A Demon's Journey: Love Beyond Time

Chapitre 12: New life, New territory

The sun had just begun to set as they crossed the final ridge, and in the distance, Nezuko could see the sprawling lands of the Western Domain—the territory ruled by none other than Lord Sesshomaru himself. The sight was breathtaking, a vast stretch of green and forest surrounding a magnificent traditional Japanese castle, its towering pagodas silhouetted against the fading sky. It looked like something out of a dream, a place where time itself seemed to stand still.

Nezuko walked beside Sesshomaru, Rin bounding ahead excitedly with Jaken trailing close behind, trying to keep up. Sesshomaru's quiet demeanor hadn't shifted, but there was a sense of purpose in his stride that had not been there before.

"We're returning home," he had told her that morning as they set out. "There are matters that require my attention, and it is time Rin learns her place within these lands."

Nezuko had said nothing, but she knew there was more to it than that. In the month they had spent together, their bond had deepened. She could feel the subtle shifts in Sesshomaru's behavior—the way he lingered just a little longer beside her, the way his gaze softened when she tended to Rin, the way his protectiveness had extended to include not just Rin but herself as well. Returning to his castle felt like a natural next step, not just for him, but for them.

As they approached the gates of the castle, Rin ran ahead, her laughter echoing through the quiet evening. Nezuko watched her fondly, her heart swelling with affection for the girl who had become like a daughter to her.

Sesshomaru glanced at Nezuko, his expression as unreadable as ever. "You have cared for her well." His voice was quiet, almost reflective.

Nezuko met his gaze, feeling the weight of his words. "She is precious to me," she replied softly. "To both of us."

He didn't respond immediately, but there was a slight softening in his features, a flicker of something deeper that he kept guarded. As they passed through the gates, Nezuko took in the sight of the castle grounds—perfectly manicured gardens, winding paths, and the gentle sound of water from a nearby stream. It was peaceful here, and yet, there was a sense of authority and strength in the very air.

That evening, as they settled in one of the grand halls of the castle, Rin's excitement knew no bounds. She explored every corner, running from room to room with Jaken trailing behind her, complaining about how she needed to be more ladylike in such a refined place. Nezuko smiled at their antics, watching them from where she sat on the tatami mats near Sesshomaru.

"You've lived here a long time," she mused, her eyes taking in the intricate details of the room—the sliding doors adorned with delicate paintings of cranes, the finely crafted wooden beams, and the calming scent of incense.

Sesshomaru sat across from her, his posture elegant yet relaxed. "This has been my home for centuries," he replied, his voice even. "But the castle is not what matters. It is the legacy of the Western Domain that I protect."

Nezuko nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "And now, Rin is part of that legacy."

Sesshomaru's gaze flickered toward the doorway, where Rin's laughter could still be heard from another room. "Yes. She is."

There was something in his tone that made Nezuko pause. She had been thinking about this for some time, but now, as they sat together in the quiet of the castle, it seemed like the right moment to bring it up.

"Sesshomaru... Rin is human. One day, she will grow old, and... we won't." Her voice was steady, but the weight of the truth lingered between them like an unspoken threat. "If she is to be part of your legacy—our legacy—then there must be a way for her to live a long life, like us."