A/N: I'm excited to see more reviews and learn from you all! Enjoy!

Trigger warning for anyone who has experienced sexual assault or worse.

Sari was frustrated from her talk with her father. Storming off made her feel better in the moment but now it only served to enhance her frustration. There was plenty of things she could have said and instead she accepted his criticism with a "Sir". And now she felt depressed on top of it. Even when she tried for her family she screwed up. There was no way to please her father no matter her efforts.

The walk to her room did nothing to soothe her, but she decided to stay put for a while. She would wait for the castle to settle before sneaking down to Ah-Un. Sleep wasn't an option.

A knock on her door broke her from her thoughts as she rested on her window sill. She called them in, too heavy with emotion to stand to greet them properly. Besides, she could sense it was only Seiya.

"Hey, Sis. How did your talk go?" he asked, shocked as she scoffed.

"You should talk to Papa about it," she said bitterly. "I could tell you but I'd probably screw that up, too."

"Who are you and what have you done with my sister?" Seiya asked, seeing the dry look she gave him. "Ah, there she is."

"Ha ha," she mocked, turning to look out the window once more.

"It couldn't have been that bad." Seiya moves to sit across from her as she spoke quietly.

"He said I was foolish. I disagreed and plead my case. He took it back when I explained I was fulfilling my princess duties. And then he told me to do better. I helped defeat Naraku and saved our lands from his cruelty and I was told to do better."

Seiya was quiet a moment. He hadn't thought about the reality of what she'd done, only how dangerous it all had been. When she explained it in such a way, it made more sense why she made the choices she did that lead her into Naraku's arms, literally.

"Give him time to think on your perspective. I'm sure-" he stopped when she looked at him, her eyes dry but dull with defeat.

"It doesn't matter, Seiya. The gala is in four days and I'll be foisted onto some demon and be their problem. I won't have to keep disappointing our family with every choice I make."

"Sari, that's not fair, to you or our parents. And that's not the point of the gala!"

"Isn't it though? Papa pointed it out himself that he follows his own path and not the path of tradition and yet we're throwing a party for me to find a mate. It might as well be a farewell party," Sari said, standing from her seat as she felt restless once more.

"Then talk to him and tell him that this is how you feel!" Seiya stood as he felt frustration both for and because of his sister.

"I tried talking to him tonight and I was told to do better. So I'll do better. I'll be the lady he wants me to be and be gone by the week's end to some poor soul who doesn't know the disaster thrust upon him."

"Now you're being foolish," he said, seeing her shrug.

"I'm too restless to sleep. I'm going to visit Ah-Un," Sari said and walked out.

Seiya growled and stormed out of her room to the guest wing where the wolf family was. He knocked on the door to Yoru's room and heard him moving to open it.

"We need to talk."

Sari spent the night in the stable with Ah-Un. They hadn't seen her much in the last two weeks, and the last time she was covered in blood, so they were very excited to see her. It was nice to see Jaken's punishment of personally tending to Ah-Un was going well as their stall was as clean as Kazuki kept it. She didn't see him in the stable and wondered for a brief moment where he was. It was night time so likely he'd chosen to retire.

She sat in the corner of the stall and they laid down, resting their heads on her. She pet them and cuddled them for hours, letting them soothe her jumbled feelings. Her shaking stopped as she scratched Ah's face and Un's chin accordingly.

When dawn broke, she returned to her room and freshened up. A maid knocked on her door to let her know her father had canceled their morning training session as they were expecting the Lord and Lady of the Eastern lands. She was to dress and report to the study so they could greet them properly. It worried Sari a bit to not have that session. She could feel herself de-stabilizing internally and a spar would help her realign. She would have to do without for the day.

Sari did as was instructed and knocked on the door to the study. Her mother opened the door with a smile to let her in. As she walked past, Kagome frowned at her back, seeing her pale and unrested face.

"Good morning," Sari said and bowed to each of her parents and then her brother and the Wolf family on the settee.

"Good morning, Sari. How are you today?" Ayame asked, also noting her features.

"I'm well, thank you."

"I'm looking forward to greeting the Lord and Lady of the East. I remember their twins Princess Tsuki and Prince Toshi well from their visits when we were younger," Seiya said as the room quieted.

"Why do they sound familiar?" Yoru asked, knowing they'd never been visited by the Eastern family.

"They knocked you into the pond in our garden when we were children," Seiya pointed out, a vexatious smile planted on his face as Yoru became slightly distraught. The room laughed and chuckled around his distress, but for Sari who remained quiet.

"It's been 10 years since we all were together, so let's hope they grew out of that sort of thing," Kagome said with a smile. At 20 years old, she believed they'd had plenty of time to mature out of their teasing and tricks. The two were a formidable pair.

"Where is Uncle Inuyasha?" Seiya asked, hearing his father scoff.

"That ingrate decided he couldn't be bothered with the formality of greeting our guests and ran off. No doubt he's pestering the kitchen staff for sweets." The room laughed once more at his typical behavior.

The wait wasn't long, the group chatting quietly amongst themselves as they waited to formally greet the arriving royals. A servant knocked on the door and told them of the approach of the nobles. The parents lead the pack as the children followed and stood several steps behind. Seiya stayed between Yoru and Sari, knowing that it was what his sister needed right now to remain strong before company.

"Hello Taisho family!" said the man as he exited his carriage, holding a hand out for his wife.

"Lord Miroku!" Kagome greeted happily, grabbing his hands for a moment before turning to his wife and giving her a hug. "And Lady Sango! How are you?"

"We're well, Lady Kagome. And let me re-introduce our lovely children, Toshi and Tsuki," Sango gestured to her children that stood gracefully behind her with big smiles.

Greetings were exchanged down the line, the Lords and Ladies first and then their children, as was proper. As Sari bowed to acknowledge Toshi, she felt him grasp her hand. He knelt down, giving her a tender kiss at the top of her wrist before looking up at her. Yoru bit back a growl. Barely. Sesshoumaru merely observed with the rest of them but took note of the exchange.

"Lady Sari, it's an honor to be invited into your home once more. It's been far too long since I was able to see your beautiful face," Toshi said, standing and offering her a rose he procured from somewhere behind his back.

She was surprised but took the rose, smelling it gently and smiling just a bit. It reminded her of the first flower she'd ever received, a moon blossom from Yoru on one of their moonlight strolls. The sight of her reacting so positively to Toshi's flirting gnawed at Yoru. His plan was still in motion but if she smiled after 30 seconds with this guy, he might actually be at risk of losing his future mate!

"Welcome, Prince Toshi, and thank you," she saw him smile pleasantly at her and dip into a light bow.

"If I may be so forward, would you let me escort you on a walk through the courtyard gardens? It's been so long but I remember how pretty everything was this time of year."

"Of course. Would you like to join us, Princess Tsuki?" Sari offered, seeing the young woman shake her head lightly.

"No, thank you. I'd actually like to see the front garden, if someone could escort me," she smiled and blinked at Seiya expectantly. Kagome chuckled and nodded to her son to encourage him.

"I would love to," Seiya said, a polite smile on his face as he was manipulated into accepting her request.

"Prince Yoru, you should join us," Tsuki said, latching onto Seiya's arm. "We have so much to catch up on after so long."

"Join them and have some fun," Koga encouraged, grinning at his son as he came around behind him and pat his back. "Plus, she's very cute. Maybe she could be the one!" he whispered in his son's ear. Koga winced at he glare Ayame sent him behind everyone's back as Yoru tensed silently.

"Go on," Ayame said gently, knowing manners left them without much other choice but for him to accept.

Soon Sari and Toshi were strolling through the garden, Sari's arm around Toshi's as he lead them down memory lane of all the childish tricks he and his sister pulled on each other, the servants, and the other noble offspring that were wandering around their halls at the last time everyone was together. She nodded along, only half listening as she spaced out, unfocused.

"Princess?" Toshi's voice broke through her haze.

"Yes, Prince Toshi?"

"There's no need to be formal, Toshi is just fine. Forgive my boldness, but is something troubling you?"

"No, not at all. Forgive me, it's just been a hectic time with the gala coming and my mind is on a dozen things," Sari apologized.

"I believe it might be more than that. My mother says I have a knack for spotting damsels in distress that I inherited from my father," he said with a chuckle, seeing a light smile that didn't reach her eyes in response.

"You're kind, but I'm fine," Sari insisted.

"I can't imagine that's true. Word has spread cross the lands about how your parents defeated Lord Naraku to save you from his kidnapping," Toshi said, noting the flash of sadness that crossed her face before she carefully controlled it. "That would take a toll on anyone."

"I see. I suppose I should have realized that it wouldn't take long for people to learn of his defeat," she said carefully, purposefully not contradicting what she felt was a mildly unfair description of what happened.

"I'm sorry. I didn't bring it up to upset you," he said, tipping her chin up with his finger. "We were friends once, if you remember. I mean, if you can't talk to the man you once plotted with to throw a wolf demon into a pond, who can you talk to?" Sari genuinely chuckled at the memory, bringing a hand to her lips to hold back as he released her chin.

"I don't believe Yoru ever found out that I was the mastermind behind it," Sari said with a smile. Toshi tilted his head at her.

"I thought that was Tsuki's idea?"

"Tsuki wanted to trip you into the pond, actually. She was upset with you over embarrassing her about something, though I don't recall exactly what anymore. I convinced her to bring you in on it and trip Yoru instead," Sari chuckled with Toshi as he threw his head back and laughed.

"That's hysterical!" Toshi said and took a deep breath to calm himself. "That memory was always great but now it will be even more special. Thank you, Princess."

"Of course, Prince Toshi."

"Just Toshi," he scolded, seeing her nod. He spotted a bench and lead her to it, sitting beside her and clasping her hands between his. "Now, tell me, what has lead to such sorrow from such a beauty?" Sari sighed and looked up at him.

"Is it truly that obvious?" he nodded with a wince and she chuckled once more, this time with no mirth. "I really do have a lot going on with the gala just a few days away. I've made a lot of mistakes lately and I hope that after the gala is over and a mate is chosen for me, everyone's lives will return to normal."

"I can't imagine you making any mistakes," Toshi said, seeing her look at him sardonically.

"If only you knew. How do you think I ended up in Naraku's hands?" she said, feeling the trembling starting to return. She pulled her hands back from his and clasped them tightly in her lap. "The details aren't important. I feel foolish and rude for complaining to our guest about these trivial things. Anyways," Sari said, standing up. "Let's join up with our families. I'm sure an early lunch will be served in honor of your arrival."

Toshi stood but took a moment to study her face carefully before speaking.

"I don't believe you're foolish or rude. Sometimes we all need to confide in a friend. That's all I hope that we might be once more, Princess."

"I'm not sure anyone coming to the gala intends to merely be friends," Sari said with a quiet sadness.

"I do. If something more meaningful comes of it, I'm welcome to it, but I suspect your heart already knows what it wants," Toshi said, a sad pain hiding behind her eyes as she shook her head.

"I'm following my father's wishes and honoring the Taisho family. Nothing more. Now come, we've spent too much time on this unimportant drivel. Let's find your sister and my brother."

"And Yoru," he added, seeing her nod after a moment of hesitation. Interesting, he thought, offering his arm to escort her as he dropped the subject. For now.

Yoru saw the slight smile on Sari's face as Toshi lead her through the hall and to the drawing room where their parents had gathered. It made his blood boil with jealousy that he wasn't behind it. Still, there was a part of him relieved to see anything besides stress on her lovely face.

The rest of the day was uneventful. There were plenty of shared stories, plans of future endeavors for the lands, and a toast to the defeat of Naraku. After dinner, which Sari ate very little of once more, the Lords and Ladies decided to separate from their descendants to enjoy a nightcap on the terrace.

Sari excused herself, heading to the stable once more. She was tired from a trying day and her lack of sleep, but she still couldn't bring herself to close her eyes. Visions of Naraku continued to shake her confidence. Tsuki chose to retire, exhausted from the long journey. Seiya, Yoru, and Toshi decided to have a friendly archery tournament. It seemed the fairest game to play with a demon, hanyou, and a human.

They established their rules and point system, deciding that during each round, whomever was closest to the center would get the point, the first person to reach 10 would win.

All were quiet and focused for the first half of the contest. As Toshi did well, Yoru clenched his jaw. It seemed he had much to beware of with this guy around.

"Prince Seiya, tell me, what is your sister looking for in a husband?" Toshi asked as Yoru shot. His arrow struck the outer circle, the worst shot of the night.

"Seiya is fine. And you would have to ask her. She's the one who will make her decision."

Toshi took his next shot, hitting just outside the center, and waited for Seiya to draw his bow before speaking again.

"From what she told me, Lord Sesshoumaru will make the choice for her. Maybe I should talk to him about it. I could use an advantage after so long away from my sweet angel."

Seiya flinched but managed to hit just inside Toshi's arrow before he stepped back for Yoru, letting a servant replace the target for the round.

"Why the sudden interest?" Seiya asked, seeing Toshi shrug with a smile.

"I find her fascinating, Seiya. She's a lovely woman. Fairest in the land, I'd say." Yoru bit back a growl and hit the wall behind the target.

"Sari is more than a beautiful woman. To discredit her heart and mind would be a grave mistake," Yoru said, not bothering to look at Toshi.

"So you do understand what you have to lose," Toshi said pointedly, the smile dropping from his face to look seriously at the wolf demon as he turned with a growl.

"Do not speak of my sister as though she were a prize," Seiya warned, dropping his bow and stepping between Toshi and Yoru. "I've done my research on the potential mates my sister has to choose from, including you, Prince Toshi. I happen to know your reputation with women does not weigh in your favor for my father allowing my sister to choose you."

"Then you understand that I don't want her that way," the smile returned as he looked at Seiya. It remained there as Yoru grabbed him and put him against the wall in frustration.

"Don't play games with Sari. She's not a woman to add to your sexual conquests."

"I would never treat her as such. I meant I don't feel romantically or sexually interested in her." Yoru relaxed a bit from hearing those words. "However, when it comes to playing games, I'd say the same for you."

"I love her and I intend to make her choose me. I'm not playing any games."

"It's obvious she cares for you and you care for her. So why was she left alone to feel sad and a failure with an old friend in the garden?" Yoru dropped him, seeing Toshi straighten his clothes as Seiya pushed him back to avoid conflict. "I suggest you take action before someone who really wants to take advantage of who she is, and how she's feeling, steps in and takes her away. And on that, I believe I'll turn in for the night," Toshi said, bowing slightly to them before walking out of the archery hall.

"All of that was to screw with us?" Seiya growled and saw Yoru clenching his fists.

"He's a jerk... but he's not wrong. Sari is still feeling raw about the Naraku incident and the talk with your father. She could walk right into someone's arms just to escape from her troubles. We just talked about this last night, how she's feeling defeated. Why does she have to be a runner?" Yoru asked, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Good thing you're a wolf. You were built for chasing," Seiya said, hearing Yoru's startled laugh before he turned to him and grinned.

"You're right about that. Damn, I need to talk to her. Do you think she's still awake?" Seiya frowned.

"I'm not sure she's rested much at all since coming back from Naraku's castle. You've seen her face."

Yoru took in a slow breath to calm himself. It didn't help.

"I'm going to take a walk before I go back to my suite. I'm too agitated to rest." Seiya pat him on the shoulder with a nod before heading back to his own room.

Yoru clasped his hands behind his head as he stepped outside, looking up at the sliver of moon that glowed. The garden path was dark, not that it mattered to a wolf demon, but he caught glimpses of fireflies as he walked along.

He was conflicted about how to handle Sari. He loved her and wanted to respect her feelings but that could end up tearing them apart forever. Her father could choose some random noble and then where would they be? It made his jaw tense with a quiet snarl. Sari and him were meant for each other.

On the other hand, she was extremely vulnerable, and it wasn't fair for him to take advantage of that anymore than any other person, no matter how she felt toward him. Why did he have to fall in love with such a complicated creature? And why did she have to be absolutely worth it?

Turning the corner to come to the pond at the garden's center, he spotted Sari standing beside it, staring intensely into the water.

"Sari?" He said softly, not wanting to startle her.

She jumped anyways, stepping back with one foot and turning her body to face him in a defensive motion before she recognized him.

"Yoru, I thought you were in a contest with my brother and Toshi?" he heard the informal was she addressed the Eastern lord and held back a snort of annoyance.

"We were. We played for a few hours and decided to call it quits." He deliberately left out the details of Toshi's mind games. "What are you doing out here so late?" And alone, he added to himself.

"I went to the stables to visit Ah-Un but Jaken was there complaining about Papa's punishment so I left," she turned her head back to look at the moon's reflection on the water, small as it was. Her vision smeared, much like the reflection in the water that distorted into a blurry version of Naraku's smirking face. She shook her head once, hard, to try to refocus. Naraku was dead.

"What's wrong?" he asked, taking a step closer.

"Nothing. I should leave so you may-" She couldn't finish her words. Her eyes frosted over and her body swayed toward the pond.

Yoru was quick to jump to her and tug her back to him, falling back onto the ground and cradling her in his lap. Sari tried to push off him to stand but she was too weak. And he was so warm, his strong arms holding her steady as he pressed her into his shoulder.

"Give me a moment," she murmured, her words mumbled against his neck.

"Sari, you're not well. You need to go to bed," he stood up, keeping her in his arms as he moved them to the nearby bench. He kept her in his lap, noting her lack of protest.

"I can't. I keep..." she shook her head, pushing off of his chest to try to stand. He kept her planted securely.

"You keep what?" he asked softly, cupping her cheek and turning her face to look at him so her could see her eyes. They were glazed with unshed tears as her feelings of guilt and fear mixed around in her head.

"I keep seeing Naraku," she closed her eyes a moment, feeling a tear escape down her cheek. He brushed it away silently as she opened them again. "Every mirror, every reflection, and everytime I close my eyes I see him," her body trembled badly at the admission, a sort of panic flooding her eyes as her breath picked up. "He's waiting to finish mating me, so he can put his filthy hands on me. I don't want it!" In a burst of adrenaline, she stood up and paced off from Yoru, burying her face in her yukata sleeves as she shook violently.

"He's dead, Sari. He won't touch you ever again," Yoru stood, moving behind her and placing his hands on her shoulders. She jerked back from him and turned, her eyes peeking up from her sleeves as they openly flowed with tears.

"Y-You don't understand," she whispered, feeling overwhelmed with shame for the secret she was holding onto. She dropped to her knees, burying her face again as she broke down. He dropped with her, holding back from touching her as she seemed so uncomfortable with it at the moment.

"Then help me so that I do. I love you-"

"Don't! Don't say that. I don't deserve your love..."

"You still don't get to decide that. There's nothing you could do-" he was cut off again as she sat up and slapped a hand over the juncture of her neck and shoulder where Naraku had marked her, still shaking as she snapped at Yoru.

"Naraku marked me. He took his time and put his hands on me, wanting to make me enjoy it. He kissed and licked and bit me and I hated every second of it. I was violently nauseous and s-scared," she stuttered on a sob, her gaze locked on his as she saw the sympathy for her mixing with his hate for Naraku. "And then his fangs grew. And he bit me. I could feel his lust and pleasure pouring into me. I felt so dirty and so used but I..." she shook her head, staring off onto the ground. Her other hand pressed against her stomach as it turned, her breath became heavy with panic. She hesitated, choking on a sob.

"Tell me," he encouraged as she shook her head, feeling disgusted with herself.

"I liked it! I don't deserve your love because I let another man touch me and I liked it!" Her sob was hard as she covered her mouth behind her sleeves and curled over once more, this time touching her forehead to the ground in dogeza, signifying her deep apologetic feelings.

Yoru froze with her words, feeling his chest tighten with confusion and anxiety.

"Wha-"

"It was just a split second," she continued in a quiet ramble, unable to stop herself. "His fangs broke through my skin and I felt a rush of pain and a flash of a pleasure I'd only ever felt from you before-" Yoru's eyes widened as he began to understand. It loosened the tightness in his chest instantly. "And then I just wanted to puke and I don't understand why I felt good even for a moment-"

"Sari, stop," he said pulling her shoulders up to get her off the ground. She sat up but kept her eyes shut, unable to look at the disgusted face he had to be making at her.

"Don't be kind. Yell at me or hit me. I deserve far worse."

Yoru silenced her by pressing his lips to hers. Her eyes widened and she attempted to pull back, full of confusion and shock. He held her head tightly to his, delving into her mouth as she gasped, wanting to show her how little his love for her had changed in the last few minutes.

"Sari, be quiet and listen to me, please," Yoru asked as he pulled back, seeing her bring her hand fist to her mouth, staring openly in shock at him as she gave a small nod. She couldn't speak as she hiccuped with little sobs. If she wasn't so upset, he'd have found it adorable.

"You didn't like Naraku's touch. Your body merely reacted to the power of the mating mark," Yoru explained, seeing her brows tangle with confusion. "I don't believe anyone has anyone ever really explained to you what happens when a demon marks their mate, have they?" She shook her head, still hiccuping quietly.

"Mama said... she'd explain after I chose my mate." Sari sniffled. Yoru sighed.

"The mating process is very... primal. When a demon decides to mark their mate, their beast takes over. Because of how... rough it can be-" the tips of his ears reddened just a bit. Thankfully it was still dark. "-their beast will bite down and use that mark to flood their mate with hormones to make them feel good through the pain."

"Hormones?" Sari was starting to understand, but it still wasn't a complete picture. Her body was calming down from her breakdown, the shaking beginning to calm as Yoru spoke. "But why did it only f-feel that way for a moment?"

"If the person being marked rejects the one marking, the hormones won't have an affect and the experience remains to be as foul as the person believes it to be," Yoru took her free hand and held it to his heart, the other cupping her face. "You were assaulted by Naraku. Your reasons for letting him mark you weren't because you accepted him as a mate, so your body rejected his hormones and it went back to being unpleasant."

"That explains his anger," she said quietly, much calmer after hearing his explanation. "After he marked me, he told me he knew I'd felt pleasure from it and I was a typical whore. I would merely be another toy for his amusement." Yoru growled ferociously, startling her and her frazzled nerves.

"Naraku deliberately manipulated the situation to make you feel that way so he could break you. I wish I could have torn his heart out," Yoru felt her cup his hand on her cheek, bringing him out of his anger instantly.

"Thank you for explaining that to me. I know it must have been awkward," she said, letting go of his hand and sitting back. "And now I feel like such an idiot for breaking down like that."

"Let me explain one last thing to you," Yoru leaned towards her, cupping her hands in his face and kissing her thoroughly once more. She couldn't resist him as she felt him curl his hand around her throat, his thumb resting on her pulse to feel her heart beat. He pulled back, much quicker than her wanted to, to look her in the eyes, face to face.

"I love you. I adore you. I want you to be mine, forever. And there's no human, hanyou, demon, or god that will make me change my mind about that. You could have marched yourself into Naraku's castle and thrown yourself onto his bed and I would never feel differently, because I love who you are, not what you do."

"Yoru," she whispered quietly, her heart aching with his words.

He stood, offering her his hand to help her up. She stood and wavered, feeling him pull her against him to steady her.

"You're barely standing. It's time to get you to bed," Yoru spoke, seeing her nod. "Can you walk?"

"Of course I can," she said, stepping from him. She immediately swayed, hearing Yoru's curse as he lifted her into his arms.

Yoru saw her eyes getting heavy fast as the adrenaline of her breakdown wore off. She relaxed almost completely in his arms, her head resting against his shoulder peacefully. He started back to the castle, enjoying the feeling of her with him even as he dreaded being caught with her in such a state and his kiss still on her lips.

"I'm sorry, Yoru," she started, hearing him shush her.

"You obviously haven't slept much since we rescued you. Your body is shutting down."

"I haven't slept at all," she said, hearing him growl in frustration. "Sorry."

Yoru sighed and continued inside. He heard the chattering of the adults, mostly the arguing between his father and her uncle, and groaned. Of course they would all be in the hall right at this moment. And with Sesshoumaru there, there was no way he hadn't already noticed his scent and aura with his daughter coming toward them.

He noted Sari was already fast asleep, her lips parted gently and her breathing deepening even as it remained a bit shaky from her breakdown. There would be no help from her, he decided as he faced the music and turned down the hallway, becoming visible to the adults there.

"My boy!" Koga called, clearly a bit intoxicated.

"Sari!" Kagome spotted her daughter instantly and ran to her as Yoru winced.

"She's alright, Lady Kagome. She's finally sleeping."

"What do you mean finally?" Sesshoumaru asked, stepping behind his mate to look down at Sari.

"I don't mean to be rude, but can we get her to bed before I answer your questions? She said she hasn't slept since she came back from Naraku's castle," Yoru spoke quietly, stifling a growl as Koga laughed loudly at himself. The damn drunk.

"That sounds reasonable," came Sango's voice from behind them. "She looks like she's been crying," she narrowed her eyes at Yoru suspiciously.

Sesshoumaru reached down and took Sari from Yoru's arms, noting the look of concern that crossed his face as he and Kagome walked her away from the loud group, Ayame and Sango following behind to help.

Kagome let Sesshoumaru rest Sari down on her bed before kicking him out so they could dress her. They noted the dirt on her yukata, a curious look passing between the three women as they finished redressing her and tucking her in.

Yoru waited behind in the hall with the drunken trio of men. Lord Miroku was significantly more quiet but the flush of red across his face told Yoru he was just as inebriated.

"So what the hell were you doing to my niece, you mangy wolf-pup?" Inuyasha demanded as Yoru waited for the others to return.

"I did nothing. I will explain when she's put to bed," Yoru said calmly, despite his irritation.

"Are you going to explain the dirt stains on her knees and the puffiness of her face?" Yoru's gaze went dark as he looked to Inuyasha.

"Your statement not only insults me, but dishonors your niece. My respect for Lord Sesshoumaru and his family is the only reason I haven't ripped out your tongue for those words."

"Whoa! Gentlemen!" Miroku stepped in between them, not wanting to see a bloodbath after such a fine bottle of sake.

"You will watch your mouth, Whelp. Yoru will not be the one to remove your tongue should you insult my pup again," Sesshoumaru growled out at his brother. Miroku sighed and stepped back, knowing there was no point stepping between the brothers.

"Oh yeah! Come and try!" Inuyasha yelled, full of liquid courage.

"Yoru, ignore them and come with me. I'd like to know what happened to my daughter," Kagome said, making a point to her mate and friend without even having to address them. Yoru followed her as she lead him and whomever would follow to Sesshoumaru's study to hear his explanation.

A/N: This is admittedly probably one of my favorite chapters, but tell me how you feel about it!