In this passage, the narrator reflects on their role as a maternal figure, emphasizing the instinct to protect their group. They take pride in witnessing the young characters display natural, fierce reactions when threatened, which shows their protective and nurturing instincts.

"As a maternal figure, I always try to keep the flock safe, of course. But I admit, it did my heart proud to see the instant blood-lust pop into Gazzy's blue eyes and to see little Angel automatically tense up and get into fighting stance, ready to rip someone's head off. They were just so - so dang adorable, sometimes."