The Ever King

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains descriptions of kidnapping, dubious consent, imprisonment, violence, torture, and murder.

Erik keeps hold of Livia as she struggles in the water. When she loses air, he kisses her. She retaliates by hitting him, but he threatens to withhold air if she doesn’t comply. As he gives her air through another kiss, he feels a sudden desire for her—one that is reciprocated. Erik eventually breaks the kiss and swims to the ship with Livia in tow; the ship waits for them underwater. When he brings her through the hull of the ship, Livia can breathe again. Erik needles Livia for her hatred of him and brings the ship back above water. As Livia’s people chase them with their own boats, Erik directs his crew to return to the Ever kingdom and tells Livia to give her final farewells.

Livia feels revulsion for the serpent-like ship and holds out hope that the Rave warriors might catch up with them, but Erik outmaneuvers them and directs the ship toward the Chasm’s torrential currents. As they are pulled under and to its center, Erik offers to hold Livia, but she refuses. When she lurches and nearly falls, she clings to him while he navigates the ship.