demons have become my extensions, giving a more human appearance to my minions and making my influence much deeper, almost as if *they* were the original inhabitants of the town.

While I'm thinking about all this, the bus arrives, and I instantly notice Daphne getting off. Nothing has changed in all these years, she is still just as beautiful, as if the 22 years that have passed had had no effect on her. Something in her bearing and expression remains intact, the same as the last time I saw her. I make sure to put the appropriate expression on Fred's face as she approaches and smile at him, maintaining my composure.

"Daphne!" —I make "Fred" say enthusiastically—. It's nice to see you again.

She smiles, with that same warmth as always, and introduces herself, without noticing that behind those eyes is the same Scrappy from years ago, managing everything with precision.

—Do you want to go have a coffee? —I ask her, seeking to gain more time to observe her, analyze every detail.

"Sure, Fred," she answers.

And as we walk to the cafe, I know that everything is going exactly as I planned.