"So, if I am understanding this with accuracy," the Asgardian prince said as he gazed upon the city below them from the top of the tower, "These heartless creature are empty vessels with no hearts of their own, yet are powerful and capable enough to create destruction."

He watched as the Midgardians below went on about their ordinary lives so ignorant of what was to come next for them as he watched them from above.

"Quite capable," the witch replied, "They'd be a more than delightful addition to your army, don't you think."

The prince's lips curled. "Indeed they would," he said not yet turning his attention to the woman he was speaking to, "but I must ask. Nothing comes without a price. What do you seek for me to give you in return for your generosity?"

"It seems you are not the fool your dear brother seems to be," she replied, "I, of course, require payment for this extra power you desire."

The witch strode forward and stepped next to the power hungry prince and soon to be tyrant. "Once you claim this world as your own, I want the heartless of those who S.H.I.E.L.D. calls the Avengers for my own army," she said, "including that foolish brother of yours. That can be arranged, can't it, Loki?"

With a chuckle he turned to face the witch. "Indeed," he said with a sadistic grin, "I can most certainly arrange for that."

The witch smiled. "Then I believe we have a deal."

"It seems so," he said. He gripped his scepter in his hand and looked back down on the people below. Any hope they had of being protected by his pesky brother and his team had now been destroyed, for his army would be even more powerful than either of them had initially planned.