Shock and Awe

Ronan walked the halls like he owned them again. It wasn't perfect, but it was close. Students flinched when he passed, whispering when they thought he wasn't listening. His lackeys had returned too, orbiting him like they always had, but they were more careful now. They laughed at his jokes and nodded when he spoke, but I could see the hesitation in their movements. They weren't sure if the Ronan they knew was really back.

I watched from a distance and noticed the subtle differences, but not in a way most people could put a finger on. His arrogance was still there, but it wasn't quite so flamboyant or aggressive anymore. His cruelty wasn't random–though it never truly was–, now he picked his targets much more carefully, measured his words, only striking when necessary as opposed to when opportunity arose.