- 53. Afraid -

Relief washed over Sesshōmaru upon seeing his partner alive and awake; however, her current state puzzled him.

Kagome was on the ground, visibly shaking. She clutched her bloodied neck with one hand, while the other propelled her away from him. Azure eyes widened in fear.

He took a step forward. She scooted further back.

"Stay away from me!" She wavered with fright.

Confusion marred Sesshōmaru's features.

Ignoring her forewarning, he closed the distance between them, crouching in front of her. He brought his face close to the crook of her neck and slowly pried off her sanguineous fingers to get a better look at her injury. He needed to know why she was so afraid of him all of a sudden, why she was bleeding, and why he felt compelled to assuage her fears.

"Let me see."

The softness of his tone caused Kagome to cease trembling. He gently ran a thumb over the coagulated blood that settled over the cut, taking care not to dislodge the clot and restart the crimson trail.

Bewilderment and concern seeped into his raspy voice.

"Kagome...did I do this?"