This of all things makes Melek grin again, a sharp, too-pleased expression. "Self-defense is sensible," he says, approving, like Devin has actually asked for his approval in the first place. "Murder on sight is fun, but not always practical. You know, you don't have the attitude of a genocidal maniac?"

A rational person would have stepped away. Melek is not even approaching that vicinity. "Yes genocide, no to mania," Melek says aloud, not really asking, just considering.