Word count: 289

An enchantment crept through the small cave where she slept; an enchantment that assured her slumber remained undisturbed while he moved her. He walked in soft footed out of habit, but when he reached her, he couldn't help but hold her immediately. Naraku withheld himself for many winters, but now he savored her warmth. Nestled in his pelt like a little babe, a rosy pink flushed her cheeks and nose, giving her a much younger appearance. His hand shook as he really touched her face for the first time, brushing her short hair away. As soon as he touched her skin, he felt an alarming fever, and she was damp with sweat; he picked her up immediately.

Chapped lips trembled gently from the cold, having her face now exposed to the outside of the warm cave. Looking down fondly at his ward, Naraku began his trek to his castle. A large section had been prepared for her, and many lesser demon servants would be there to help her, though he would be the one closest to her. Images of her healthy, warm, fuller bodied from regular meals, and softer skin from pampering made the evil demon smile; a genuine smile that he would never had thought would cross his lips. He held her close to his chest, and felt the small pitter patter of her heart beat. He had wondered if a human around her would help her cope, but dismissed the thought seeing that she was nearly a beast herself.

A powerful barrier signaled his arrival home, and lesser demons flocked to his feet. Allowing a selected few female demons take his ward to her rooms, Naraku hoped she would recover from this sickness without much fuss.