Damned Healer

Darian’s eyes widened at first, but soon... a clear wave of anger showed in his and the twins’ eyes. Mallory, that woman, felt it right away and smiled slightly.

"Looks like there’s some resentment... I get it, totally understandable. But please, hear me out for a bit."

And yeah, it was obvious why. Neither Darian nor the twins had any memory of their father — her brother. Their mom had to work herself to death, with not a single relative from either side lifting a finger to help. Sure, no one was technically obligated, but after she passed... the least they could’ve done was show a little decency and taken them in for a while.

It didn’t take much. Just not letting them starve for a few years would’ve been enough. Back then, Darian was already planning to use his curse to make money. If he’d had that bit of stability, he wouldn’t have taken half the risks he did. Things could’ve gone way smoother.

At some point, he’d asked about their family, but his mom just said they had no one and shut the topic down. It was obvious now — she was carrying a mess of emotions... and a whole lot of anger.

And now, after they’d busted their asses surviving alone, they suddenly showed up? The three of them were holding back from straight-up cursing this woman on the spot.

Mallory noticed the silence, sighed, then quickly bowed halfway down.

"I apologize... on behalf of my family. The truth is... we didn’t know where you were. Of course we tried to find you... but I won’t make excuses. We should’ve tried harder. We all... we all had some resentment over everything that happened. No one really gave it their all."

She spoke as politely and sincerely as possible. Then lifted her head and looked at them. Her eyes, her expression, everything about her seemed genuine... like someone who’d finally found lost family after years.

But...

Neither the twins nor Darian flinched.