The moment the sword pierced the monster's heart, a warm light appeared. The hideous hairs on the monster's body shrank, revealing soft skin. The jaw with its sharp fangs also disappeared. Only the sparkling emerald green eyes remained there, unchanged. Mother's figure appeared clearly, Diana desperately fell to her knees screaming: "Mom, no! Mom! please don't die, it's my fault!".

 

"It's not your fault, Diana! It's my fault for abandoning my family to explore the forbidden forest. I insulted this sacred forest, then had to pay off by living in the form of a monster for so many years! I'm sorry, my lovely daughter, I haven't done anything for you. You are different from me, Diana! You came to this forest with a good purpose, for your brother, unlike me, just because of frivolous things. The forest has accepted you, you saved Ethan, daughter, and I'm proud of you. But now, I can rest in peace knowing that you and Ethan will live well. I will always be here, protecting you and Ethan. Remember, I love you, Diana! Tell Ethan I love him too ".

 

Distressed, Diana bent down to kiss her mother goodbye. The mother's figure gradually melted away and disappeared into the void. Diana just kept shedding tears, knowing that the life of a family with her mother, she and Ethan, would never come true again.