Madrid

Madrid, Spain is one of the novel's primary settings. Bennedith travels to Madrid at the start of the novel after receiving a writing grant. Although she is grateful for the award, she does not feel exhilarated upon arriving in Madrid. Rather, the city's liveliness only reminds her of her age and her inability to find joy or take pleasure in her life.

For Mercuro, Madrid is the city he has loved the most. He has grown up here, and spent the majority of his life here. Following his falling out with his wife and his life on the run from his Carnality pursuers, Mercuro feels incapable of fully appreciating the city.

For Lucia, Madrid is a constant reminder of death. She originally moves to the city as a young woman when Macaria forces her into the convent. Despite how long she has lived here, the asphalt and buildings...