The central relationship is built upon dubious consent. The female human lead is destined to marry an ancient immortal being. She is 16 when he first claims and kisses her. She agrees to go with him, but it is clear that refusal is not truly an option. He treats her in ways that often border on emotional and even occasionally physical abuse. She comes to be passionately drawn to him, while never settling into a sense of safety around him. The earliest chapters contain passing references to an adult male housemate leering at the then-teenage girl protagonist. One minor character mentions in passing that his father raped his mother, and praises his father's strength.