Page 5

Annoth

I withdraw and consider how to move forward.

This human is clearly either incredibly weak or incredibly obstinate and lazy.

It could take months for me to get a foothold in his mind, such that I could truly control him.

But I cannot give up. Recall back to the Seventh Tower is only an option for those who have failed so miserably in their mission that they are cast into the flames alongside the souls of sinners.

I will not suffer that fate. I have only two options: find a way to control Theodore Keating, or… an exorcism.

Exorcism would remove me from his body and send me back to the Seventh Tower, and would not be seen as a failure on my part.

I would not be punished, merely retrained and sent back to find a new, more willing host. Yes, this could be my way out, but I must be cautious.

Exorcisms are dangerous things, and if done incorrectly, they can kill the host body, which would also kill me.

I must keep Theodore Keating alive and I must ensure his cooperation.

There are risks, but I have always been one for efficiency, and I cannot bear this frustration a moment longer.

Slowly, so as not to wake Theodore, who is asleep on the couch now, I pull myself from his body and allow my shadows to coalesce into a form that is at least human enough to operate the cellular phone laying beside his head.

Thankful that I observed him operating the device before, I use his forefinger to open the screen, then pick it up and tap the various buttons.

Once I find the Internet, I am able to quickly search for what I need: a priest, trained in exorcisms, who can arrive as quickly as possible and rid me of this troublesome and exhausting man.