After yet another long meditation session, Kagome examined the nearly completed Shikon Jewel in her hand, its soft glow illuminating her tired features.

Judging by the size of the jewel, she knew exactly where the missing pieces were. One resided within Sesshoumaru's arm and the last two were with Kouga. The thought of retrieving them filled her with dread.

It took Kagome several minutes to work up the nerve to tell Sesshoumaru about the location of the missing shards. She knew what his response would be, knew it even before the words left her lips, well… hands. As expected, Sesshoumaru was unwavering in his decision: they needed to return to Edo first, gather supplies from her home, and then head north to the wolf's territory.

What she didn't expect was his insistence that Rin and Shippou stay behind in the village while they traveled north. He pointed out, quite annoyingly, that their journey would be faster without the children slowing them down. Though she couldn't disagree, a sense of unease settled in her chest. It wasn't just the speed of the journey that worried her—it was the prospect of being alone with Sesshoumaru, with no distractions, no excuses. Alone with him meant she could no longer hide the truth of what was happening to her, no longer evade his watchful gaze.

And now, here she was, held securely in Sesshoumaru's strong arms as he leaped gracefully down the Bone-Eater's Well, transporting them both into the future. She could feel the firm press of his arm around her waist, the steady rhythm of his breath. It was so easy to lose herself in the sensation of being close to him, to feel safe, to feel… secure. Yet now, it felt tainted.

Careful, little bird. You're clinging to him like a lovesick fool, Naraku's voice echoed in her mind, dripping with disdain. Do you think he'll still hold you when he learns who's festering in your thoughts?

Kagome grit her teeth, willing the voice to disappear. She tried to focus on her surroundings, on anything but the cold tendrils of doubt that Naraku had wrapped around her heart. Everything that had once brought her comfort now seemed twisted, corrupted by his words. The warmth of Sesshoumaru's embrace, the comfort she found there—it all turned into something ugly.

"Kagome."

The vibration in his chest caused by saying her name cut through her spiraling thoughts. She blinked, looking up in confusion, realizing they had already made it inside her family's home. And here she was, still clinging to him as if she couldn't bear to let go.

Slowly, she loosened her grip, her feet finding the ground as she stepped back, her eyes avoiding his. "Sorry," she signed, then brushed her hair away from her face as if the action could mask her unease.

Sesshoumaru's golden eyes bore into her, as if searching for something beyond her expression. "You are troubled."

She forced a smile. "Just… a lot on my mind," she replied, her hands trembling despite her effort to seem composed.

"Your scent betrays you, Kagome," Sesshoumaru said. There was no harshness in his movements, just calm certainty. "You are afraid."

The truth hit her like a sharp gust of wind, stripping away her pretense. She looked away, biting her lip. She couldn't face this—not now, not while Naraku's twisted laughter echoed in her mind.

She turned, ready to flee upstairs but Sesshoumaru was faster and his hand gripped her arm pulling her back against him. "The house is empty," he signed with one hand. "There are no distractions left."

He was right, and she hated it.

Pacify the hound, Priestess. We wouldn't want anyone interfering now, would we? Naraku's voice mocked her. Instinctively, Kagome pressed her hands against her ears, as if that could drown him out. The laugh that followed was like poison, seeping deeper into her mind.

Sesshoumaru had enough of her evasion. He grabbed her wrists, pulling her hands down, his gaze locking onto hers. Inhuman eyes searched hers for a clue, a crack in her facade—something that would reveal what tormented her.

Kagome stared back, her eyes large and filled with tears, pleading silently for him to let this go. She watched him waver and saw the moment he almost conceded, almost looked away. But then, something shifted in his gaze—an awareness. He saw it, the flicker of crimson in her blue irises.

His hands pulled away from her face so suddenly that she nearly stumbled backward. The movement felt like a rejection, like a knife to her chest. Naraku had been right—Sesshoumaru found out, and now he wanted nothing to do with her. Before she could process the pain, those strong arms wrapped around her again pulling her close until the cold metal of his armor was pressing against her cheek.

"You fool," he muttered, knowing she couldn't hear him. After a few heartbeats he pulled back slightly, lifting a hand to sign, "How long?"

Kagome hesitated before meeting his eyes. "Since we returned through the well. He said… he said you helped break him free from where he was hiding inside me."

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. Not once had he sensed Naraku's presence—how had the vile half-demon concealed himself so well? He needed more information. Without a word, he shouldered off their bags by the door, lifting Kagome effortlessly into his arms as he headed upstairs.

Kagome squirmed in his hold, protesting until they reached her room, where he set her down on the bed with little ceremony. She watched in confusion as he began to shed his armor, the plates clattering softly as he removed them, followed by his swords and even mokomoko.

"What are you doing?" she asked as he took a seat beside her, the bed dipping under his weight.

"An examination," he replied, his expression leaving no room for argument.