"I can assure you your species had different ideas about that just a few centuries ago," Lucifer said. "And I am not saying this with any amount of glee; I would also not hurt a child under-- almost-- any circumstance."

He studied Duke's face.

"Even if you hadn't gotten all of this-- extra baggage along with it, I believe previous experience has shown us that making that choice condemns you to being maneuvered into situations where you have to murder people," he said. "How many adult lives are worth one infant?"