“What’s up?” I asked when Faust didn’t speak. He loved doing that.
Faust released a long, dramatic sigh. “The day has finally come.”
“Oh, yeah. It’s the last day of Sagitta’s grace period, huh? He’s going to report back to the temple tomorrow.”
Faust chuckled warmly. “That too. But that’s not what I meant.”
I gasped as a sudden shiver rippled down my body, as if I’d been hit by a cold gust of air. My hand shot out against the tree’s thick trunk to brace myself. In the next few seconds, I felt lighter, and a bit dizzy. Shutting my eyes, I rubbed my forehead and shook off the sensation.
When I opened my eyes again, Faust was floating in front of me.
“Whoa,” I said, startled. I glanced around frantically. “Dude, someone’s gonna see you!”
Faust chuckled, his tail looping back and forth in amusement. “Chase, dear, you are too kind. Don’t worry. As my former host, you’re the only person who can see me.”
That was a relief. I didn’t want him to get in trouble, or worse, give a random passerby a heart attack from seeing a flying purple demon.
Then his words sunk in.
“Did you say former host?” I asked quietly.
Faust lounged horizontally in midair, bracing his sharp elbow against nothing. Watching him float in front of me was jarring and surreal.
“I sure did,” he replied. “And you’ve been a wonderful host to boot. Except for all the donuts you wouldn’t let me eat...”
Confusion and a weird flash of disappointment hit me.
“Wait, what are you saying?” I asked. “I’m not... You’re not possessing me anymore?”
“That is precisely what I’m saying,” Faust confirmed.
“Why?”
Faust tossed his horned head back and laughed. “Humans are adorable. You get attached so easily.”
I frowned. Had I really grown attached to the demon lord possessing my body? The one who caused scenes, got me fired, and constantly made annoying comments?
“I guess we do,” I admitted, surprised at my own realization.
“Cheer up, darling. It’s not the end of the world.” Faust grinned. His fangs gleamed supernaturally bright, almost glowing. “You have Sagitta now, remember?”
My heart skipped a beat just hearing his name. I was stupidly, deeply in love.
“Yeah,” I murmured. “But what about you? Is that seriously all you wanted? To see me fall in love with the guy who was supposed to exorcise you?”
“Yes. And it’s been fun. You two put on quite a show,” Faust said, still grinning his catlike grin.
My mind boggled. Faust was playing games outside the scope of human knowledge. I was so fucking confused. And honestly, a little bit sad.
“Okay... Well, I’m glad our relationship entertained you. But if you’re not possessing me, what are you gonna do? Finally go wreak havoc and raze buildings and shit?”
Faust shot me a deadpan look.
“I’m joking. Mostly,” I added.
“Hmm. The more you joke, the more it appeals to me...”
I pointed a finger at him. “Don’t raze anything. Don’t even think about it.”
