The wind picked up as they ate dinner, whistling through the trees and rattling the windows. Kagome stoked the fire, keeping the flames high and the cottage warm as snow fell from violent violet clouds.

"We'll probably be stuck in here for a few days," Emiko said, gazing out the window from her rocking chair. "I don't think the storm is going to let up anytime soon."

Kagura's fingers twitched, and Kagome patted her shoulder as she walked by. Her twin was always restless when they were forced to stay inside. She was more at home in the thick of the forest, when she could feel the sun on her face and wind through her hair.

On the other hand, Kagome was content to spend her days inside helping their mother with charms and medicinal herbs. Emiko would sell them in the village, refusing Kagome's help whenever she offered to go with her.

The curiosity of why constantly plagued her, but she trusted her mother, so she never questioned it. Plus, the kingdom was run by youkai, and if Kagura's scar was anything to go by, Kagome's power would likely cause an uproar if she lost control in such a crowded area.

Grabbing a book off the shelf, she sat in front of the fire, flipping past the first chapter. Even with the storm, she'd be able to—

Kagome's eyes flew to the door seconds before something slammed into it, the entire house shaking.