In a brilliant arc, Kagome’s arrows streaked toward the inuyoukai pair. Bracing themselves for a seeking strike, they leapt away and whirled. Their plan was to swat down the arrows with spear and whip as they changed course. It was a good plan. But the demons’ instinctive, well-timed slashes met only with open air— Kagome’s

Untouched by Sesshoumaru’s corrosion, the flooring at Kagome’s feet gleamed, a little island of beauty in the desolation that surrounded her. More than half of the tower had been melted away. What remained was a pitiful, broken shell. But Kagome could only feel concern for herself. Sinking to her hands and knees, she hacked up

“Don’t be a fool,” Sesshoumaru said, his eyes bleeding red. “This is the last chance I will give you: abandon this madness.” The dark winds of his spiritual energy churned in a maelstrom, stripping all warmth from the air and eroding the room around them. The fine walls and ceiling cracked and crumbled into a

Sesshoumaru’s words slammed into her like a physical blow. Kagome went rigid, all the color draining from her face. “Kagome,” he started to say again, against her the corner of her lips, “I—” “Don’t!” she cried out, struggling fiercely. Sesshoumaru bit back a snarl as she broke violently from his hold and scrambled up, backing