Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and cursing.

“Arranged betrothals, while not uncommon, have gone slightly out of fashion in recent years. After all, it’s 1910, no longer the 1800s, and in all the storybooks and even here in the poverty-ridden streets of Silva, people marry for love.”

This quote highlights the fact that Sara is doing something unusual by participating in an arranged marriage. Because Sara’s own actions contradict the current trend in Silva, the author uses this passage to raise questions about the protagonist’s intentions in becoming engaged to a man whom she does not love. This moment reveals more about Sara’s character and her views on marriage, foregrounding the revelation that she plans to use this betrothal to get revenge on King Michael.

“If you want to burn down hell, you must learn to play the devil’s game.

The metaphorical crown being placed on my head is almost as heavy as the knowledge that everyone depends on me to see things through.”

This quote highlights the burden that Sara feels toward her duty, and her words also introduce The Struggle Between Duty and Personal Desire. In this early moment, she firmly believes that her duty is to kill the Faasas and avenge her father’s murder, even though her quest will most likely result in her death. By characterizing Michael as “the devil” and the castle surroundings as a metaphorical version of “hell,” she also reveals her contempt for the country’s current regime.

“But one of the first things my father taught me was to keep your friends close and your secrets closer. So while I love Sheina, I don’t trust her with the heavy burden of my truths.”

This quote captures Sara’s loneliness and indicates that in reality, her revenge quest is a heavy burden. While she cares for her friend Sheina, she does not feel free to be honest with her or with anyone else, and her resulting sense of isolation stands as one of