4.5/5. First, the art style is absolutely gorgeous, just that is worth the money you'll spend. Now, the story matches the art, and that's what makes this stand out. This first volume is all about setup. Alto is so dedicated to Elva, but even after 8 years together, he knows, much like everybody else, very little about the kannagi and the dangers of the black sea. The apathy of the guards towards the prisoners is surprising, but a perfect setting for Alto to see there's much more than just the kannagi that he doesn't know. I can't fault him for trying to find knowledge even at the expense of others, and while answers were forthcoming, the apparent "possession" spells all kinds of trouble without a solution in sight.
As for Alto and Elva, the way Alto is so very open to Elva since the start is so sweet and possible only because he was so young. The skips in time don't feel rushed, and the flow of their relationship given how Alto seems to be key to something and the person who's been with Elva all this time make for a tender dynamic. Elva being worried about taking Alto's life away is sad, and I'm glad Alto makes it known that he's there because he chooses to. I hope Elva can truly see and believe that once their relationship takes a definite turn for the romantic. I can't wait to get my hands on the next volumes!