The cold of winter was creeping in as a young hybrid girl ran from a larger demon. She stumbled to the ground as the beast approached. She scrambled to get up, but its hand wrapped around her ankle.

  “Ah! Please! Someone help!” the young hybrid cried as the demon pulled her closer.

  She closed her eyes as the creature’s teeth neared her face. But death didn’t arrive.

  Slowly, she opened her eyes and saw the demon lying dead. In its place stood a long white-haired demon. His presence was overwhelming—his aura unlike anything she had ever felt.

  “What are you doing in my land, girl?” the man asked, his voice commanding.

  “Please forgive me,” she said quickly. “I was looking for Lord Toga, the great dog demon. My father said he would take me in with his final breath…”

  “And what do you know of Lord Toga?” the man asked again.

  “Just that his land starts near here. Please, I didn’t mean to intrude on your territory.” She pressed her face to the ground, instinctively submissive like a scolded dog.

  “Raise up. You’ve found who you’re looking for,” he said, offering his hand.

  The girl looked up, tears in her eyes, and took it.

  “Your name?” he asked as he helped her to her feet.

  “Yua. My father was Aoi…” she trailed off, looking away when she spoke his name.

  “Yua…” he repeated. “Aoi... Yes, I remember your father.” Toga was quiet a moment. Something in that name didn’t sit right with what he knew of her clan. “Yes. He and I go back.” Lord Toga turned and began walking.

  Yua followed him. He didn’t speak much, but his body language was clear. He was tense about something. Yua stayed quiet too—her father had often struck her for speaking without permission. They walked in silence, the journey feeling long to her young legs. Still, she kept pace.

  Toga stopped and turned toward her.

  “Why do you follow so quietly?” he asked, remembering Aoi once saying she loved to talk.

  “Oh… I didn’t want to disturb your thoughts. My father said I shouldn't speak unless told otherwise,” Yua replied, avoiding eye contact.

  “Was he cruel to you?” There was a fire in Toga’s eyes.

  “No… well, not that I remember. After he died, things became hazy. I only recall fragments here and there…” Her voice faded. “I wish I could remember everything, but…”

  “But?” Toga pressed gently.

  “Our eyes aren’t the same. My father always said they matched my mother’s, but every other hybrid I’ve met has eyes that match at least one parent.”

  “That is odd,” Toga murmured. He closed his eyes, remembering her mother. “You never met your mother, right?”

  “No. She died when I was much younger,” Yua answered, echoing what her father had always told her.

  Toga winced at the memory of how he’d found her mother. He turned away and spoke softly.

  “Your mother was a rare beauty. An all-white kitsune with purple fox fire. Not many like her existed. Her combat skills were a marvel to watch. We were close friends, before she died…” He paused. “We can talk more about her later. Let’s get inside.”

  Toga pressed his hand against empty air, and a great palace shimmered into view.

  Yua stared, wide-eyed. She had heard stories of Lord Toga’s abilities, but witnessing them herself felt like stepping into a legend.

  They passed through the courtyard, and Yua remained quiet, eyes darting about. She began mentally mapping the layout—taking note of hiding spots and exits, just in case. Toga glanced at her now and then over his shoulder.

  They reached a spare room, and Toga paused at the door.

  “You’ll stay in here. Wait for the maids to collect you. I imagine you could use a bath after all that running,” he said, referencing the demon that had chased her.

  “Ah, yes… thank you.” Yua bowed, unsure if that was proper.

  “No need to be so formal. You're young—you may surpass me one day,” Toga said with a rare smile, then left her alone.

  Yua stepped into the room, surprised by its size. She sat cross-legged on the floor until the maids arrived. She rose and followed them in silence to the baths. A few more maids appeared and helped her out of her old clothes, checking for wounds.

  Yua’s body was covered in scars and bruises—all of them old. One of the maids began to cry and had to leave the room. The others washed her gently and carefully dressed her afterward. It was the first time in her life she had been treated with such care, and she had to hold back tears of her own.

  They led her back to her room. Later, she was brought a meal—far more than she expected. She began to eat hungrily.

  Toga entered and paused at the sight of her. In her half-transformed state, she looked more fox than girl,gray furred, lean, and wolf-faced, tearing into her food like she hadn’t eaten in days. He’d expected her to be hungry. But not like this.

  The maid had told him about the bruises. Now he saw for himself how starved she’d been, how little love or care she must have known. He realized then that she was suppressing things,locking them away somewhere deep.

  “Yua,” he said softly.

  She looked up and slowly changed back into her human form. Toga could finally see her clearly—her hair was a soft gray streaked with white, and her face was too thin for her age. She tilted her head, confused as to why he’d called her.

  But Toga wasn’t looking at her hair. He was staring into her eyes. They were a shade of blue he hadn’t seen since the last time he looked into her mother’s.

  A twinge of pain bloomed in his chest. Tears stung his eyes before he could stop them.

  Yua blinked in surprise, then rushed forward and hugged him.

  “It’s okay. It’s not your fault, Lord Toga,” she said, trying to comfort him.

  ~ One week later ~

  Toga kept Yua away from his family for a while to let her adjust and regain her strength. She was now well-fed and dressed in clothes more suitable for a girl, instead of his son’s old hand-me-downs. He could already tell she had inherited her mother’s beauty. Her bruises and scars had slowly healed, and by the end of the week, she no longer devoured her meals like a starved animal. She was beginning to eat normal portions.

  One morning, Toga led her to a training area and gestured for her to sit. Yua obeyed quietly, then noticed a boy—about her age, perhaps a little older—standing in a marked-off section across from Toga. The two stared at each other for a moment.

  “Today, you watch and learn. Then you train. Then we spar,” Toga instructed, glancing her way.

  Yua nodded. Toga and the boy both pulled wooden katanas from their sides and began to spar.

  She watched closely, studying each movement, wondering how she might fight like that someday. Toga moved with control, dodging many of his son’s strikes. But she noticed something behind the boy’s technique—anger.

  Toga did too.

  He disarmed his son once, then struck his leg sharply with the wooden blade.

  “Stop letting anger lead you!” he barked.

  Yua flinched but relaxed when nothing else followed. Toga gave her a glance over his shoulder and saw she remained focused on the match. Then his son’s eyes wandered—distracted by her—and Toga swept his legs from under him.

  “We are done. Teach her the basics,” Toga said, tossing the sword at his son’s feet as he turned to leave.

  “Yes, Father…” the boy muttered.

  Yua rose and walked toward him, offering her hand to help him up with a gentle smile. But he stood on his own, using the sword.

  “Pick up the sword,” he said, sounding irritated.

  Yua glanced toward Toga, who was still within earshot.

  “Be kind to her, Sesshomaru!” Toga called, not even turning around.

  Sesshomaru sighed. He picked up the sword and handed it to her. She accepted it but avoided his eyes. After a moment, Sesshomaru spoke.

  “I’m sorry. I’m not mad at you—I shouldn’t have acted like that,” he apologized.

  “I… I’m sorry, too. I didn’t mean to upset you,” Yua said, bowing her head.

  “You didn’t,” he replied, blushing as he got a better look at her. She was… pretty.

  Yua glanced up at him with teary eyes, which made his heart twist. He wiped them away instinctively.

  “I’m sorry…” he murmured again, more gently this time.

  Yua looked away, cheeks flushed. She noticed how handsome he was up close.

  “It’s okay,” she whispered.

  “I’ll show you the basics.” Sesshomaru steadied his voice.

  He showed her the proper stance and watched as she mimicked it. Surprisingly, she was almost perfect on her first try. He stepped closer and adjusted her posture by gently pressing against her core.

  “Tighten here. It’ll help you move easier.”

  Their eyes met. Sesshomaru’s heart began to race. He quickly stepped back to hide it.

  “Much better. Now, let’s move on,” he said.

  He demonstrated sword swings one at a time. Yua followed, adjusting when he gently corrected her form. She smiled at his encouragement, and Sesshomaru had to look away to hide how much that simple smile affected him.

  Yua kept practicing, breathing deeply with each swing. Sesshomaru admired her determination. She didn’t need harshness—she needed care.

  After a while, she stopped, flushed and panting.

  “You okay?” Sesshomaru asked, hand on her shoulder.

  “Just… warm,” she said, cheeks red.

  “Father,” Sesshomaru called softly.

  Toga appeared instantly. He saw Yua was overheated and loosened her obi gently. He gestured to a maid, who quickly brought a cool towel. Toga dabbed her forehead carefully, helping her calm down.

  Stolen story; please report.

  “Sorry…” Yua said, ashamed. She looked down.

  Sesshomaru reached out and gently ruffled her hair.

  “It’s okay. You just overdid it a little,” he said with a soft smile.

  Toga watched with some surprise. His son rarely showed gentleness like this. But it seemed… right. He sensed something forming between them, something meaningful. He glanced up to where his mate would usually sit, surprised not to find her there.

  Sesshomaru walked to the edge of the courtyard and sat down. Yua quickly followed and sat beside him.

  Toga smiled to himself and quietly left.

  Sesshomaru pulled a book from his sleeve. Yua peeked curiously, then looked away—only to glance back again.

  “What are you reading?” she asked shyly.

  “Um… a romance book. My father gave it to me. It’s… interesting,” he said, blushing.

  “Oh… I wish I could read,” Yua said softly, embarrassed.

  Sesshomaru was surprised. “Why not?” he asked without thinking.

  “I wasn’t allowed to learn,” she admitted, voice small.

  He saw fear in her eyes—fear he didn’t understand, but felt anyway.

  “Let’s start with something easier,” he offered, standing.

  Yua stood, her eyes lighting up. She was surprised to find their rooms were close—just one hallway apart. When they reached his door, Sesshomaru noticed her excitement and smiled slightly. He opened the door and let her inside, leaving it open behind them.

  He sat near his bookshelf and handed her a smaller book. She sat beside him, listening closely as he opened it and began explaining each symbol.

  A while later, his father found them. Yua was focused, her eyes on Sesshomaru as he guided her through the pages. Toga knocked softly.

  They stood and followed him back to the training yard. Yua stepped confidently into the chalked circle—where Sesshomaru had stood earlier. Toga smiled at her boldness.

  He picked up a wooden sword and swung at her. She raised her blade to block, but the blow sent pain shooting through her hand. She dropped the sword, and Toga pointed his at her neck.

  “Dead,” he said. “You did better than I expected. You’ve got boldness like your mother.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered, picking up the sword again and resetting.

  They repeated the move. This time, she held strong—but Toga quickly disarmed her with another technique. She winced and dropped to her knees.

  Then she began to cry.

  Sesshomaru rushed to her side without thinking, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Toga watched quietly.

  He saw it then—what they didn’t yet understand.

  They belonged to each other.

  “You can’t expect to be as good as him right away,” Toga said softly. “But sparring with someone who’s fought me will prepare you. Your real training starts tomorrow.”

  He paused. “Sesshomaru. Yua. Training’s done for today. Get cleaned up and rest.”

  Sesshomaru stood and reached out his hand.

  Yua looked away and stood up on her own, then suddenly took off into the palace, running toward one of the many hiding places she had memorized.

  Toga and Sesshomaru immediately went after her.

  They searched for hours before Sesshomaru finally found her, curled up in her fox-wolf form between a rock and a wall. A soft gray mass tucked into the shadows.

  He knelt beside her and gently pet her fur.

  Yua stirred and looked up, then backed further into her space.

  “I’m not angry with you. No one is,” Sesshomaru said, sitting beside her. “Failing is part of the process.”

  “I’ll never be able to protect myself,” she said, defeated.

  “You will. And if you can’t… I’ll protect you.”

  Her ears twitched. “I… I’d really like that.”

  “You coming out?”

  “I’ll stay a little longer…”

  “Then I’ll stay too.”

  Sesshomaru leaned back against the stone and closed his eyes.

  Yua watched him for a moment. Then she crawled out and sat beside him, still quiet.

  “We can spar next time, right?” she asked.

  “Yeah,” he said.

  As she shifted back into her humanoid form, he gently tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

  Yua blushed, her chest fluttering at his soft smile.

  Two years pass

  Yua stood in the sparring grounds practicing her moves and sword swings. Sesshomaru was watching in the shade as she trained. He had been a little distant since his mother was now watching too, correcting Yua the same way Toga would correct him. She was confused by the change in him, unsure why he acted differently when his mother was there. Sesshomaru scolded Yua a little more harshly than usual. She teared up and ran off. He felt a twinge of pain knowing he couldn't follow her.

  Sesshomaru didn’t want to be this way, but his mother didn’t even want them near each other. He waited a while before he started looking for Yua and was surprised to find her crying softly in his room. He walked over quietly and kneeled beside her.

  “I don’t... want this... I... my mother... doesn’t want me around you... honestly, I can’t see myself staying away from you... I...” He sighed, smelling his mother approaching. “I need you to go back to your room for now. I’ll talk to you tonight.” Sesshomaru touched her softly like he normally did.

  Yua did as he asked, understanding a little more but not fully. The day passed, and the cool of fall began to creep into the palace. Yua was lying on her bed when she heard a knock. She stood and answered, expecting Lord Toga, but was surprised to see Sesshomaru. He walked in and slid the door closed, something he didn’t normally do. He pulled her into his arms and held her for a few silent minutes. Yua clung to his top and buried her face in his chest. Sesshomaru blushed but kept holding her. He gently petted her head and took a deep breath.

  “Yua... I really like you,” Sesshomaru said.

  “I... really like you too,” Yua replied, looking up at him with his hand still resting on her head.

  Sesshomaru wanted to kiss her but held back. Instead, he ruffled her hair and looked away. Yua let go and stepped back.

  “Why have you been acting like this? Why?” Yua asked.

  “When my mother is here, I can’t be open with emotions. She... um... preys on my weakness often.” Sesshomaru closed his eyes, reliving old memories.

  Yua grabbed his hand to comfort him.

  “Okay. I won’t worry about when she’s here. It’s just... okay.” Yua spoke softly.

  Sesshomaru gently cupped her chin with one hand and brushed a piece of hair behind her ear. He was holding back so much. His eyes began to water, and he turned away.

  “I need to go. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Sleep well, Yua.” Sesshomaru kissed her forehead before leaving.

  A few months passed. Snow covered the training area, so Toga told them to train inside. Sesshomaru didn’t know what to focus on because his mind was distracted. They were alone again. Yua had grown taller, almost as tall as him now. He blushed more when she stood in front of him; he wouldn’t even have to bend down to kiss her. He never did, but he often thought about how soft her lips might feel. Shaking his head, he tried to refocus on the sword techniques. Yua noticed something was off but didn’t know what.

  “Do you want to take a break?” Yua asked, tilting her head softly.

  Her personality had really grown. She was no longer timid and shy. She was more outgoing, although she remained focused and serious during training.

  “No,” Sesshomaru said, though his thoughts screamed otherwise. I want to kiss you!

  “What’s wrong?” Yua asked as she grabbed his hand.

  Sesshomaru looked into her eyes, then dropped his sword. He took both her hands, cupped her face, and pressed his lips to hers. When she kissed him back, he deepened it, then blushed and looked away.

  “Sorry,” he said, feeling he had overstepped.

  “Again,” Yua whispered.

  Sesshomaru didn’t hesitate. He kissed her again. But this time, when they broke apart, Sesshomaru looked up and saw his father standing there.

  “Shit...” Sesshomaru muttered.

  Yua turned and saw Lord Toga. He gestured for her to leave, and she obeyed.

  “Sesshomaru... what was that?” Toga asked in a calm, even tone.

  “I’m sorry... I just... if I didn’t, I wouldn’t stop thinking about it,” Sesshomaru admitted.

  “How long?” Toga asked.

  “For four months I’ve been thinking about it. Every time I see her. I just want to kiss her. Hold her...” Sesshomaru confessed.

  “Do you want to date her?” Toga asked, prepared to allow it.

  “No... I want her to be my o—” Sesshomaru stopped himself. “I mean, yes. I do. But I know we’re not allowed. I shouldn’t have let my thoughts win.” He sighed.

  “You can,” Toga replied. “But your mother can’t know.”

  Sesshomaru’s eyes lit up. He bowed to thank his father. Toga left, found Yua, and sent her back to Sesshomaru.

  When Yua returned, Sesshomaru was far more focused. They resumed training and soon moved on to reading lessons. Yua had improved a lot. Sesshomaru watched her lips as she read, wanting to kiss them again. He stopped himself when she asked a question and answered her.

  Yua couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss either. She wanted another. The way it made her feel was unlike anything she had ever experienced. She caught herself staring at his lips. Sesshomaru noticed and leaned forward. Yua leaned in and completed the kiss.

  “Yua,” he whispered as their lips parted.

  “Yes, Sesshomaru?” she asked, tilting her head.

  “Will you be my girlfriend?” Sesshomaru asked, hopeful.

  “What is that?” Yua asked, still naive about some things.

  “It’s like being married but without the ring or ceremony,” he explained.

  “Oh... um... do I have to train more?” Yua asked.

  “No. It’s just us being alone together. So I can show you how I feel.” Sesshomaru tried to keep it simple.

  “Then yes. I love alone time together... and the um, kissing.” She searched for the word she’d learned from a book.

  “We can do that whenever we’re alone. As much as you’d like.” Sesshomaru smiled, pressing his forehead to hers.

  “Okay.” Yua closed her eyes.

  He pulled her into a hug and they began to read again. She asked about words she didn’t know, and he explained them gently. Eventually, he realized she had stopped asking questions. Yua had fallen asleep in his arms. He blushed, covered them both with a blanket, and gently laid her down beside him. He positioned them so that if anyone walked in, they’d only see him.

  Later that night, Sesshomaru woke to find his father quietly lifting Yua from his arms. He touched the spot where she had been, still warm, then drifted off again.

  In the morning, he sat up and found Toga watching him with anger.

  “Father?” Sesshomaru asked, startled.

  “Did you mate with her?” Toga asked without hesitation.

  “No,” Sesshomaru replied, genuinely shocked.

  “Why was she sleeping in here?”

  “She fell asleep while we were reading. I was tired, so I just laid down beside her. That’s all.” Sesshomaru explained.

  “Very well.” Toga left, satisfied.

  Sesshomaru’s heart pounded. He knew his father might have killed him if he had said yes. He got up and prepared for the day. Yua woke up in her room, surprised. She remembered falling asleep with Sesshomaru, then got ready and went to the training grounds.

  Sesshomaru and Toga were sparring. The lady of the palace sat nearby, in the spot Yua usually waited. Yua bowed to her and sat nearby, trying not to meet her eyes.

  “Do you like it here?” the lady asked softly.

  “Um... yes, my lady. I thank you for your k-kindness.” Yua bowed deeply.

  “Yes... my kindness. Stay away from my son,” the lady said in a commanding tone.

  “Ah... yes, my lady.” Yua stood and quickly left.

  Sesshomaru fought every urge to run after her. He poured that frustration into his sparring, striking his father's blade harder than before. Toga noticed and quickly disarmed him, sparing him a punishment blow. Then he looked in the direction Yua had gone and followed.

  He found her crying in her room and held her, rubbing her back gently. He would have to speak to his mate. She hadn’t wanted Yua here in the first place. Toga was the only thing keeping her safe.

  Two years, eleven months, and twenty-nine days passed like nothing. Sesshomaru and Yua were packing up her room. He felt a tension in the air as he spoke.

  “Please don't leave…” Sesshomaru looked at her, holding a hairpin he had bought her, hidden slightly in his palm.

  “I can't stay here…” Yua looked away, unable to tell him why.

  “I… I love you, so please…” Sesshomaru pulled her into his arms.

  “I can't stay here. If I stay past today, I will die…” Yua pushed away, or tried to.

  “My father won't hurt you.” Sesshomaru was confused. His father was the only one who wanted her here, besides him.

  “Your mother doesn't want me here. I need to leave. Okay? She will kill me.” Yua finally managed to get free and continued to pack.

  She had been distancing herself from him for the last few days. Yua went to grab her mirror and saw Sesshomaru kneeling behind her. She turned, confused.

  “You okay?” Yua walked over.

  “No…” Sesshomaru pulled out the hairpin. “Make me a promise.”

  “What promise?” Yua looked into his eyes.

  “That you will be mine when we meet again, because as soon as I leave, I will find you.” Sesshomaru’s voice was firm, his eyes steady.

  “I promise.” Yua blushed. It was almost a proposal.

  Sesshomaru put the hairpin in her hair, then stood and kissed her deeply, hoping to see her again sooner rather than later.

  “Sesshomaru…” Toga spoke softly.

  He broke the kiss and looked away from his father, annoyed.

  “Let's go, Yua. She will be here soon.” Toga turned and walked away.

  “Coming.” Yua walked past Sesshomaru, still blushing.

  He fell to his knees in tears once her scent faded from the palace. It only lingered slightly in her room now. He heard footsteps and looked back to see his mother standing there. He wiped his tears and walked past her without a word.

  She hadn’t realized how deeply he cared. Her joints ached with a sudden, unfamiliar pain.

  “I am sorry,” she said softly, but loud enough for him to hear.

  Sesshomaru stopped in the hallway. His lip twitched.

  “Don’t fucking lie to me.” Then he left her sight.