"She's worried about you," Emiko said from her rocking chair.
The beast raised his head, giving her a questioning look. Emiko didn't look up from her sewing, tapping a finger against her forehead. His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, not wanting to disturb the woman lying against him. The creases of worry disappeared when she slept, her hands fisted through his fur as if it were a lifeline, not realizing how much he wished to do the same.
"Scowl all you want, pup. It won't do any good."
'Her feelings are unnecessary.' The low voice seemed to echo throughout the room, but Emiko knew she was the only one who heard it.
"A mother's feelings are always necessary," she said, knotting off the thread. "Rumours are circling the kingdom. People have been disappearing."
The beast let out a sigh, eyes lowering in shame. 'He has grown stronger. And those of weaker breeding fall in line with the promise of power.'
Emiko's hands stilled, heart clenching painfully at her daughter. "It wasn't supposed to take this long. You were supposed to—"
'I am aware of my failure.'
"I didn't mean it that way," she said, waving him off. "I don't blame you for what happened. And neither does she."
He snorted, then put his head back on the floor, tail curling around Kagome's feet.
Emiko leaned back in her chair, the wood squeaking as shadows from the fire danced up the walls, trying to ward off the chill. "How long will you stay?"
'He is dormant in the winter.' The excuse was sound, but his head tilted towards Kagome, and Emiko fought back a grin.
"I'm sure that's the only reason."
