But you were gone. That is still the transgression.

[he doesn't care why Zhongli had to leave the city, and while he does know why, the fact still remains. he'd been left to his own devices, with the corruption tainting his thoughts, pulling him away from the warm hold Zhongli has on him instead]

You left when I needed you... It was hard today. Hard to keep my head, and now... [just a little more pressure on Zhongli's neck; he wants to feel that struggle] It's taken over again, Zhongli.

[what can the deity do to help Dohalim believe him? he isn't sure. he's just so angry that Zhongli left, and without telling him! he'd relied on a servant to tell him, instead. fingers tremble slightly in that anger, as he lets out a frustrated sound]

You... You didn't come to see me before you left. What was I to believe? I reached for you with our bond, and yet... You did not come. You were gone.

[hands squeeze then, effectively cutting off Zhongli's airway. the frenzied look in his widened eyes as he watches. there is one way Zhongli could convince him to believe his words; the god is under at his service, after all. and Dohalim finds himself not caring if Zhongli says no]