VALERIC inhaled deeply, as though he were exhausted from speaking, and took steps back to walk to the stairs.
The woman, Mrs. Rosa, stared at the floor, her tears dropping in bubbles. "I…I don't have the power. I can't do anything, and I'm scared too. I don't know what I could have done even if I tried."
But Valeric didn't stop. She watched him disappear from her sight completely without looking back once, and she broke down, her hands fisting her shirt by her side.
"Mum." Nix stepped forward toward her. "It's okay. Valeric is just angry, and you know how short-tempered he can be. You don't have to take what he said to heart."
She lifted her head to look at him. "You hate me too, don't you? I mean… I must have hurt all of you. I couldn't even take proper care of you and Jasmine after your mom passed away. I'm sure she must be disappointed in me too."
