book 7: normalcy

Gil is content to patrol the idea, basically being Jael's bodyguard while she explored. Not that she was in any particular danger or that she couldn't keep herself safe, but still he would stand his ground. Jael was precious, both now to him and Modesty, so no harm would come her way if he had a say.

As he moves, he thinks he hears a rustle in the undergrowth, but pays it no mind for the moment. Lots of animals of all kinds lived throughout the island and it was of no use to be paranoid. That is until the jaguar slunk from the shadows. Its paws against the dirt and snarl in its throat alerted him to its presence. Eyes only for Jael, Gil moves without thinking. Putting himself between Jael and the jaguar, he meets the feline with fangs extended and shoulder braced to stop the cat. Teeth dig into the cat's neck, pushing back against the powerful force of the predator.

Speech