Spotty’s Unexpected Visit

The Broken Comet

The dive bar’s dim, smoky atmosphere shifted abruptly as a shimmering golden portal appeared in the center of the room. Conversations faltered and drinks were set down as all eyes turned toward the swirling vortex. A sense of unease rippled through the patrons, the air growing heavier with the realization that whatever—or whoever—was coming through was nothing ordinary.

When Empress Spotty stepped through, her crystalline blue eyes scanned the room with a mix of casual amusement and cold authority. Her beauty was striking, her presence commanding, and her reputation unmistakable. Behind her, Kismet, her sleek black feline companion, trotted out with all the grace and confidence of someone who owned the place.

The bar fell silent.

Spotty

Spotty’s gaze swept over the room, pausing briefly on each group before settling on the table of mercenaries in the corner. Her lips curled into a slight, almost playful smile, though her crystalline eyes glinted with something far darker. She began walking toward them, her steps measured and deliberate.

When she spoke, her voice was rich and smooth, carrying a mix of warmth and menace that sent chills down the spines of everyone present. "Now, my good people," she began, her tone deceptively gentle, "if someone were to offer you a job like that, I trust you would refuse and come to me to notify me about it?"

She leaned slightly closer, her crystalline eyes locking onto the group, daring them to look away. "You would, of course, be well rewarded."

The room seemed to hold its breath, the silence punctuated only by the soft swish of Kismet’s tail as he leapt gracefully onto the mercenaries’ table, his golden eyes sharp and unblinking.

"And as for the fate of Kren Malis and his crew, well…"

Spotty’s voice trailed off, and suddenly, without warning, the mercenaries’ minds were filled with vivid, horrifying visions.