She didn't understand.
There it was again, the incontrovertible evidence that things had changed. And as she peeked around Inuyasha's shoulder, his arms splayed back to shield her, she felt it.
"Inuyasha"—she licked her lips—"is he—"
"Wait, Kagome."
She did.
Ahead, restrained youki bent and crackled around the daiyoukai, his rage barely contained. It flickered, a snapping array of colors primed to explode.
"Lord of the West," a hebi hissed, rising on its coils. "Protecting humans?" It sneered at Inuyasha. "The unclean?"
Sesshoumaru offered it no answer.
But as the snake's blood sprayed her face, Kagome had hers.
