As though the beast would suddenly revive itself and charge her once more, Will instinctively gripped her wrist and pulled her back away. "Don't." He warned quietly and added a "please" as an afterthought. An ocean might separate them where it used to be a mere stream, but he still would do anything to protect her. Even risking his own reputation in the process.

The bird escaped from Irvingly? How the bloody hell had it been allowed to get this far? Already, William knew he'd be confronting whomever was in charge of such things in the nearby future. Dangerous creatures weren't to be permitted to roam in such a populated area. Such was how people - Diana - got hurt. What were they to do with it in the meantime? As much as Will wanted to escort her safely home, he couldn't leave the bird to awaken and terrorize someone else.

He looked hesitantly towards Mrs. Wellington. There was little chance the woman would be willing to leave them to find help. "Is it usually this aggressive?" He asked dumbly, as though Diana had any great experience with such a creature.