Inside the Office of Wolfram & Hart
Spotty’s Perspective
Spotty’s crystalline blue eyes locked onto Marcus Hamilton with an intensity that could freeze lesser beings in their tracks. Her posture was relaxed, her tone calm, but there was an unmistakable authority in her voice as she addressed him.
“Looks like you just got promoted from flunky to boss,” she said, smirking slightly. “I trust you’re going to be more reasonable than your predecessor?”
Her gaze didn’t waver as she continued, her voice sharper now. “Anyway, here’s how this is going to work. You’ll give me access to all your documentation, archives, scans—yes, even the source books that can conjure up any information you or your bosses have. Then you and your men, or constructs, or whatever they are, are going to pack up and leave this universe, never to return. And if I ever catch you here or in any other universe under the Empire’s protection, things are going to end badly. Do we have a deal?”
Spotty’s smirk didn’t falter as she watched for Hamilton’s reaction, her crystalline eyes glinting with a mix of confidence and calculated menace. I’d love to see him try to argue, she thought. Not that it’ll do him any good.
Ila’s Perspective
Ila leaned casually against the wall, her amber eyes sparkling with amusement as she observed the exchange. She’s really laying it on thick, she thought, suppressing a chuckle. Poor Marcus. He has no idea how outmatched he is.
She crossed her arms, glancing briefly at the pile of ash that had once been Angelus. “You know, Marcus,” she said, her voice light and teasing, “she’s being generous right now. You should take the deal while it’s still on the table.”
Ila could feel the tension radiating from Hamilton. He’s pissed, but he knows better than to act on it, she mused, a small smirk tugging at her lips. Smart move.
Marcus Hamilton’s Perspective
Hamilton stood stiffly, his broad shoulders tense as Spotty delivered her ultimatum. His dark eyes flicked briefly to the ashes of Angelus before returning to the imposing figure of Spotty. Promoted to boss, huh? he thought bitterly. More like promoted to sacrificial lamb.
Her demands were clear, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. Documentation, archives, source books... She’s not just here to make a point. She wants everything.
His jaw tightened, and he forced himself to remain calm. I have to play this smart. No sudden moves. No empty threats. She’s already demonstrated she’s willing—and able—to follow through.
After a long pause, Hamilton finally spoke, his voice measured and careful. “You’ve made your point, Empress. I’ll give you access to the archives and the source books. My men will... relocate as you’ve requested.”
He swallowed his pride, his frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. “You have my word that we won’t return to this universe or any others under your protection. But if I may ask, what assurance do I have that you’ll hold up your end of the deal?”
The Exchange
Spotty tilted her head slightly, her smirk widening. “Assurance?” she echoed, her tone dripping with amusement. “Marcus, the fact that you’re still standing here instead of joining your predecessor in the ash pile should be assurance enough.”
Hamilton suppressed a grimace, nodding curtly. “Fair enough,” he said, his voice tight.
Ila snorted softly, shaking her head. “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?” she said, her teasing tone laced with a hint of mock sympathy.
Spotty’s crystalline gaze lingered on Hamilton for a moment longer before she nodded. “Good,” she said simply. “Now, let’s get started. The sooner you cooperate, the sooner you can get out of here.”
Hamilton clenched his fists at his sides, forcing himself to maintain composure. Just play along, he reminded himself. She may have won this round, but the game isn’t over yet.