[i]So is this your true form, then, Maria Goethe? Or is there something deeper still?[/i]

"'Fraid you've made two mistakes, Lady. The first is assuming I care about what happens to the Compact. No sense hiding it if you already know, we have a relationship of mutual manipulation. I use them because I can't be everywhere at once, and I like the way they operate, and they use me because the strength of a magical girl is no joke, as I'm sure you know.

"The second mistake is appealing to my sense of justice. I couldn't give less of a damn if the city descends into anarchy and becomes the territory of witches. Every damned human here could die for all I care. They're all garbage to begin with. You, your political struggle, the state of Aurora, Incubators, the 'law,' all of it can crumble. Me, all I want is to have fun."

She took a moment to take another sip of milk, seeming oblivious to the dark aura that had engulfed the room. The balance of power had shifted dramatically, but it wasn't like Chloe was out of bargaining chips either.

"I don't like being threatened, though I can't say I didn't see it coming. I'll take your threat as fair play. The truth is," Chloe continued as she stood out of her chair. Sitting was awkward for her when she was transformed, and standing just felt a little more natural. "I just want what's best for me, see. I won't ever be loyal to you, because I... I just can't. I'm not loyal to the Compact, or to Aurora or anybody but myself. That said, you," she said as she pointed to Maria, before shifting her hand and gaze to where Eponine was sitting, seeming a bit shaken by the ordeal, "and you. You're fun. It seems like interesting stuff might happen around you. And one day, if I go along with this charade, I might get to fight you guys fair. Maybe even kill you. I wouldn't be bored for like a week if that happens. Or maybe I'll die. Won't ever be bored again that way either."

This was a lot of talking, more than Chloe was used to doing all at once, though it was her own fault for her rambling way of speaking to others, she knew. "So... fine. Because it's interesting, I'll let you use me in whatever game you have concocted. But I won't... [i]can't[/i] promise loyalty. I might kill you one day. Or smash up your house. Or even betray you. There's just no other option for me. You've gotta take it or leave it, Lady. But it might do you some good to discuss that with your subordinates, they might be a bit restless with the idea."