Since being bashed into the floor of Stark Tower by the Hulk, Loki has gotten much better at guessing when and where he is outmatched. Less arrogant and more canny. (Thor will always confound his expectations, but otherwise...) The Universality of the natural world, the faceless dark of the Void, and the chill of Death will nearly always defeat simple divinity in a raw contest of power. Which is why he would never come at Hazel head-on with demands. He would certainly try to trick her, if he could think of a way, and perhaps he was considering methods until he sensed the veil and what is about to happen here. But now, it's too late to worry about that. Now, his concern is to escape with his psyche intact.

He can hear the angry spirits hovering, draws himself up a little, fingers uncurling in preparation to defend himself in some way, should it become necessary, but then the hot little voices of rage are swept away by a presence so much greater, a voice both terrifying and reassuring.

He already knows, even before Hazel's mouth opens. He brought this on himself; there is no one else to blame. He never even warned Thor he was going to attempt this.

"Mother." Color dissolves from his face, and his voice is a dry whisper. "Am I lying? Am I not beyond mercy by now?"