Albert stepped forward, his fists clenched at his sides, his eyes burning with anger. "You think you can just barge in here and dictate what happens in our family?" he spat. "You're nothing but an outsider. You don't understand anything about us."
I met his gaze steadily, refusing to be intimidated. "I understand more than you think," I replied, my voice calm but firm. "I understand that you and your parents have caused Raven nothing but pain. And I understand that she doesn't need to be dragged back into that darkness."
Raven's mother, her face pale and drawn, stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly. "We know we've made mistakes," she said, her voice wavering. "But we're her family. We just want to talk to her, to make amends."
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Raven is happy now," I said. "She's found a new life, one that doesn't involve the pain and toxicity of the past. Why can't you just leave her alone and let her move on?"
