
It is beautiful, but the one note in it that sounds off is that of the Seleni, an ancient race of water-dwellers who retrieve pearls for the wealthy Venetians in exchange for a home in Venice’s waters. Venice is a city of the sea-a city threaded through with canals, where the water is never far from the front doors of its citizens.

While he dotes on them, his eyes slide past her, leaving her free in some ways to grow up as she pleases, but giving her nonetheless an ache that she cannot place. The one note in it that sounds off is her relationship to her father, which, though she doesn’t understand why, is different than his relationship with her siblings. Her life is comfortable, filled with little delicacies, affectionate siblings, and splendor.

Liona Caravatti’s family belongs to one of the highest ranks in the city of Venice.
