Chapter 14: The Truth
Anna sensed that Alan hadn't disclosed the full truth to his sons.
Under different circumstances, she might not have revealed it either, but she couldn't bear the hatred in Tarou's eyes. He deserved to know, and she deserved peace after enduring so much.
- What you said is not wrong, but it's only half of the truth. Did you ever wonder why I made that decision?
Anna questioned.
- You just wanted to abandon your power and escape to the human world. I understand you couldn't adapt to the land and the monsters' law, but couldn't you endure it for us?
Tarou countered.
- How can I give up something that wasn't mine to begin with? I'm not a monster; I was born a normal human.
Anna clarified.
Aaron's curiosity deepened, eager to understand how his human mother came to possess such power.
- How did you obtain that power?
He inquired.
Anna sighed heavily before responding:
- I met your father while he was on his sacred mission. Our love was so intense that he couldn't bear to leave me and return to the land. He searched tirelessly for a way to bring me back with him and gain acceptance within the monsters' community. After extensive research, he discovered 'The Black Stone'.
- What is it?
Aaron pressed for more information.
- It's a magical stone that grants power. Alan used it on me, and it worked. I gained tremendous power and managed to enter the land. We married and were happy, but it didn't last long. Your father didn't tell me the most important thing about that stone.
Anna explained with a heavy heart, pausing briefly to wipe her tears before continuing.
- The stone is cursed. It was never meant to be found or used.
She revealed.
- And why is that?
Aaron inquired.
- According to the old stories, it harbors a dark power that no one can control. That power poses the greatest threat to the land of the monsters. Alan disregarded this danger; he was blinded by love and desperate to bring me with him to the land," Anna explained.
- Why is the stone a threat? What exactly can that power do?
Aaron pressed for further details.
- An ancient prophecy foretold that whoever possesses the power of the dark stone and manages to control it will bring about the destruction of the land of the monsters.
Anna clarified.
- So, you had possessed a forbidden power!
Aaron exclaimed, realization dawning upon him.
- What your father did was selfish. He endangered our lives. At some point, I realized he didn't love me for who I am, but rather tried to mold me into what he wanted at any cost. I was angry and frustrated. How could he do such a thing to me?" Anna lamented.
Tarou remained silent for a moment before finally asking, - Is that why you left?
- No, I didn't leave because of that. I tried to endure it for your sake.
Anna clarified.
- Then why did you leave?
Tarou pressed for an explanation.
Anna took a sip of water, gathering her thoughts before continuing her story:
- After giving birth to you, something felt off. Rage and anger started to consume me. At first, I didn't understand it, so I tried to control it. But it only worsened after Aaron was born. I couldn't confide in anyone, knowing we'd be killed if they found out. Your father did nothing to assist me. Then, one night, an accident occurred. I nearly killed Aaron. I still vividly recall that dreadful night and how my hands were stained with my baby's blood.
Anna confessed, her voice trembling with the weight of her memories.
She gazed at Aaron with eyes brimming with sorrow, then gently reached out to flip his hair.
- That scar on your forehead is my fault. I'm sorry.
She whispered, her voice heavy with remorse:
- I lost control. I had no other option. All I wanted was to watch you grow up, but that wouldn't happen if I remained like that. Your father didn't understand my torment. The darkness was consuming me."
Tarou recalled that incident vividly; he had witnessed his father scolding her for not fulfilling her duties as a mother.
- How did you rid yourself of that dark power?
Aaron inquired, but it was Tarou who responded:
- She went to the temple. She utilized the holy heart. And that's how she was discovered by the monsters," he explained tersely.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone