Author's Note:
Potential spoilers involving Inuyasha: The Final Act. Mentions of scenes from movies and other episodes.

"Lord Koga, I do have to apologize for not greeting you when you first arrived. It seems my invitation was somehow lost," Inukimi said with a sly smile while heavily exaggerating her words. She began elegantly walking towards the table, being so light on her feet that her footsteps didn't make a sound. When she noticed Inuyasha sitting at the table, her fangs slowly made an appearance as her lip curled up in disgust. How dare the hanyo responsible for the Great Dog Demon's death make an appearance around me.

Sesshomaru relished at the sight of his mother silently seething in anger. "Are you just passing by then, mother?" He asked with the faintest smirk on his face.

Turning to her son to make another passive aggressive comment, she froze and her heartbeat thudded loudly in her ears when she noticed the human girl reeked of Sesshomaru's scent. It took everything in her not to shake and growl with pure anger. He will not make the same mistakes his father did, if it wasn't for me playing nice with the others we could have lost the West and had nothing. Quickly getting herself under control, she brought back her cunning attitude and answered with a smile, "Oh no, I'll be fulfilling my duties to help entertain Lord Koga and Lady Ayame."

"Lady Ayame and I are honored, Lady Inukimi," Koga began while bowing respectfully trying to diffuse the situation, "but we're actually not here on official business."

Inukimi narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him, "Oh, is that so?"

Sesshomaru's face remained emotionless as he stared coldly at his mother, "Yes, therefore your presence is not needed."

"Now, now, trying to get rid of your mother so soon?" She asked dramatically with a fake frown upon her face. "After all, it gets so lonely up in the clouds. I'll retire to my room for the evening and leave you to your dinner." She bowed to Koga and Ayame, making sure to ignore everyone else at the table. I'll deal with the miko and half breed later she thought to herself as she gracefully left the dining hall.

A deafening silence fell over the dining hall while everyone seated at the table tried to make sense of what just happened. Servants began whizzing around the room preparing a seat for Lady Inukimi, erring on the side of caution and not wanting to be reprimanded. Akasuki had been around long enough to know her Lord's distaste for his mother, but unless instructed otherwise she would make sure her staff kept to the formal protocol that was expected from them.

"I see where you get your charming personality from, Sesshomaru." Inuyasha half joked while beginning to put some food on his plate, unbothered that Lady Inukimi very clearly did not approve of him. Sango let out a nervous laugh and wondered why it seemed impossible for Inuyasha to keep his mouth shut in situations like this.

Sesshomaru shifted his eyes to the doorway that his mother had just exited and made eye contact with Ginto. Silently nodding to one another, Sesshomaru stood up from his place at the head of the table, "I have a matter to attend to, please enjoy your dinner if I am unable to make it back in time." Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Kagome absentmindedly staring at the plate in front of her with her knuckles turning white from clenching them so tightly in her lap. Placing his hand gently on her back he leaned down to whisper in her ear, "There is nothing to worry about, Kagome." With a weary smile, she nodded and grabbed his hand that was resting on her shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze.

Walking side by side in silence with perfect posture, Ginto and Sesshomaru's footsteps echoed as they made their way to his office while Jaken trailed behind. "Jaken."

"Yes, my Lord?" Sesshomaru stared down the corridor as he spoke, "See to it that no one attempts to come near my office." The office doors creaked as Jaken closed them, "Yes, of course my Lord."

Sesshomaru stood facing the giant arched windows with his hands clasped together behind his back. Moonlight crept into the room from the the un-curtained windows as the candles on the wall flickered from the slight breeze they had created while walking in. He let out a heavy sigh before turning around and resting his hands on the edge of his desk with his head down, causing his long silky white hair to fall forward and hide most of his face. Without warning, Sesshomaru slammed his fist on his desk causing some loose papers to flutter to the ground. "What the hell is she doing here?"

Ginto knew it was a rhetorical question, but he still felt immensely disappointed with himself. "I apologize that I wasn't able to anticipate her arrival, my Lord." Resting his chin on his hand as he sat in the chair, his gaze made its way to the floor as he wondered how she was able to outsmart him. Am I truly worthy of being Lord Sesshomaru's second in command? Has my ego become too large to do the job that I have trained so hard for?

"Never mind that." Sesshomaru could tell by the somber look on Ginto's face he was beating himself up more than he should be. Effortlessly pulling his chair out with one hand, he sat down and began slowly moving his head side to side with his eyes closed trying to release some of the tension that was building from mothers surprise visit. "She is up to something. She would not show up if there was nothing in it for her, especially at this castle." When he didn't hear a response he opened his eyes to see Ginto continuing to wallow in self pity. He could feel his patience wearing thin. First mother upsets Kagome, and now she has Ginto questioning his self worth and skills.

"Ginto!" Sesshomaru snarled. "Now is not the time to be feeling sorry for yourself. It is insignificant you did not know she would be arriving, as I am sure she went through extraordinary lengths for you not to know."

Despite how embarrassed he was for openly sulking in front of Sesshomaru, Ginto forced himself to make eye contact before he spoke. "Forgive me, my Lord," he said sincerely while clearing his throat and straightening up in his seat, "lets get back to business."

"Wh-" Sesshomaru was inturrupted by loud squawking coming from the corridor even with his office being one of the most soundproof areas of the castle. "No No No!" Jaken waved his arms frantically, "You cannot come down here! It is strictly forbidden by Lord Sesshomaru himself!"

Due to their heightened sense of hearing, Sesshomaru and Ginto listed to the lower level servant's muffled reply. "Sincere apologies, Jaken, but I am merely taking food to the servants wing as I do every night at this time."

Ginto tried to fight the urge, but watching Sesshomaru roll his eyes and massage the bridge of his nose with his index finger and thumb sent him over the edge. He threw his head backwards and had a deep belly laugh, "That's Jaken for you, my Lord, always so literal." Sesshomaru sighed and shook his head, "He does try, I will give him that. However, I believe even Rin would have understood my intent was to keep mothers snooping at bay."

Ginto's brow wrinkled as he thought back to Lady Inukimi's arrival at the castle. "Her scent..." he mumbled under his breath as he glanced over towards the office doors. Lady Inukimi's words began replaying in his mind. "Hello, Ginto. Surprised to see me?" Ginto's eyes grew wide and he could feel his face turning red as everything began to make sense to him. Sesshomaru watched curiously as Ginto's veins became more defined from his muscular arms as he gripped the armrests of his chair trying to control his anger. "Her scent," he repeated louder, "she masked her scent until arriving at the castle doors. Lady Inukimi has most likely been watching our every move undetected."

"Typical." As far back as he could remember, his mother was constantly meddling in others affairs and always as sly as a fox. That must be where I inherited my distain for being involved with business that is not mine he mused to himself.

Glancing behind him from the corner of his eye, Sesshomaru watched as his office windows slightly rattled from the thunderous growl that was echoing throughout the castle. Both men immediately leapt up from their seats and charged down the corridor without hesitating. As they raced down the hallway Sesshomaru called out, "Go to the dining hall to watch after Kagome and the others." Ginto nodded without saying a word and turned left as Sesshomaru turned right.

"Wha-What was that?" Sango nervously asked as Inuyasha already had his hand resting on Tessaiga with his eyes intently focused on the dining hall doors.

Miroku began reaching for his sacred sutra's that are always securely hidden in his robes, "Yes, that does sound a bit concerning."

I don't like the sound of that Koga said to himself as he positioned himself into his fighting stance, while Ayame tried to calm Ichiro.

"Would you sit down. Without the jewel shards in your legs you're nothing but a scrawny wolf." Koga crossed his arms and stuck up his nose, "Oh yeah? How am I the Lord of the East then, mutt?" Without missing a beat Inuyasha and Koga were face to face growling at each other, just like old times. Rolling her eyes, Sango leaned over towards Kagome and whispered, "Some things never change I guess." Kagome put her hand over her mouth to help stifle her laughter, and a wave of nostalgia washed over her.

Standing in front of the dining hall doors, Ginto took a deep breath while his hands gripped the cool metal handles. As he exhaled, he threw his head back and his short but neatly kept brown hair followed suit. Pulling the doors open, he walked in to see everyone seemingly ready to engage in battle. Knowing Lord Sesshomaru didn't want any interference, he tried to reassure everyone with a smile, "Please, continue on with your dinner. Lord Sesshomaru insists."

Rolling his eyes, Inuyasha refused to remove his hand from Tessaiga, "Heh. We're not that stupid, Ginto. What's really going on?" Miroku nodded in agreement as he continued to have his hand hidden in his robe, ready to release his sacred sutra's at any moment.

"Let me in!" cried Jaken as he banged on the closed dining hall doors that Ginto was standing in front of, causing an echo throughout the corridor. Ginto swiftly opened the door and grabbed Jaken by the top of his head and pulled him into the room. "Master Jaken!" Rin exclaimed, "Did Lord Sesshomaru leave you behind again?" Jaken glared at her, "Nonsense! Lord Sesshomaru wanted me... to... keep watch over you!" "But..." Rin said with a confused look on her face, "Ginto is here, and he's a lot stronger and bigger than you are Master Jaken." Rin sure is a firecracker Ginto thought to himself as he laughed, now keep it going so the others don't focus on what Lord Sesshomaru is doing.

Sesshomaru came to a halt in front of the massive wooden doors and landed softly on his feet. The rotunda was well lit by flickering candles but unusually quiet as he stood in silence with his eyes closed, planning his next move. Without glancing in their direction, he knew the two guards were anxiously awaiting for his instruction and with a flick of his wrist they began opening the doors. Sesshomaru slowly opened his eyes as the wooden doors creaked and moaned while being opened, and without acknowledging them any further he made his way past the guards while keeping his footsteps light.

Slowly, Inukimi turned to face Sesshomaru with her eyes glowing red against the dimly lit corridor of the Lord's Wing. "How...DARE YOU!" she snarled while charging at her son with her claws outstretched. Effortlessly, Sesshomaru dodged her attack and landed gracefully behind her as she still charged towards the door. Speed has never been her strong suit he noted to himself. Sloppily pushing off of the doors separating the Lord's wing from the rest of the castle, she hurled herself towards Sesshomaru again but this time she drew her sword as she neared him. As their blades clashed, the demonic energy flowing from the blades turned the Lord's wing into a magnificent show of green and purple lighting.

"After everything I have done to secure the West for you!" Inukimi growled as she was was suspended mid air using all of her strength to try and overpower Sesshomaru's Bakusaiga. "For me? Do not be foolish. This was all for your benefit, and you know it." Sesshomaru replied calmly as he shoved her off of his sword, sending her crashing into a clay vase that was displayed on a table in the corridor.

Breathing heavily she looked to inspect the warm sensation she was feeling on her arm, only to be greeted with the sight of a deep crimson dripping onto the floor below her. "You made your own mother bleed? I should send you to the underworld with my Meido stone!" she cried in anger as she gripped her arm.

Sesshomaru sheathed Bakusaiga knowing her blind rage had dissipated, "What is this all about, mother?"

Dust swirled around Inukimi as she slowly rose from the pile of broken clay beneath her. "Your father would never." she muttered through gritted teeth as she swatted debris off of her bloodied kimono.

"Is that comment supposed to hurt me?" Sesshomaru asked in a monotone voice, making it obvious he felt no emotions towards what just transpired.

The rage began building up inside Inukimi again as she tried to keep control, "Don't you get it!" Motioning her arms down the corridor, she was shaking as she screamed, "Why do I smell the miko's scent in the Lord's wing!"

Not wishing to engage further in the conversation, Sesshomaru stared straight ahead while he walked past his mother. "This is nonsense," he mumbled as he pushed the Lord's wing doors open and left his mother standing in the corridor while servants scurried around her, cleaning the mess they had created.

Sensing his Lord's presence, Ginto stepped to the side and opened the door to the dining hall. Sesshomaru raised his eyebrow at the sight of everyone standing and ready for battle, while silently thanking Ginto for keeping them all in one spot. "I hope you did not delay dinner due to waiting for my return," he said while making his way back to the head of the table.

Everyone at the table slowly sat down into their chairs and servants immediately began serving food, while some demon servants blew fire onto the meals that turned cold. Inuyasha's leg began bouncing under the table as he looked around at everyone else, but when no one else spoke up, Inuyasha decided to. "Alright then, I'll take one for the team," he began, "Do you care to explain what the hell is going on?" Inuyasha asked impatiently.

Resisting the urge to punch his brother through the wall for the blatant disrespect, he replied, "No. It is none of your concern." Inuyasha's muscles tensed up and a low growl was emitting from him, making it known he was displeased with the answer. "Sango, how is your bother Kohaku?" Sesshomaru asked, knowing he needed a distraction before Inuyasha caused a scene. Sango's eyes immediately lit up at the question, "Kohaku is doing well, currently he's off completing more demon slayer training..." Her voice became distant to Sesshomaru while he took the opportunity to wander off into his own thoughts. Mother always needs to make things difficult. I will not send Kagome back to the guest wing. However... if just Kagome's scent in the Lord's wing caused her to act that way... "Thank you for asking, Lord Sesshomaru." Sango said with a genuine smile, pulling Sesshomaru back to the conversation. He nodded, "Tell him I send my regards, it has been a few years since we traveled together."

Koga took a break from stuffing his face with the delicious spread of food and set his chopsticks down, "Damn. Remember the Naraku days?" He lovingly looked over to his family, and gently rubbed the top of Ichiro's head while he cooed. "There were times I thought it would never be over, and now," his voice cracked, "I have a beautiful wife and the best son a wolf could ask for." Ayame blushed and reached her hand out to caress Koga's face, "Oh, Koga."

"It was a hard transition," Kagome spoke up, "going from this world back to mine permanently the way I did." Her eyes misted over as she thought back to that day three years ago. "One minute we were in the most intense battle any of us had ever seen, and then as we watched Naraku die I wondered 'is this really it?' And then..." her chest became tight with anxiety thinking about what happened next, "after being shown an illusion, I was plunged into darkness for what seemed like an eternity. Just the Shikon Jewel and I."

Tears rolled down Sango's cheeks as she listened to Kagome's story for the first time. Inuyasha had refused to talk about what happened once he returned other than letting them know she was safe.

"I was absolutely petrified, until Inuyasha arrived." The whole table glanced in his direction, causing his ears to flatten and cheeks to blush. "Once he came for me, I was able to make the correct wish and the jewel was banished from this world. In that moment, I thought we all were going to have a happy and normal life... but..." Kagome sighed and looked down to her lap, "when we got back to my home, Inuyasha and I were separated and the well stopped working. I longed to be back in this world, the world that so easily became my home. I thought about you all every single day and always wondered what you were up to." Kagome began wiping away the tears that were clinging to her eyes, "One day when I was looking down into the well, hoping something finally changed, I saw the trees swaying in the breeze. It wasn't until I smelled the fresh air that I knew I wasn't imagining it. My mother walked in and saw me standing there gripping the edge of the well not knowing what to do next, but she knew I was meant to come back to this era. She gave the biggest hug and assured me it was okay, because we didn't know if I would be able to come back home or not once I jumped in again." Kagome took a deep breath and exhaled with a smile on her tearstained face, "And well, here I am." Sesshomaru placed his hand on top of Kagome's hand for support, while she was reciting her story he could feel every emotion she went through.

"Oh, Kagome," Sango cried as she leaned over and hugged her best friend. While they all began reminiscing on their journey to defeating Naraku, Sesshomaru once again retreated back into his thoughts. I do not want to leave her in her room by herself with mother around, but if she were to be in my room it would surely push mother to her breaking point. Kagome looked over to Sesshomaru while giggling at Koga's story of how Ginta and Hakkaku thought him and Sesshomaru would tear each other to shreds and tried everything to prevent them from crossing paths, when she could see he was deep in thought. "Is everything okay?" she whispered. Pulling Sesshomaru from his thoughts again, he nodded and pretended to be amused with Koga's story.

The conversation continued long into the night, but the children had all gone to sleep hours prior. Koga stood up and stretched while yawning obnoxiously, "I'm ready for some sleep, goodnight!" While he wasn't as fast as he used to be from the jewel shards in his legs, he was still able to drum up a powerful breeze as he ran off.

After saying goodnight to Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango, it left only Kagome and Sesshomaru at the table while the servants cleaned up around them. He was still unsure of the sleeping arrangements for the night, so he tried to stall Kagome. "Would you like some more tea?" Kagome covered her mouth with her hand as she fought back a yawn, "Yes, thank you. Can we sit on the beach while I drink it?"

Sesshomaru and Kagome walked hand in hand as they made their way towards the beach with the sound of crashing waves in the distance. Taking a sip of her tea with her free hand, she looked up at the full moon that hung in the dark navy blue sky that was sprinkled heavily with stars. "Wow," she whispered to herself. Sesshomaru followed her gaze, "Is it really that interesting?" "Oh, sorry," Kagome said with a giggle while looking to Sesshomaru, "One of my favorite things about this era is the night sky, where I'm from you can't see as many stars." He looked back up at the sky and realized that for some reason he wanted to know more. "Is that so?" he asked with genuine curiosity.

"Here's good!" Kagome exclaimed as she sat down in the sand out of the blue and took another sip of her tea. I will never take this era for granted again she thought to herself as she inhaled the fresh clean air while the soft ocean breeze slightly ruffled her hair.

Sesshomaru smirked as he looked down at the human who was slowly stealing his heart, "And why is that?" Trying to hide her smile, she playfully teased, "What's with all the questions tonight?" Sesshomaru sat in the sand and wrapped his arm around her, resting his hand on her upper thigh. "Do you not enjoy them?" he asked with a wink. Taking another sip of her tea, she nuzzled into his mokomoko and smiled, "No, I don't mind."

They sat in silence enjoying each others company, she watched the waves while sipping her tea and he focused on the night sky lost in thought. Eventually, Kagome worked up the courage to ask, "Sesshomaru, what was on your mind tonight? You seemed preoccupied at dinner." Kagome was met with silence from Sesshomaru, who was still focused on the sky despite hearing her. "Was it because of the growl we heard tonight?" she continued to ask while biting her cheek, nervous about his lack of response. His gaze was unwavering and while he was comfortable with silence, Kagome was not. Sesshomaru quickly turned and grabbed Kagome's shoulders to inspect her when he caught the faint scent of her blood. "Are you alright? Where are you bleeding?" he asked while continuing to look her over. "Oh it's nothing, I just bit my cheek a little too much is all," she shrugged. "I don't know how I should or shouldn't ask you..." Kagome trailed off while avoiding eye contact with him.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes and hung his head low while he silently berated himself for making Kagome feel that way. You caused her so much discomfort that she accidentally injured herself. Instinct told him to stay silent and not share what happened earlier with her, after all, who was she to him? Deep down though, his inner beast kept insisting he share with her and let her be a part of his life. He opened his legs and pat the sand in front of him, "Come." Kagome quickly plopped in front of Sesshomaru and leaned back into him as he wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on the top of her head as they looked out at the water in front of them.

"Mother was not pleased that your scent was in the Lord's wing," Sesshomaru began, "what you heard earlier was her after she discovered it." Kagome's eyes grew wide with fear and she clung on to Sesshomaru's arm a little tighter than before. "At dinner I was thinking of sleeping arrangements. I do not wish to move you back to the guest wing, and while I believe mother would not be ignorant enough to try something I also do not wish to leave you in your room alone."

Kagome's heart rate spiked as she tried to keep calm and listen to Sesshomaru. That noise was his MOTHER? Because of me? A shiver made its way down Kagome's spine at the thought of sharing a wing with Inukimi when their rooms were only a few doors away."Would it really be so bad for me to go back to the guest wing?" she asked with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Sesshomaru's heart ached slightly at the thought of her not being close to him, even though he was confident she would be safe in the guest wing. "I prefer you do not go back to that wing, unless you request to."

Weighing her options, Kagome finished up the last of her chamomile tea. She couldn't decide which was worse, being in the same wing as Inukimi or being in a different wing without Sesshomaru nearby. The thought of being in his room with him briefly crossed her mind, but before she could say anything Sesshomaru seemingly read her mind.

"While I did consider you sleeping in my room for the time being, I think that would push mother to the point of no return." Trying to lighten the mood a little, Sesshomaru joked, "The easiest solution would be for her to go back to her palace, however I'm sure we cannot get rid of her that easily now." Kagome laughed at his joke, "Hey, that's not nice! You should still be nice to your mother."

With his chin still positioned on the top of her head, he rolled his eyes at her statement. "Hn."

"Hold on a second, your mother has her own palace!?" Kagome exclaimed. "You must come from a long line of demon royalty."

Sesshomaru nodded his head in agreement, the movement from his chin caused her hair to bunch up a little on top. Normally Kagome would be annoyed with her hair not being pristine, but she was so enthralled with their conversation she didn't even notice.

"Are you and your mother close?" Kagome asked, unsure if she was pushing him too much tonight with their conversation.

Silence fell over them as Sesshomaru debated how much he wanted to share. He could feel himself wanting to shut down the conversation, but he still didn't know where to send Kagome for bed. Taking a deep breath before continuing on, he finally answered her. "No."

Shifting slightly, Kagome felt a little awkward from his response. "Oh, sorry. I just assumed since she came here tonight..."

Sesshomaru smoothed her hair back down and rested his chin back in his spot. "She came because she enjoys being in others business. As far back as I can remember she has been meddling where she does not belong." Kagome was about to ask another question before Sesshomaru spoke again, "I am surprised she even showed up to this castle."

"Oh?" she asked curiously, "Why's that?"

"This castle was built by my father for Lady Izayoi..." Sesshomaru trailed off. Of course, why did I not think of this sooner. Unwrapping his arms from Kagome, he stood up and offered a hand for her. "Come with me," he said with a smile. Pulling her up from the sand, he lifted her into his arms and began flying over the ocean. Kagome became a little uneasy when she noticed there wasn't any land beneath them. "Umm, you can fly for awhile right? You don't need to push off of land or trees?" she questioned nervously. "Yes, I am a full demon. I can fly." Kagome breathed a sigh of relief.

While still flying over the ocean, Sesshomaru made a sharp right and headed towards a piece of land that was surrounded by water on three sides. Sesshomaru set Kagome down in the sand, "We have arrived." Looking around all she could see was a beach, land, trees, and a cleared out section of land in the middle surrounded by trees. "Arrived where, exactly?" Kagome questioned. Sesshomaru grabbed Kagome's hand and began leading her towards the clearing, "Hn. I am surprised you are not able to see it."

Am I sensing a barrier? she questioned to herself as she walked hand in hand with Sesshomaru. Kagome grew frustrated with herself as she continued to search for it, where is it? I can't see it! She felt the sensation of passing through a barrier, and seemingly out of nowhere a beautiful but modest house was suddenly nestled in between the trees in the clearing. "What... is this," Kagome wondered out loud.

"This," Sesshomaru said as he put his arm around Kagome's waist, "is the beach house." Stunned, Kagome was quiet as she watched a small waterfall trickle into the koi pond that had a wooden bench next to it. A gorgeous array of flowers were arranged to hug the other side of the pond. "As I said before, my father built this castle for Lady Izayoi."

Kagome continued to look around while she tried to piece everything together herself, "You mean Inuyasha's mother?"

"Yes," Sesshomaru nodded, "Mother and father never lived here together. This castle was meant to be Izayoi and my fathers."

"So..." Kagome motioned towards the house, "what's with this? Why is there a barrier around it?"

"Father had the beach house built for Izayoi when he discovered that she was pregnant. It was supposed to be a safe haven for her to give birth, and also live with Inuyasha until the..." he trailed off as he tried to think of the word he wanted to use, "excitement wore off."

Kagome's brow furrowed, "Excitement? I thought half demons weren't something that were celebrated."

Her sentence pierced a small piece of his heart. If Kagome and I were to mate, they too would be half demons. Would I be in the same predicament as father? Realizing he would have to be slightly more truthful, he continued on, "Father knew that demons would try to kill Inuyasha, so they could say they killed the Great Dog Demons half breed son." Kagome put her hand to her mouth in shock, not realizing the full extent of the hatred of half demons. "Not only demons, but a Samurai from Izayoi's village named Lord Takemaru was also in love with her. The Samurai was not happy with her being in love with a demon from the Western lands."

Stunned, Kagome's legs felt like concrete as she stood in the clearing staring at the house that was supposed to be Inuyasha's temporary family home. Thinking back to the few stories he shared with her, she knew he had a hard life growing up and knowing that it didn't have to be that way broke her heart. Kagome's lip quivered, "Why... why didn't they live here?"

Sesshomaru looked up to the night sky wondering if father was enjoying the karma of his full demon son who hated humans, showing the one he was falling in love with the beach house. "Things... did not go as father planned."

Author's Note:

Hello friends, I'm back! Apologies for the very delayed chapter. Between the household getting sick, the holidays, and my kid's nap length changing... it's been a hot mess over here :)

I already have a few paragraphs for the next chapter started. I was going to include them in this chapter and keep on writing, but I changed my mind. I'm pretty sure the next chapter will be a back story on Inukimi/Toga/Izayoi. I don't know if it will be the full chapter, half, just some of the chapter... but I would love some feedback on how deep you would like for me to get with it.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and that 2022 is treating you well!