"Who you are always matters less than what you choose to do next." Kahl chose to let him try, and he's choosing to let it continue, even knowing that he could demand it to be over and Zerxus would listen. It's a stunning lack of selfishness compared to the other god in the room.

Who, at this moment, mutters, "At least I'm not the only one forced to listen to that."

Zerxus rolls his eyes before reaching out to squeeze Kahl's hand. Thank you. I love you.

When he rises, so does Asmodeus; they step forward and meet in the middle, facing each other. As always, Zerxus needs to look up. "I won't give you any more power over me than you already have. But I'll do my best to put you in a better position."

"On your boat, I suppose? Where I can earn my redemption?" His golden eyes gleam with vicious disdain, tail lashing behind him like an angry cat's.

Zerxus shrugs, and crosses his arms. "Take it or leave it."

They both know that Asmodeus is too arrogant to think he can't outwit the Admiral; the curt nod is all but inevitable. "Tell me if there's anything you need from me, beyond what I've already promised."

"I would really appreciate it if you didn't harm anyone else either, but we've been there before." It's also inevitable that the smugly satisfied grin makes Zerxus want to either shatter his fangs or -

He steps back, swallowing hard as his arm fall to his sides. With a nod to Kahl, "We can go." Before he can actually turn away, though, Asmodeus waves a hand and Zerxus feels the chains turning molten and fusing together, fabric stretching and tearing and mending itself. At first it's a relief - maybe he'll be in armour again, or at least a gambeson, or -

Then he looks down.