I stood there before the mirror, gazing at myself. The shimmering silver blazer caught the light. Its white collar and cuffs stood out brightly. The khaki pants were yet unstained by ectoplasm and fire. The rapier glittered.

My black hair was neat and tidy. I looked into my own eyes. Unnaturally bright blue and almost seeming to glow, my own gaze unsettled me. That wasn't the worst of it either.

As always when I was alone, my very own evil spirit wasn't controlling me. Paradai was a dark cloud behind me. Dark tendrils extended from the cloud, winding tightly around my chest, arms, and legs.

I reached out for a razor and my hand stopped on its own.

"I don't think so," Paradai's deep voice hissed. "No weapons for you. I can't have my body killing itself."

I grit my teeth. "As if I could kill myself with a razor designed to not cut anything but hair."

The tendrils tightened around my chest. Breathing became a struggle, though not impossible. I gasped, leaning against the sink as I fought to keep breathing evenly.

Keeping the tight hold on me, Paradai hummed in a faintly bored way. If he'd wanted to, the spirit probably would have been tapping his foot.

I had to enjoy this freedom. Despite the restrictions. I didn't get it often. I was forced to surrender control to this spirit. This demon, or whatever it was.

Sure enough, only a few seconds later the shadow behind me faded and I could feel myself being forced back.

From my place imprisoned in mind and body, I saw my reflection blink, then smirk.