Jack Bontham was walking along Lush Lane, one of the streets in the infamous Devil's Acre neighborhood, which once served as a prison for those who violated the laws of the Strange World. Now it was more decent here, with residential buildings and well-maintained facades. Jack, surrounded by several soldiers who had accompanied him to London, looked around the neighborhood with annoyance.

"Where's the girl, you idiots?" He suddenly growled, realizing that the child he wanted to take with him was missing from his companions. In the cage next to him, in the body of a bird, sat the real Alma Peregrine. She seemed to be laughing a little at her brother's aggressive concern. Jack, who had once abused his sister, now showed strange concern for the girl. In response to her bird-like giggles, he shot Alma a warning look, demanding that she stop.

However, his irritation turned to relief when he saw the girl, out of breath, catching up with them. "Were we walking so fast that she fell behind? Did you feed her at all? Or have you forgotten that there is an ordinary person among us?" his voice was saturated with sarcasm and contempt for his soldiers.

Alma, sitting in her cage behind her brother, watched the child with care. Her maternal instincts told her that the girl needed help, but Jack made it clear to her that this was his ward, and Alma's interference was unacceptable, even in her bird form. Sighing, Alma turned away, realizing that now was not the time or place to argue with her brother.

Jack noticed this and turned his attention back to the soldiers. "If any of you make such a mistake again, I will personally deal with him. We are not here for walks, but for business. Do you understand me?" His voice was cold and stern, leaving no room for doubt. The soldiers nodded silently, realizing the seriousness of the threat.

Jack's gaze returned to the girl. "Come here," he said, softening his tone. "You have to stay close. This is not a place for games." The girl obediently came closer, and he put his hand on hers.