“Here, it’s easy to pretend our colorful kingdom isn’t nesting on a bed of bones.”

The imagery of a “colorful kingdom” contrasts sharply with the unsettling reality of its “nesting on a bed of bones,” suggesting a facade of beauty masking underlying darkness or tragedy. It speaks of denial and escapism, where people choose to ignore or overlook harsh truths in favor of maintaining a comforting illusion of happiness and prosperity. This quote refers to those wealthy or privileged enough to bask in the pretty paradise of Gore while others suffer.

“I close my eyes and plunge into the melody in the same way I once plunged into life—but with the words I’ve since learnt how to speak. Armored by the horrors I’ve encountered since.”

Raeve’s deep attachment to the song she sings creates curiosity about her past. The implication that there was once a time where she loved freely but has since closed herself off to it due to past suffering suggests that there are deep losses from her past yet to be explored.

“She pretends not to worry about me; I pretend not to worry about her. We coexist in parallel with zero expectations—bar the odd supply list and the fancy things she makes for me—and it works blissfully.”

Even prior to Essi’s death, Raeve has closed herself off to loving others. She prefers the emotional distance they keep and the mechanical nature of their friendship, which allows her to pretend that she doesn’t feel for Essi much more deeply than they let on. This passage makes early note of Raeve’s coping mechanisms for protecting her weary, beaten heart.