DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN INUYASHA!

Shadowed Choices
The night cast silvery shadows onto the floor, their pale hands reaching up to my futon. Outside the moon floated elegantly upon the starry sky; her gown of silver light trailing behind her, she poured soft light upon the ground. A shadow wavered in passing across the floor. I shook my head. I must be imagining things...yet...I had this odd feeling I was being watched. It had become almost a constant awareness recently...well...as recent as seven months can be considered. My mind chided the foolishness of even considering such silly notions. Flying shadows, indeed!

The thread of thought broke suddenly.

A breath caught in my throat as someone materialised from the darkness. He looked to be of high status, judging by his finery and decorated robes. His silver-spun hair set out the smouldering golden flames within his eyes.

I had never been more entranced in my entire life. All I could see...feel...was this amazing being before me. He moved closer, kneeling before my futon, and looked up at me. His eyes were mesmerizing: burning, but amazingly tender.

"Who...?"my words startled the silence between us, and made my heart flinch.

He continued to look at me in wonder, and I barely heard him murmur.

"Beautiful...so beautiful."

I blushed, and thanked the gods for the darkness's shade. I was stunned. He wasn't human, I knew that by his demeanour, his incredible beauty, the markings on his face...yet somehow, I wasn't afraid. Somehow...he found me beautiful. Some part of my mind whispered in the distance that it was all a ploy, and I felt brazen realising I didn't care. I didn't care if it was a lie...if he was a lie...if it was all just a wonderful dream...He sighed, and broke my reverie. Gently, he brought up a hand and tangled it in my hair, it was then I noticed he had claws...what should have raised warning signs floated away with the sound of his voice.

"What is your name...maiden?"

"Izayoi..."my voice trembled.

"You do not fear me..."

"No, my lord" I answered more bravely than I felt.

I could almost see him smile in the dim light streaming in through my window.

Continuing to play with my hair, he leaned in closer and I heard him inhale.

"Izayoi..." he sighed "you do not deserve this..."

Was he angry? My heart tightened at the thought.

"I...am a very selfish man, and I would have you...though, I fear it may cause you great unhappiness."

"My lord?"

"Would you follow a demon?" his voice was low and infused with such tenderness, it brought tears to my eyes.

"I care not...stay with me" I flinched at my own forwardness, thinking he would be displeased...instead I heard him chuckle lightly.

"You would follow this Inu-no-Taisho, this willingly?"

I half-gasped. I knew he was no human, but I had not expected this. The Inu-no-Taisho! Mutely, I nodded.

"You ought not fear this Inu-no-Taisho." he chided gently "I will not have you harmed."

His candour touched me.

"I was just, surprised. I trust my lord."

"You would trust a man you have only just met?"

"No...I would trust my lord..."

"You are...aware...there shall be consequences..." his concern was tmoving.

I knew what would come to me. I would be happy, and safe, but should anything happen to him I would be left alone, ostracised, frowned upon...still I wanted to choose him...my heart would allow no other path.

"I am aware...but if I have my lord's heart, I shall bear it all."

"You have it...I pledge all I have to you, as my mate."

My heart skipped a beat. Inu-youkais mated for life, and he'd chosen me. Tears spilled before my eyes before I could catch them.

"Why do you weep...beautiful Izayoi?

"It is an honour to be chosen..."

"You know...it's seven moons since this Inu-no-Taisho chose to have you by his side..."

I could only gasp in amazement. Seven moons...so I hadn't been imagining the shadows, the soft sighs I would hear just before the sun rose...the fragrance of wilderness and forest that had somehow made its way into my chamber every day for nigh seven months now...

I was humbled, so I responded the only way my raising had taught me - I bowed.

His hands untangled themselves from my hair, and wrapped themselves around my wrists, pulling me up until I was looking directly into his eyes. The sea of amber drew me in. I knew it then...this would all be short lived...such feelings were not meant to last.

"Be mine" he whispered gently.

His voice resounded through me, and I closed my eyes. This man would be the death of me, still...

"Yes..."

Author's Notes: To all my wonderful friends, and reviewers without whom I would never find the confidence to continue writing: Thank you!