Chapter Four
The pervasive feeling of being entangled deeper into the labyrinthine woods only worsened while following the Fae man.
There was nothing outright sinister like bear-traps hidden beneath leaves or monsters lurking near, just that persistent 'wrongness' that painted everything too bright. Too spotless, green and perfect. Kagome glanced over one shoulder- finding the path behind them vanishing with every step they took.
No chance of retracing my steps then.
She faced forward warily, only to jolt when Sesshoumaru wasn't in her immediate eye line.
Finding him off the path knelt by a stream, she exhaled shakily.
Walking over to him, she peered down at what grasped his attention so intently. Long clawed fingers drew out, gently picking up a dead sparrow. Sesshoumaru weighed it in his palm, before bending his head.
Kagome's heart leapt into her throat, imagination running wild.
She did not expect him to give a long, steady exhale into the bird.
A second later, it twitched. Glassy eyes lost their vacant look. Feathers fluffed. Small legs struggled, body righting itself to hop onto a clawed finger, soon flying away.
Kagome watched it go, completely stunned.
He can bring things back to life?
"You don't seem the type to rescue little birds from the clutches of death."
Sesshoumaru hummed, running his claws in a lazy circle through flowing water. "Anything that belongs to me is not permitted to leave."
Kagome met his gaze, inwardly stilling. She forced herself to giggle and wave this off. "Well then, good thing I'm not yours or that would interfere with my plans."
"Hn."
Between one moment and the next, his hand appeared in her eye line, settling above her onto the bark of a tree as her shoulder blades met a sturdy trunk.
"I do not think it would be so terrible, you being mine," he uttered, in a voice as rich and smooth as honey. "As you just witnessed...I take very good care of those under my protection."
Heat crept up her neck. His attention when hyper-focused solely on her felt like nothing she'd ever experienced. The world just seemed to stop. Maybe it did—maybe he called Time to stand still, just like he'd reversed death. Despite how it unnerved her, it also bid Kagome's blood to pump faster. A thrill ran up her spine.
"How high is that bird allowed to fly?" she asked softly, not trusting her breathy voice. "I bet it's not allowed to soar higher than the branches. Can it even leave the woods?"
He blinked, tipping his head slightly to one side. White hair and clothes gleamed, catching the sunlight.
Such a thought had never occurred to him, she could tell. This man, this Fae… he'd keep her forever if possible. "There's your answer."
"Sparrows are prey to much larger hunters. Perhaps it is a good thing it stays close," he hummed, reaching up to grab something. Leaves rustled, and he pulled a stray branch down into view.
Berries gleamed, ripe with juices.
"Would you care for some?"
Kagome frowned, straining to remember something Grandpa had said about the Fae. No stepping into mushroom circles, but it was a bit late for that. The words 'Seelie' and 'Unseelie' kept bumping around in her mind. If she recalled right, they were good and bad Fae, right? Or were things as black and white as that?
Ah! I remember! Persephone! Grandpa rabbited on about never eating or drinking anything offered by the Fae. Just like in that Greek Myth!
"I'm good right now."
At that moment, her stomach betrayed her, grumbling in disagreement.
Victory flashed in his golden gaze, expression almost playful. His handsome features once again seared themselves into her retinas. Ever so charming, ever so lovely and radiant. "Your body betrays you in more ways than one. You should sate your hunger."
Kagome swallowed as he bent closer- quickly worming out from between him and the tree he'd intended to trap her against. "No thanks!"
Sesshoumaru gave a silky chuckle of amusement as he watched her flee, causing the forest to sigh and the sun to shine a little brighter through the trees. Kagome couldn't help but feel affected by it. His voice alone messed with her. Caused her thighs to squeeze together.
"Why do you want to keep me here, anyway?" Kagome muttered, rubbing her forehead.
Sesshoumaru arched a brow, merely turning and continuing his leisurely stroll.
Kagome frowned, hurrying to keep up. She kept asking: phrasing the question in different ways.
He didn't reply, features becoming blank, eyes almost glazed with boredom. It happened so absurdly quickly that she had to stop and wonder why.
The woods felt a hint colder without his attention. It wasn't that she'd liked the overly picturesque pathway or perfect sunshine before, but being robbed of it along with his intense interest felt so strange, jarring.
It's the questions, she realised. He found outright questions boring, and this was his way of conveying that.
Kagome frowned at the mental gymnastics it took to keep up with him, thinking for a moment. Sesshoumaru oozed pride, arrogance and power. She decided to start there.
"It's… beneath you," she said carefully, leaves crunching beneath her. "Stealing a mere mortal woman away is so far beneath you. I'd have thought a high Fae like you would have nymphs crawling all over him, vying for your attention."
Sesshoumaru blinked, looking at her from the corner of his eye. "Nymphs, hm? Minor nature deities in Greece are scarce here."
The warmth on her skin indicated his goodwill had slid back to her. Kagome exhaled, forcing a smile. "A-ah, true. Well, the point still stands."
Amusement briefly flitted over blank features, and Sesshoumaru came to a stop. "It goes you no good, dear one. Trying to thwart me, manipulate me- squeeze out answers...it only doubles my inherent interest in you."
"Inherent," Kagome latched onto that. "But I've done nothing to you. Sesshoumaru, you literally said today was our first meeting."
"It is my first time meeting you- I cannot say if it is your first time meeting me."
The human threw her head back and groaned. He was so- so...aggravating! That stupid cruel smirk, dancing eyes and hypnotic dulcet tones- all of it was annoying! And bad! Very bad! Definitely not luring her in as intended.
His rich, velvety chuckle came again, considering. Inhuman eyes strayed down, searing through her body so intensely- to the point that Kagome wanted to shield her intimate areas. "This one has enjoyed our walk and you have thus amused me. Therefore, I will reward you with my intent."
Kagome immediately perked up at the promise of some answers. He leaned down a touch towards her ear, as though departing with an illicit secret.
"I seek a wife," he breathed. "The night will bring answers and tell me if you are worthy; if it is indeed you that I have been waiting for."
A wife?
Sesshoumaru's eyes smiled cruelly, while her skin turned ashen.
His...wife?
"Kairi. Leave her be. That is not your mother," amusement coloured a masculine tone. "At least, not as you know her."
Kagome swallowed thickly, mouth incredibly dry. Don't tell me that was like a vision or something. I can't marry this guy- I can't have his kid! We'd be behind bars forever.
Sesshoumaru leaned away, taking a sharp left turn around the side of a tree, disappearing from sight. Kagome snapped out of her dazed state and gaped, hurrying to follow. The sound of running water reached her ears first, unnaturally quickly- like she'd opened a doorway to it- before a large waterfall met her startled gaze.
Beyond it lay nothing she could've ever dreamed. If she had to describe it; the Fae buildings were like royalty meeting woodland life. Gleaming pale halls with no glass in their windows lay in a stranglehold- choked by hanging ivy or tree roots climbing up the walls. Smaller buildings that looked like houses stood on the outskirts, while grander ones were elevated above ground, linked together by stone bridges. Further in the distance lay a high, stone tower, untouched by that which lurked beneath. Barely any trees seemed to have been cut-down. Instead, the homes worked around them.
Fairies danced about in plain sight. Deer drank from the waterfall pool without fear. The place simultaneously looked separated and yet connected, like a village that gave the illusion that the rich and common could blend into one. Sesshoumaru led her through what resembled a village square.
Tiny, child-like faces peered out at her from the undergrowth or smaller houses.
Despite all the wonder and magic going on around her, Kagome ignored what she thought was a damn unicorn of all things and kept focus, jogging after him.
"I can't marry you- I might have a fiancé already."
"You should know my kind do not take being lied to particularly well," he answered without missing a beat, not acknowledging the creatures.
Kagome flashed a smile, full of bravado and wariness. "Understandable, which is why I said I 'might' have. Besides, it's not an impossible notion. You see these, don't you?" she tapped her exposed neck where bite marks branded her skin.
His teeth flashed like a pacing, hungry animal biding its time. Only predators possessed that type of quiet, still watchfulness, as though they had the luxury to wait while they starved. "I do, and they pique my curiosity but ultimately mean nothing. Your lover should have taken better care of you if he did not intend you to fall into my hands."
Kagome touched her neck, frowning briefly, trying to think of tactics or weaknesses- anything to help her out of this mess- jolting as a clawed thumb dragged over her bruised throat.
"This one had hoped you'd be entertaining," his claw rested over a fluttering pulse. "You're making yourself very attractive to me, dear one. I am pleased to see you so eager to be my bride."
Repressing the urge to scream or tear her hair out, Kagome fumed.
"I am NOT eager to be your bride!" she growled, causing a few gasps to ring out around them. "I don't want to marry anyone right now!"
If Sesshoumaru's boredom had been disquieting- his displeasure felt downright terrifying. Kagome immediately quelled the second he bore down on her, lips pressed into a grim line that inched upwards into a sneer. The air seemed to freeze, chilling her bones. Frost nipped at her fingers and toes.
"Ah, something about this Sesshoumaru leaves you displeased? Do tell."
"I-it's not that there's anything wrong with you. I'm just frustrated by my lack of choices."
Fierce whispers came, circling around them. The little folk in the houses squeaked, in awe and disbelief that a mortal would dare question their King. Sesshoumaru leaned away, lashes lowering, snuffing out unblinking eyes. "Everything here is a choice. You entering our realm was a choice."
"Doesn't feel like it," Kagome's voice strained, trying to make him understand. "It feels as though I'm playing a game I haven't learned the rules for."
Sesshoumaru hummed, the cold bite abating from the air. "You seem to know our rules quite well, for a novice."
She bit her lip, supposing he had a point. Thank the Kami for Grandpa. "Will you at least answer me this; A-are you from the Seelie or Unseelie court?" Kagome asked carefully, not wishing to insult him again but also unsure of how to ask him delicately. She needed to know how screwed over she truly was.
His lips twitched, the gold of his eyes darkening- and she held her breath- before he chuckled.
"So like a human to try to place things in neat and tidy boxes in order to feel like they understand them," he uttered, levelling her with an arrogant look, chin tilting up. "Listen well; Unseelie or Seelie- it does not matter. I am neither and I am both. Above all, I am the 'Court' itself."
At her startled, confused look, Sesshoumaru flashed his teeth.
"The judge, jury and executioner," he uttered, expression morphing into one of satisfaction. "Whichever pleases me most at the time. Do not try to place me inside a box, dear one. This one will wander outside every border you put down."
"So if I placed you into the box of...'friend'...you'd wander out of it?"
"If it did not please me to be your friend, I would." Kagome stiffened as he swept his gaze down her muddied form again. "And it does not please me, because this Sesshoumaru has something altogether more stimulating in mind."
He began walking again, ascending the stairs. More whispering rang out, becoming less hushed than before.
'Could she become our Queen?'
'He listened to her! How unusual!'
Blushing, Kagome hugged her arms, following after him at a more sedate pace. How much of Fae 'rules' were real? Did the Fair Folk just make them up in order to play games with humans?
Sesshoumaru led her towards the more glamourous halls, walking down one that led to a room overlooking the village square.
A myriad of giggles drowned her hearing, and Kagome swiftly turned- accosted by multiple inhuman Fae women throwing themselves at her.
"Ah! Look at her eyes!"
"This dress is so ugly!"
"Her skin is so smooth," one stroked her arm, "not like the other humans. She smells fairly pretty too."
Squeaking as she was poked and prodded curiously, she looked over beseechingly at Sesshoumaru who lingered by the door.
"You require new clothes for the coming evening. Allow them to dress you," he uttered.
"But-"
He paid no mind to any further issues she might've taken with five women casually stripping her. Kagome endured it along with their compliments or jabs at her humanity- holding in a yelp when they thrust her into a bath and started scrubbing enthusiastically.
The Fae created a bonfire in the middle of the village square.
Kagome could see it flickering from her window, and privately wondered why creatures of nature would use such a thing within a wooded area. Perhaps they weren't afraid of it.
With the darkening skies came… other creatures. Kagome couldn't decide if they'd been hiding during daylight hours or if those sweet woodland Fae from earlier had changed into nightmarish, mangled forms. They were too far away to see clearly, but some resembled snakes with arms, goblins, pixies, or large tusked bipedal things with glowing eyes. Some had contorted, twisted bodies, walking upside down.
One of the Fae women from earlier returned, ushering her down to join them. Her previously lively eyes had turned dark, expression blank with that odd type of watchful hunger Sesshoumaru gained sometimes.
Kagome felt she had little choice. She slowly padded down their stairs and crossed narrow, elegant bridges, hitching up her voluminous skirts. The women had dressed her up in a gossamer gown they'd literally stitched together while wrapping it around her. Luckily no needles had pricked her skin. The dark green material felt light and airy- and to Kagome's mortification, it appeared practically see-through whenever the bonfire's glow caught upon it.
They'd taken her damn underwear- and hadn't replaced it.
"What's happening tonight?" she asked stiffly, folding her hands neatly before her to try to preserve some modesty. She felt her nipples hardening into peaks just from a chill in the night air.
"Everyone is celebrating your arrival."
"Mine?" Kagome eyed the dancing, monstrous figures looping around the fire. Tall, human-like Fae occasionally joined in, swathed in beautiful see-through gowns or old-fashioned wear, most of the male's chests laying bare. Two thrones had been placed on a raised platform overlooking the festivities. Kagome was guided to one, but hesitated to sit.
When all eyes turned upon her, an icy cold sweat pricked the back of her neck.
Never insult the Fae.
She'd already played with fire multiple times that day.
Gingerly lowering herself into the less extravagant chair that had silver leaves wrapping around the back instead of gold, Kagome declined an offered goblet of wine.
The darkness combined with the tall towering flames threw dancing shadows far across the square. The creatures ate and drank, laughing and talking happily to each other. Pipe music played in an upbeat melody.
It looked like fun, even from an outsider's perspective.
Kagome stiffened. A hum had started vibrating faintly through the breeze, air becoming warm. She was beginning to pinpoint his energy fairly easily now but it felt...different at night.
The crowds parted, a hush falling over them as a figure stepped around the bonfire.
Sharp, branched antlers caught and held her attention. The blackthorn flowers were gone. A more deadly looking crown, decorated with fine hanging threads had replaced them- wrapping around bone and lacing between the antlers like silver spiderwebs.
He'd dressed in trailing black robes, pale feet whispering over the ground as he approached. Magenta markings slashing over his cheeks seemed to have darkened- his shock of white hair and pale skin clashing with the black clothing.
Sesshoumaru stepped onto the platform and stopped before her, honeyed gaze burning brighter. It felt difficult to explain how- but the Fae King felt changed. His face was no longer all smirks and smiles- looking instead quite cool and merciless. He offered a hand, claws unfurling.
Those long, pretty opal nails had grown sharper.
Kagome rose, slowly accepting lest she cause offence. His grip was tight as those ghostly pale fingers closed over hers. Sesshoumaru turned back to the creatures expectantly, who bowed and curtseyed.
Kagome blushed, lowering her voice. "There's no need-"
"There is every need," he cut in, taking a seat on his throne and holding her hand captive. Kagome had no choice but to sit, watching as the festivities began again.
The smaller creatures drew in close, lifting different offerings into view such as ornaments, handmade jewellery or clothing. Bulkier, frightening creatures offered meat; severed heads and various animal parts. Sesshoumaru inclined his head in thanks, watching the inhuman Fae pair off into a dance for their King. Their movements were elegant, graceful as they spun about with unbridled freedom- back arched, arms reaching up for the sky. Kagome became so engrossed in watching them, envious of their lack of hesitation or mortal worries- she twitched upon feeling a sharp nailed thumb drag lightly over her wrist.
Glancing at him furtively out of the corner of her eye, she noticed his completely detached expression. The bonfire brightened the golden inferno of his eyes, but his mind had drifted away. How many parties had he attended to become so jaded?
Her attention strayed to the antlers, eyeing their sharp points.
Sesshoumaru picked up a goblet with his free hand, taking a sip. "You needn't hide your curiosity," he uttered without looking at her.
"I was just wondering if they were real," she watched him drink like a hawk, wetting dry lips. "You didn't have them earlier."
"That is true," he hummed, setting down his goblet. Arms lunged for her then, and Kagome squeaked outright, gripping his shoulders as Sesshoumaru pulled her onto his lap. "There," he said lowly, directly into her ear. "Now you have the best seat in the house."
"I-I'm totally fine having my own seat!"
"You wanted to touch them, I could read your face easily. You have permission."
Kagome ground her teeth, brow pinching. Still...she couldn't help but wonder. The sensation of antlers beneath her palms had haunted her the second she'd awoken in that hotel room after a one-night stand.
She wondered if...
No, surely that was impossible. Surely it hadn't been him.
Heat inflamed rosy cheeks into a darker rouge as she shifted on his lap, feeling strong thighs beneath her. Carefully reaching up, Kagome wrapped curious hands around branching bone.
They were solid, and very much connected to his head. Sesshoumaru made a low noise, warm palms settling low on her waist. Hot breath fanned over her exposed collarbone, causing goosebumps to rise.
Shivering, Kagome frowned, dragging her fingers down their smooth surfaces. They felt...familiar. The cool temperature. The alien sensation of gripping something so different from what she normally knew.
Blue eyes slid shut. The long-fingered hands exploring her back made something click into place- her fingers squeezing around the antlers.
"More!-hah-"
A clawed hand reached up, grasping her breast roughly, squeezing so that a rosy nipple jutted out between pale fingers. His wet tongue circled it, prodding until he lost restraint and scraped sharp teeth over her, eliciting a yelp.
Kagome rode the stranger harder, sinking herself down atop him with rolls of her hips, mewling loudly. Her hands wrapped around his antlers to steady herself.
"You are- gn!- perfect when you lose your inhibitions," the Fae groaned, laying back on the bed, cradling her hips. He thrust his striped ones up, meeting her movements with hard jolts- slapping sounds filling her hotel room. "Hah- damn you. I've never wanted to know a name as badly as yours, Mo chuisle."
Everything was hazy, deliciously fuzzy.
Her hands tugged the antlers to force him to lean up- clawing at his shoulders to bring him closer, moaning against him as Sesshoumaru licked into her mouth. Their bodies met and melted seamlessly into one writhing entity perfectly- hurrying together into the most bizarre, blissful orgasm she'd ever experienced- her head throwing back to scream hoarsely.
The taste of Sesshoumaru had been fucking addicting. Kagome could remember it keenest out of everything. Their conversations were still a blur- but she could picture his triumphant gaze as green eyes had bled gold, the playful smirk- how hard he'd marked her with his teeth.
Touching a hickey, Kagome gazed at the antlers unseeingly. It had been him, or rather, another him.
Blue eyes dragged to the waiting Fae King, the inside of her mouth parched. She was so thirsty. Her abdomen clenched, gaze darkening. She unknowingly ground herself against him, bare sex dragging along his thigh, barely hidden by the gossamer dress.
Ah, this was the part of her personality she'd tried to hide- because she'd known someone would exploit it again one day, just as they had in the distant past.
Kagome was about to say something, lips parting, before a dizzy spell had her swaying a little. Black spots briefly appeared in her vision.
An arm locked itself about her waist, pulling her back towards a waiting mouth as it claimed her, stealing Kagome's breath in a heady rush that tasted like oblivion, starlight, and wild berries exploding on her tongue.