When the Mask Slips

How Power Exposes the Demons in Sheep's Clothing

"The Representation of Humanity... Give a Mortal a little authority, and they will show their true colors. Demons hiding in sheep's clothing."
— My Three Wives Are Beautiful Vampires: Book 25, Victor Weismann

The Unmasking Moment

We’ve all witnessed it:

• The coworker who gets promoted and suddenly forgets your name

• The kind boss who turns ruthless after a boardroom victory

• The activist who abandons their cause once they gain influence

It’s not that power corrupts. It reveals. Like sunlight hitting a prism, authority shows what was already there, just hidden.

Why Good People Do Bad Things

The science behind the transformation:

• The "Moral License" Effect: "I struggled to get here, so I deserve special treatment."

• Empathy Erosion: Power literally dulls our ability to see others as fully human

• The Isolation Trap: Leaders often surround themselves with yes-men, losing touch with reality

But here’s what matters most: This isn’t inevitable. Awareness is the antidote.

If You’re Suffering Under Someone’s New Power

What helps when you’re hurting:

• Remember it’s not about you
  Their behavior reflects their inner world, not your worth. The kindest people often take the blame, don’t.

• Protect your light
  Journal. Call the friend who knew you before this mess. Reconnect with what makes you you outside this situation. If possible, remove yourself from the situation before it turns you to those you despise (speaking from experience)

• Wait with wisdom
  Document patterns quietly. Tyrants almost always overplay their hand. The same traits that got them power will be their undoing.

A Reminder:

Power is a test you don’t know you’re taking
The real measure of someone’s character isn’t how they act at the bottom, but how they behave when no one can say "no."

That "demon" isn’t some mythical beast. It’s the ugly potential in all of us, waiting for the right conditions to surface. Power isn’t the problem; unchecked humanity is.

Question to ponder:
"When has power—yours or someone else’s—surprised you?"