Damian strongly doubts that there exist more ominous words than those. His chest tightens with something he'd never categorize as fear, what little cheering up Stephanie had done the day before fading into the wisp of a half-forgotten memory. This is it, then.

Drawing himself to his full height (very tall for his age, but hardly imposing compared to his father), Damian stands with his shoulders back and his head held level. Careful to keep eye contact, he drops his earlier attitude, replying in a deceptively calm voice, "If you're about to dismiss me, I'd prefer to stay standing."