The sound of shuffling feet woke him, one eye cracking open to find Emiko laying a blanket over Kagome. She'd given up trying to stay upright, currently curled against him and using a paw as a pillow. Her mouth curved into a slight smile, content even in sleep, and his tongue slid across her forehead.
"The block is still there," Emiko said, it no longer a question.
'He thought to punish me in every way possible.' The spider's web was far-reaching, silk lines vibrating with whispers of the prince's return, and Naraku had struck when they'd been most vulnerable, distracted by the celebration of the royal's success.
The only good thing that had come of that night was he'd played his hand too early—he'd caught the prince, but his true desire had managed to escape. Not unharmed, but the jewel's whereabouts remained hidden, allowing it to flourish.
It would not be so easily obtained now, even if Naraku discovered its secret.
This settled the beast's nerves, allowing him to relax and enjoy Kagome's company. The spring and summer months were spent searching, hunting, for any sign of the foul wretch who had forced him into this form permanently.
"She would help, you know." Emiko tucked the ends of the blanket around Kagome's shoulders.
'I am aware.' His voice was pained.
Tempted.
"But?"
He sighed, raising his head to look out the window, careful not to jostle the woman next to him. 'I have already asked too much of her.'
Emiko chuckled as she shook her head. "If you think she would hold it against you, you don't know her at all."