She couldn't remember the rest of the conversation, just that the more she called his name, the more Sesshoumaru pulled away. The sting of his sneer burned into her soul, and Touga had been the one to finally interfere.

He claimed his son was tired from a long trip and not thinking clearly, but Kagome had seen the dismissal in his eyes as he was taken to one of the guestrooms. She wasn't sure how he'd gotten there or what had happened with the mist, but one thing was certain: it was her fault. She'd doubted him too much or hadn't fought enough, and this was her punishment.

It would've been better if she didn't remember the dream in the first place.

Mama led her back to her chair, the wood doing much to stabilize her shaking limbs, then forced a fresh cup of tea into her hands. She didn't say anything, though the irate mumbling did little to hide her opinion of the situation. Uncle Touga's name came out in every other sentence, her teeth snapping together with each syllable.

Kagome tried to make sense of it, but the more her mother grumbled, the more she spiralled. Was everyone in on it? Was it some cruel trick for chasing her dream of being a dancer? Did they want her to stay that badly?

She bent over, head in her hands. No, her family wouldn't betray her like that. Something had gone wrong when she'd left the Land of Sweets. She'd beaten Naraku, but sometime between the fatal blow and waking, there'd been a disconnect, and now she'd lost the one person she'd tried to protect.

Even though he was right in front of her.

Dragging her nails along her scalp, she swallowed another wave of grief. She wanted to chase after him, to shake him until he remembered, but returning to this world after being cursed for so long was likely jarring, even if he wasn't aware of it. Was that all he needed? A nap and possibly something to eat, and then the memories would come flooding back?

A cool towel was pressed against her forehead, and Mama gave her a meaningful look as she motioned toward her still-full teacup. Kagome opened her mouth to argue, her stomach rolling at the thought of consuming anything, but the pointed glare from her mother had her recoiling. Slumping in defeat, she took a few measly sips. The elder Higurashi, finally placated, turned back to the stove, plating up the rest of the leftovers. "I will speak to your uncle about interfering in others' affairs once you've eaten."

"No need to wait," Touga said, slipping back into the kitchen. "Though I'd like to discuss a few things with her first." Mama whirled on him, brandishing a spoon, and his hand rose in surrender. "I promise I'll come back, and you can yell at me all you want. But she needs help first."

A scowl burned the back of his neck as he offered Kagome his hand, the other gripping her shoulder for support. Her steps were unsteady, and she leaned against him as they left the kitchen. Her eyes flickered toward the staircase, her body tensing at what she might see at the top.

Uncle Touga led her to the large bay window, the hand on her shoulder keeping her in place so she couldn't escape. All she wanted was to curl up in her room and forget everything. "Don't lose hope," he murmured.

Bile rose up in the back of her throat, a vicious barb on the tip of her tongue, but he motioned to the window, a flash of movement quickly distracting her. Snow still covered the ground, muting scents and colours, but the telltale sound of Izayoi's laughter tinkled through the air like a bell.

Kagome wiped away the tears clogging her vision, eyes widening as a woman clad in lavender silk and lush fur placed a kiss on Izayoi's brow. Her words were muffled, but the intent was clear, clawed hands cupping her face.

The queen was missing her crown, but no less regal, her long, silver hair pulled back into an intricate braid that wrapped around her head. Kagome leaned forward, her breath condensing on the glass. Izayoi covered the woman's hands with her own, her dark gloves standing out against pale skin. Both were unbothered by the cold, fingers intertwining as they turned from the house, intent on finishing their stroll.

"How?" she croaked, voice catching.

Touga squeezed her shoulder. "Some things are stronger than a spider's web." He meant to comfort her, but the knife gave a sharp twist, leaving her gasping.

"Meaning that I wasn't enough." She'd accept it someday, but the wounds were too fresh, the loss too intense. Every time she thought of him, her chest tightened, the image of their dance shattering from the force of his glare.

Touga clicked his tongue, leaning against the window with a sigh. "If it were that simple, you'd have found him on the shelf with your other dolls." He crossed his arms. "And if the spider still lived, he would've been trapped like Kimiko." He pointed to the pair outside when she gave him a questioning look. "The name my other mate goes by without her title."

Kagome took the bait. "It suits her."

"Izayoi would agree with you," he said, a warm smile lifting his features. "You have done much for my family, little bird. It has been so long since I've seen Izayoi's smile." They watched the pair in silence. She could feel the difference in his stance—in his aura. The constant boasting she'd always thought was from previous battles had melted away, and she suddenly realized how long he'd been on edge.

How long he'd been protecting Izayoi.

"I told the queen how sad she'd been," Kagome whispered. Her sorrow cracked at the memory. "She basically told me to shut up."

That earned her a chuckle, Touga's shoulders shaking. "I have no doubt of that. She probably threatened to cut out your tongue."

Kagome wished she had the energy to laugh—or even to smile—but the weight of her return left little room for anything else. As it was, the only thing keeping her upright was the soft expression on the queen's face and Touga's arm around her shoulders. "I'm happy for them," she said, pain tightening her chest. "Izayoi had been sad for a long time."

"Only because she never gave up hope," he replied pointedly.

Her jaw clenched. "I admire her strength. Most people would give up when faced with such a burden." She wrapped her arms around herself.

The click of Touga's tongue was loud in her ear. "You mustn't blame yourself for my son's stubbornness."

She finally turned to him, power flaring. "I'm not a child, Uncle. Don't placate me with your pity. If the connection had been real, he would've come back like Kimiko." She wrapped her arms around herself. "I saw the loathing in his eyes."

Touga let out a bark of laughter. "Just because you've travelled outside your home doesn't mean you're old enough to lecture me, pup." Golden eyes lost their sparkle as they narrowed at her. "He's worse than you are. And has centuries to perfect it."

Kagome bristled. "Then why—"

"There have been countless battles," he cut in, not giving her the chance to build up her case. "But none have been presented to the queen until you."

A dark blush stained her cheeks, and she couldn't refute his words. It wasn't his dismissal that bothered her, though it didn't help. She'd fully believed that she'd find the nutcracker in the cabinet and the remnants of the dream would fade as the morning went on. The vibrancy of the images had shaken her, but nothing had prepared her for the sight of Sesshoumaru walking into the kitchen.

She'd never believed he was real until that moment. Never believed in him until that moment. His appearance had only made her aware of her own shame.

"I need him," she whispered, arms tightening. "I don't know what to do, Uncle. He wouldn't even look at me."

Touga pulled her close, patting her back to quell the building sobs. "Then force him to see you, Kagome. He refuses to do so because he thinks you are better off without him." There had to be more to it than that, but it was a start, and she nodded against his chest.

He'd been so sweet with her, but she'd seen the determination in his eyes when he'd faced off against Onigumo. And then again when Naraku invaded his kingdom. Even with his missing limb, he'd stood firm, refusing to give up.

What had happened after they'd split up?

With the creation of his sword and the return of his arm, she'd thought victory had been in sight. She'd left him, assuming he didn't need her help, but now all she could think about was how much she wanted to return to that moment. Naraku had said something, done something that had Sesshoumaru's faith in his abilities waver.

She suddenly wished she could dispose of him a second time.

She took a deep breath, her decision burning low in her stomach. Sesshoumaru was stubborn, but so was she; if he thought she was better off without him, he had another thing coming.

And she'd be the one to give it to him.

Touga chuckled knowingly. "There you are, little bird. I thought I'd lost you for a moment."

Blue eyes narrowed, and she raised her chin. "Shouldn't you be getting back to the kitchen?" she asked.

Her uncle flinched, finally turning away from the window. "I don't suppose you'd put in a good word for me?"

"Not on your life."

"Traitor. And after everything I did for you."

The light slowly returned to her eyes, but they flickered toward the stairs nervously. "Is he really sleeping?"

Touga smirked. "Unlikely."

She nodded, shoulders straightening, and she marched toward the stairs, intent on forcing the elusive daiyoukai to see reason. She wasn't sure what it would entail, but if it came to blows, she was more than equipped to put him in his place.

The third act had begun.