Shippou came to her rescue, distracting Sesshoumaru with more questions about his father and the origin of the fanged swords, giving Kagome a chance to reflect.
And breathe.
She'd long since healed from Inukimi's episode—she refused to think of it as an attack due to the lack of intent—but the feel of his arms around her was still fresh in her mind.
And watching him now, the patience that he showed as Shippou all but climbed over him while he spoke of how Tenseiga protected him in the underworld, a new kind of hope began to burn within her.
The hope of possibilities and happiness.
Of a future.