In this excerpt from "Personal Demon" by Kelley Armstrong, tension builds between Griffin and Karl. Griffin, frustrated, abruptly demands to know if Karl is coming along, showing his impatience. Instead of answering directly, Karl calmly teases Griffin by asking for the "magic word," which implies that he wants a polite request rather than Griffin's abruptness.
Griffin, unable to contain his irritation, walks away while muttering something inaudible. This exchange highlights the dynamic between the two characters, where Griffin's urgency clashes with Karl's playful demeanor, showcasing their contrasting personalities and the underlying camaraderie in their relationship.