Forsaken

Chapter 4

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 here purpose there 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 Telieo." 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, write a letter to check in with what was left of her guard, find out more about the school, and-

"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.