The evening was quiet, the fire crackling softly where Rin sat, her knees drawn close as she hummed to herself. Sesshōmaru stood apart, his gaze fixed on the horizon, though his thoughts lingered elsewhere. Rin was no longer the small child who had once trailed behind him without hesitation. She was changing, and with that change came needs he would not—could not—fulfill.

Jaken had proved useless, sputtering and fumbling whenever Rin’s questions strayed toward matters of womanhood. Sesshōmaru had no patience for such things; his silence would not be enough this time. Rin required a guide, someone to offer her knowledge he had no intention of providing.

His golden eyes narrowed as he turned away from the firelight, his decision made. He would find someone—someone suitable, who would not falter before his presence, yet could give Rin the care she required.

The next day, his steps carried him to the edge of a quiet village. The moment he appeared, the air shifted—fear rippled through the people, scattering them like frightened birds. All but one. You.

Sesshōmaru’s gaze fell on you, measuring, cold and unblinking. In a single stride he was before you, the silk of his haori brushing the air as his clawed hand closed around your arm with an iron grip. No words, no explanation—only inevitability.

The sunlight caught his hair which caused a gleamed as his voice finally broke the silence, low and commanding.

“You will come with me, woman.”

Before protest could leave your lips, the world blurred with the force of his stride, the village vanishing behind you as easily as a shadow at dawn. Choice had never been yours to begin with.