Ankyra Sound Marigold

Riordan's stony expression softened at the sight of Reverie's tearful gaze. He could not reconcile his image of her with this girl that stood before him - where he held her as unbreakable, she had transformed into something fragile and forlorn.

"The dangers in our world, the flower world," he began, his voice low and steady, "you were not prepared for them when you left. There are things out there that could harm you, and I won't let that happen."

As a solitary droplet slipped down her cheek, he resisted the urge to brush it away. It was no longer his place. He also knew that Reverie was vulnerable now, and he couldn't afford to nurture her weakness. Riordan turned his gaze to the shoreline, pressing his lips tightly together. In the distance, a throng of birds spiraled down to the water's surface, their rapid movements reduced to mere silhouettes against the washed-out skyline.

"You need to find your strength," he affirmed, his tone unyielding. "You are no longer a child."