Even Meesei could not maintain complete composure in Molag Bal's presence. She jumped slightly upon being startled by his voice, and her breathing was somewhat irregular. Regardless, she held more confidence than most could in her position. "I seek to prove no one's worthiness, Molag Bal. My sole goal is the defeat of our mutual enemy, and it is the [i]only[/i] reason I have summoned you." 

Even though it was more expected this time, there was nothing that could quite prepare one completely to hear the Daedra's voice. "My thralls have already given their services to fighting the whelp Vile. What more would you have the gall to ask of [i]me[/i]?"

Meesei motioned her hand towards the axe in Kaleeth's hands. "This axe was forged from Vile's own essence. It is one of his relics, and I am sure you know what power that can hold over him, if applied correctly. If empowered by another Daedra, this axe could drain him of all of the power he has stolen from Mundus. That is what I ask of you, Molag Bal." 

The voice of an angry Daedric Prince was not something that one would particularly want to hear at any point in their lifetime, but it was now booming through the entire chamber. "Insolent mortal. You dare to demand power from the Lord of Domination? Clavicus Vile is an irritant and a fool, but he is of no threat to [b]me[/b]. Your world means nothing to me; I allow my thralls to help you because watching them fight amuses me. You want my power, but what are you willing to...sacrifice for it?"

There was a pause from Meesei, and several looks of worry from the pack. This was what many of them, at least in the back of their minds, had been fearing. It was what the council feared when Meesei had suggested using Molag Bal to empower the axe. They were asking for a great deal, and Molag Bal could demand a high price for it. However, Meesei had also been thinking, researching, planning. She had poured over every bit of knowledge they had on the subject in preparation for this moment, and she replied in a way that even her own pack would not have expected. She was calling his bluff. 

"Nothing." Meesei replied sharply, with a firm demeanor. "There will be no sacrifice, Molag Bal. Because you cannot afford a victory from Vile any more than we can. There is a reason far greater than pride and ambition that Daedric Princes, yourself included, have sought to conquer Nirn countless times through the ages. There is power here: the power of every Aedra involved in its creation. A Daedra absorbing the power of Nirn would grant that Daedra a kind of power unmatched by any other being in all of Aurbis. Aetherius and Oblivion would all eventually belong to Vile, should he gain that power. And...I happen to know that defeating Vile in his realm will offer any other Daedra with a presence in his realm the opportunity to steal some of his power. My master will undoubtedly claim some, as will the Daedra that empowers this axe. If you are too [i]afraid[/i] of taking the risk required to claim Vile's power, then I will find another Daedra who will. Perhaps [i]Meridia[/i] will enjoy having even more leverage over you?" 

It could not be overstated how terrifying the roar that filled the chamber was after Meesei's response, particularly after invoking the name of one of Molag Bal's greatest rivals. There was one cultist onlooker that took the chance to slip out of the exit while no one was paying attention to him. "Worthless insect! I will [b]crush[/b] you! I will grind your bones to dust and cast your soul into the pits of Coldharbour! Your pathetic mind cannot begin to grasp the nature of the Daedra. You think yourself worthy of wielding [i]my[/i] power against Vile when you cannot even best [i]one[/i] of my servants. After she crushes you, they will claim Vile's trinket, and I shall have his power for my own." 

For the pack, it seemed to be that the worst outcome was unfolding. Lorag had his hammer in his hands before Molag Bal had even finished speaking, and Kaleeth brought the Rueful Axe into a defensive stance. However, Meesei took a step forward, in front of her pack, and held her hand out to motion for them to stop. "Wait." She ordered. Hal-Neesa, hearing her master's demand, had stepped to the center of the chamber, but she was the only one. The rest, even Llarvan, were still standing back near the walls, observing. Meesei had heard Molag Bal's words clearly, and she saw only one way remaining to still possibly gain Molag Bal's assistance.