The snap washes right over him, right through him; it takes quite a lot for a harsh word to ring in his ears, at this point.

It's the quiet, steady confirmation that does it. His gasp is as pained as it is surprised.

The worst part is, he can't even argue. For a long moment he just stares, stricken and stubborn, as if he could find some way to pick it apart - but he just can't. What does he say, that Steve matters more than all of those people just because Zerxus loves him? That they're worthless in the face of his own feelings?

That kind of shit is how you get Asmodeus in the first place.

Finally, low and hoarse, "What did you agree to?"