[ his heart is beating too hard in his chest, so hard it is almost painful. but he raises his chin at lucifer's orders, at esther's words. he's never asked about what came before, never asked esther to explain what binds her to their master beyond servitude, and now isn't the time for either. it's hardly even time for him to be drawing conclusions or noting the strength of the bond between them. but he does anyway, even when she turns on her heel and he has to take the steps two at a time to keep up with them.

( he never feels his age so keenly as when all three of them are focused on one task and he has to scramble to keep close. )

and when the doors bang open, he's wetting his lips, clearing his throat. he's very much the lawyer he should have become in this moment. his power is vibrating at the back of his throat and when he speaks it comes crackling along his tongue and lips, as if his words are tangible. ]

Hold your peace, Grigori. None of you wish to fight us. Be still and let us pass, and things shall be easier for us all, won't they? There's no sense in a fight, not when we come in peace.

[ please work, please work, please work... ]