Xiumin was stunned at how quickly the remaining ghouls fled when met with their mysterious companions. It could have been his imagination, but it almost seemed as though some of the ghouls recognized the men and had real fear in their eyes. 

The brawny man struggled to free his blade from the skull of the fallen ghoul. He laughed heartily as he finally pulled it out, the weapon making a loud squelching noise as it was released. 

"Ah, that was a feeling much missed." 

He began to approach the group, but Antony stepped into his path, anxiously addressing Xiumin. 

"Wolf, how is my daughter? Is she well? Is she safe?"

"Yes, she's quite safe; Chanyeol in particular has looked after her well, though she seems quite capable of looking after herself under normal circumstances."

Antony exhaled loudly.

"Thank the gods, I made the right decision."

But before he could continue, the brawny fellow pushed past him and stood uncomfortably close to Xiumin's face. 

"Hello young man."

Xiumin caught a whiff of his scent immediately. He was not human.

"Hello."

The man who was not a man moved even closer.

"Do you remember me?"

He didn't move, squinting at him intensely.

"I'm not entirely sure."

No more words were exchanged as he continued to stare. Suddenly his eyes widened, and he stepped back reflexively.

"I- I think we should return to the cottage."

The brawny man smiled.

"Good, good. I see that you do remember me, then."

Xiumin wore a bewildered expression the entire journey through the forest, clearly wrestling with his thoughts. Rhoslyn watched him with concern, but chose not to ask any difficult questions; it didn’t really seem like the appropriate time. She would speak with him when they could be alone. Being alone with him... why did the thought make her chest tighten?

When they finally arrived at the sprawling cottage, Antony called his daughter's name and she came running quicky, jumping into his arms.

“Father!”

He held her tightly.

“I’m sorry for leaving you as I did. I promise that I will never do such a foolish thing again.”

“You’d better not, or I will never forgive you!”

She hit him lightly in the chest and began crying softly.

"I promise I will explain everything to you."

She looked up at him, teary eyed and nodded.