Inside the Office of Wolfram & Hart
Spotty’s Perspective
Spotty didn’t flinch when Angelus lunged. His predictable rage was like clockwork, and she had planned every movement in advance. At the last moment, she stepped smoothly to the side, her crystalline blue eyes flashing with controlled precision. She grabbed his fist mid-swing, twisting his fingers apart with effortless strength. The loud pop echoed in the room as one of his fingers broke, and she plucked the ring with the Gem of Amara from his hand as if taking candy from a child.
Spotty held the ring up, its gem catching the faint light of the office, her smirk widening. “Now, Angelus,” she said, her voice laced with amusement, “since you’re not immortal anymore, how about that peaceful chat?” She gave him a mockingly apologetic look. “And sorry about that broken finger. Occupational hazard, you understand.”
She turned slightly to glance at Ila, who was casually standing in front of Marcus Hamilton. Of course she’d already have him neutralized before he even tried anything. Red-haired, amber-eyed menace indeed.
Ila’s Perspective
Ila barely moved as Angelus lunged at Spotty, her amber eyes tracking the vampire with mild disinterest. Predictable. This one’s all temper and no brains. Spotty’s going to eat him alive—metaphorically, of course. She shifted her focus to Marcus Hamilton, who seemed poised to spring into action but hadn’t yet committed.
With a lazy step, Ila positioned herself directly in front of him. She tilted her head, a sly grin playing on her lips. “I’d sit this one out, big guy,” she said, her tone casual but firm. “You might be strong, but trust me, you don’t want to see what happens if you take another step.”
Ila allowed her gaze to flicker toward Spotty for a moment, watching her dismantle Angelus with clinical efficiency. There she goes, showing off again. She couldn’t help but smirk at how easily Spotty made it look.
Angelus’ Perspective
Angelus roared as he lunged at Spotty, his blood boiling with rage. No one mocks me and gets away with it! But as he swung, she sidestepped effortlessly, and suddenly his fist was in her grip. He felt a sharp pain as his fingers were twisted apart, and a sickening pop echoed in his ears. His anger turned to shock as he watched her pull the Gem of Amara from his finger.
The realization hit him like a freight train. She took the ring. She took the goddamn ring. His eyes widened as the absence of its protective power washed over him. Vulnerability—a feeling he hadn’t experienced in centuries—clawed at him, and for a brief moment, fear crept into his mind.
Spotty’s smirking face brought him back to the present. “Now, Angelus,” she said, holding the ring like a trophy, “since you’re not immortal anymore, how about that peaceful chat?” The casual mention of his broken finger only stoked his fury, but he stayed frozen, calculating his next move. I have to find a way to get that ring back. Without it, I’m nothing more than a glorified punching bag.
Marcus Hamilton’s Perspective
Marcus Hamilton watched the chaos unfold with a mixture of annoyance and grudging respect. She’s good. Too good. He had expected Angelus’ impulsive nature to backfire, but he hadn’t anticipated how swiftly Spotty would neutralize him. The sound of the broken finger and the sight of the Gem of Amara being ripped from Angelus’ hand were almost surreal.
His own instincts told him to intervene, but Ila’s sudden presence in front of him gave him pause. Her amber eyes glinted with a dangerous confidence that matched her relaxed posture. She’s blocking me, and I know better than to underestimate someone who’s this calm.
“I’d sit this one out, big guy,” Ila said, her tone light but carrying an edge. Hamilton clenched his fists but didn’t move. For now, I’ll wait. She’s trying to bait me, and I’m not falling for it.
The Exchange
Spotty held the ring up, examining it with mock interest as Angelus glared at her, seething with a mixture of fury and dread. “You’re going to regret that,” Angelus hissed through gritted teeth, his other hand twitching as if itching to strike again.
“Am I?” Spotty replied, her crystalline blue eyes sparkling with amusement. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re the one in trouble.” She tilted her head. “Now, do you want to play nice, or should I show you what happens when I stop being gentle?”
Ila chuckled from across the room, crossing her arms as she watched Marcus Hamilton remain perfectly still. “Told you to sit this one out,” she said to him. “Good choice.”
Hamilton didn’t respond, his jaw tightening as he tried to gauge their next move. This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.
Angelus’ glare shifted to Ila, then back to Spotty. “Fine,” he snarled, his voice dripping with venom. “Let’s talk.”
Spotty’s smirk deepened, and she twirled the Gem of Amara between her fingers. “Good boy.” She glanced at Ila. “I think we’re finally making progress.”