They stayed in the cave for an entire day. Kagome would sob into his chest until she fell asleep, only to wake to the fear and pain of her dead mark and start the cycle all over again. Finally she had awakened calm enough to tell him what had happened, all the while clinging to him as tightly as possible, desperately seeking the connection that was still missing.
It had struck her out of nowhere. She was out gathering herbs and felt a sting on her neck, like an insect bite. The next moment her world collapsed around her as she felt him disappear, the mark on her neck suddenly void.
The mating was a bonding of souls, and intertwining of their powers. To lose one's mate was to lose half of one's self. Few could survive such a loss, and the Miko's death was likely the intended outcome. But from what she told him, it seemed she had wandered in a stupor for three days before finally giving up and letting the storm take her.
He would have marveled at the strength such a feat showed had it not been the result of a horrific attack upon her very soul. He had felt her death as well, but only for a moment before Tenseiga had brought her back. The pain had brought him to his knees, and left him shaken and fearful, searing through his soul like cursed fire. And his mate had survived that same pain for three days, alone.
Whoever had down this to her would not know the luxury of a swift death.
When she had finally recovered enough to travel he carried her home and brought her to his mother. Though she would never admit it publicly, the demoness held a soft spot for the miko who always held her gaze without fear.
As his mother, Kimi's scent and youki was similar enough to help keep Kagome calm in his absence. That, coupled with the facade of her public disdain for the woman, made her the perfect guardian during the times Sesshoumaru was forced to be away while he hunted down those responsible for her suffering. Never before had he appreciated her taste for political intrigue, but now he blessed her devious mind and the protection it provided.
Upon hearing what had happened Kimi's own aura spiked in rage at the thought of anyone daring to attack a member of her pack. "Stay here while I fetch Rin, she's quite good at playing sick and it will make a sufficient cover story for providing the care your mate can put her in my bed and hold her until I return. The more of your scent that we can get to linger the better she'll handle your absence when you must leave."
After making sure the two were safely settled, chest tightening at the sound of Kagome's weakened voice, she cast a barrier over the room and went in search of her granddaughter. Her hands glowed green as she fought to contain her own poison. The understanding of Sesshoumaru's need to defend his mate the only thing preventing her from hunting them down and killing them herself.