It's tragic and just like them, to probably only get one or the other, Lucifer in all his power but lost to them, or Lucifer damaged but loving. Istredd asked the direct question because he knew the answer already but it had to be said. "I guess just enjoy it while we can, then, right?" If they get a few decades before it ends, it's better than none.

He is already feeling slightly vulnerable because of that, but there is a flicker of warning in his eyes when Lucifer brings up the Brotherhood. His hand drops away. There is no easy way to feel about it. "That's just ... how it has to be. It's necessary." Something twists in his stomach. "I know that sounds like I'm defending them but I am one of the rebellious ones. I push back." And yet he comes back when they call. Like all of his class, and the classes before him. The biggest rebellion he can accomplish is arguing, not actually escaping.

This is a testy subject because childhood brainwashing through fear and control, not always easy to shake. And he knows that, logically, but again, emotions. Difficult. "It's best to not dwell, that's all. What happened, happened." Obviously a thing he's told himself before in order to move on and focus on his life.