Rowena's eyes softened as she slowly looked at Ravina, her usually reserved expression mingling with a gentle sadness.
She tenderly cupped her daughter's small, pale cheeks and said softly, "Ravina, your father… he is temporarily in a faraway place. He's trying very hard to find a way to protect us all, including you."
Ravina's dark golden eyes widened in surprise, her little lips parting in a gentle gasp.
But soon, the spark of excitement faded into a saddened pout, and she lowered her gaze, her voice trembling softly as she asked, "Does that mean Ravina… won't see Papa for a long time?"
Seeing her daughter's disheartened expression made Rowena's heart tighten painfully. She brushed back Ravina's soft, dark locks gently, offering a reassuring smile despite the ache in her chest. "Don't worry, little one. Your father is stronger than anyone I know. He'll do everything in his power to return to you as quickly as he can."
