Time seemed to leave them as they spoke, her little brother becoming more and more familiar to her as he told stories of the many adventures him and his friend Jiminie would go on. His wide smile and tear-stained cheeks hiding the pain he so clearly felt at being trapped here once more. There was nothing she wanted more, than to break him from his curse. She could only watch, heartbroken, as he tried to make the best of what he was given.

There was a sudden bang from further in the castle. Both whipping their heads in the hopes of catching the person who made the sound. Taehyung looked around wildly until he saw the portrait of the Princess move. It had become late and he hadn't noticed, the words he uttered not too long ago ringing in the silent room. Smothering a curse he stood up, "I must return to the palace. Do you need a place to stay, there's plenty of rooms?" He asked, she could tell he meant no harm. However, the thought of spending any time in that mirror dimension set her teeth on edge. Politely smiling she shook her head. "Will you be here tomorrow?" He asked, his eyes wide and his cheeks blotchy from tears. It melted her heart instantly, she didn't care if he wasn't her Tae-Tae, she would do anything to keep tears off his face.

"Of course I will. I'm not leaving here just yet." She vowed, keeping it purposefully vague. "Run back, I know how protective they can be of you." She gave a sad smile and pulled the blanket around her tighter. "I'll just sleep on this ridiculously comfortable couch until you come back." She winked, adjusting on the couch to make herself seem smaller.

He gave her a wide smile, showing all of his teeth in that uniquely beautiful way he did. Before he skipped off, the weight of their conversation hidden behind that smile, she would be looking after that one. Not happy with the fact that hid his pain behind a smile and cheery attitude. Once she knew he was gone she stood up and stretched. Keeping to the area surrounding the couch and refusing to look around herself. Hoping that by pretending she didn't feel eyes on her, she could draw out her prey. Humming Clair de Lune under her breath she got to work creating a comfortable spot on the floor, she hadn't slept on something as soft as that couch in centuries and she wasn't sure she would rest if she tried. Her thoughts ran rampant as she worked, memories long repressed surfacing as that hauntingly beautiful woman stared at her from the painting.

"Who are you?" That same voice from early asked, it was a little raspy from disuse but clear as a bell. It was quite far away, but she was hoping the owner would come closer.

Keeping her head down she answered. "I go by many names, Little One. However, you will know me as Jeon Teileo." She finished arranging the blankets and began climbing into her makeshift bed. Not bothering with sleep clothing, knowing she'd need to head back to her safe house tomorrow to gather her things.

"Why would I know that name?" He asked, closer this time. She'd been thinking so hard she hadn't heard him shuffle closer, either that or he made no sound.

She smiled slightly and closed her eyes. "Because I'm your aunt." She responded, keeping her tone light and her expression open as she got comfortable, pulling the blanket to under her chin.

"You're never going to be able to sleep there. That brat will be here soon and find you." He whispered, his voice much closer. If she had to guess he was on the other side of the couch. "If you wanted... You could come with me..." He suggested shyly. His curiosity with her making him brave.

"Hmm. You would open your home to a stranger?" She questioned, worried about her nephew's safety. Hoping he didn't open his home to just anyone. He hummed an affirmative and moved closer. "Why?" She asked, opening her eyes and looking straight ahead, the view of her vaulted ceiling doing nothing to quell her anxiety of being back in this place.

"You don't feel it?" He asked, his large eyes peeking at her over the back of the couch. It was such an adorable sight, she had to close her eyes and take a deep breath to keep from turning her full attention on him, or worse, cooing at him as if he were a baby. "Grandfather's magic is welcoming you home." He stated simply, his hair glowing brightly to show his excitement. "Besides, the air around you is calm." He murmured to himself, thinking out loud and she couldn't help but smile at that, her eyes looking to the door Taehyung had left through before looking back at the ceiling.

"So you grew into your powers? May I ask what they are Little One?" She asked, still not looking at him. There was the sound of something slipping on the floor.

He gave a small squeak and shifted behind the couch. "Grandfather said I was something called an ab-zorbr. I don't know what that means, my English is not the best." He whispered, shrinking into himself as he peered over the couch at her again. "That man you were with is my favorite to be around." He admitted, his ears growing pink at the admission, but he didn't shy away this time. Coming up higher to get a better look at her, exposing his young face and upturned lips. "Can I tell you a secret?" Again, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, nodding with her exhale. "He brings a different air with him every time he comes. It's always intriguing. I don't know if he knows that other people's air clings to him. He's never been this quiet though. Even when he spends days away from me, he always comes back smelling of different things." He looked around the room before mumbling. "Plus he likes my dreams, he's always telling me how beautiful they are."

They were both silent for a moment, thinking about the young man who'd left but in different ways. Teileo couldn't help but wonder how long it had been since her nephew had spoken to someone, or if this young man was even her nephew or just someone who looked exactly like multiple people in her long lost family. For all she knew, he could be a memory who'd been trapped here and grew with the boy who came to visit. Or he could be a Kumiho who'd grown bored of playing mind games and wanted a real meal. Mentally shrugging she just hoped he would succeed and end her life quickly. Slowly sitting up she picked up the blanket she'd draped over herself and began methodically folding it. Gently placing it on the couch cushion in front of her without looking at the younger. She did this with each blanket until they were all neatly folded. She began stretching again before speaking once more.

"So Ggukie-ah, where shall we venture to?" She asked, hoping he wouldn't mind the nickname slipping out. He seemed to be alright with the endearments she'd called him so far, she just wasn't sure what would be crossing a line. He was painfully shy and she could practically taste his nerves.

"You'll see." He said mischievously. Looking more like his nephew with that smirk on his face. Great, she thought. If he is a Kumiho, I have the hope of dying near my family.

They walked for a few kilometers, heading further into the decrepit building. Each turn bringing with it the sense of danger, but merely holding the same illusion magic the patch of trees out front had. She was curious as to how that came to be, but didn't voice it. Her eyes glued to the young man, fearing she would lose this image if she looked away.