If m₁ and m₂ are the roots of the equation x² - ax - a - 1 = 0, then the area of the triangle formed by the three straight lines y = m₁x, y = m₂x, and y = a (where a ≠ -1) is:

a) |a|
b) 1/2|a|
c) 2|a|
d) 3|a|