Summary

The prelude begins with Nori Kamiza and her mother, Seiko, in Kyoto, approaching a house Nori finds unsettling at first sight. Her mother does not explain why they have come to this house, but she does tell Nori that this is their family estate. Before entering the house, she makes Nori promise "only smile and do as you are told. Only your life is more important than your obedience" (5). Nori, confused, but eager to please her mother, agrees. With that, Nori’s mother leaves her behind at the house.

As the first chapter, "Water Song" opens, Nori in the midst of one of her daily chemical baths, intended to bleach her skin pale. A maid, Akiko, attends Nori during the procedure. Afterwards, Nori returns to the attic where she has lived for the last two years. Akiko brings her meals, and a tutor...