Epilogue: A Peaceful Dawn

I placed the flower on the monument. It was a monument to honor the Queen of Thorns, and a reminder that demons exist in a world different from ours. Dad said that the monument used to be the grave of one of the elite soldiers of the Black Thorns. He said she was a soldier who was both brave and intelligent. The person who uncovered the truth about the portals. The person who saved everybody during the war. Dad never mentioned her name though. Every time i asked him, he would change the subject so blatantly. The monument was surrounded by beautiful flowers from people who came to pay their respects. The flowers swayed in the breeze. It was a beautiful sight to see.

Dad cleared his throat. He was standing beside me, staring at the monument like it was his first time seeing it. He always did that even though we constantly visit the place. I don't blame him, of course. The monument was crafted so majestically. It was the replica of the "tree of life" located in the sacred valley. The "tree of life" is a gigantic tree said to have healing powers. People go there to meditate. They said being around the tree gives them a sense of serenity. Every detail of the tree was replicated in the monument. It looked exactly the same, except for the figure of a woman standing beside the tree. She was wearing a long gown, her straight hair falling beautifully to the waist. The Queen of Thorns. She must have been pretty. Dad said she was ethereal. "Dad? Why doesn't mom come with us to visit the monument?" I was very curious. My mother isn't like all the other mothers. She always says she's busy, but I accidentally heard from an elderly that she's not allowed to go out. She was always at home, doing the chores and scolding me all the time. "Because she's under house arrest." Dad said a matter-of-factly. "Why? Did she do anything wrong?" "No. Of course not. You know your mother. She scolds you most of the time but she really loves you." "I know. But you didn't answer the question." "That's because people are afraid of her. They all think she's not human. They think she's a goddess. i mean, your mother is too beautiful for this world", winking at the end of his speech. "Of course. I feel like the most special girl in the world. my dad's a commander, and my mom's a goddess", I said grinning.

Dad held my hand as we walked home. And there, by the door was my mother. She was smiling as she watched us approaching. "What took you so long? I was getting worried", she exclaimed.

"We were just admiring the monument", dad explained then came closer to kiss her in the cheek where a scar was faintly visible.

"By the way, your cousin was looking for you. Something about a play..."

"Oh! That's right. I totally forgot. I'll go there now."

"Okay, say hi to your aunt and uncle for us."

I happily trotted to my destination. So far, life has been peaceful. A portal has not opened for fourteen years.