Layla

Content Warning: This section mentions disordered eating.

Leeds Gabriel is the narrator of the story, and his inner thoughts are the only ones the reader has access to. When the novel begins, he seems to be lost and unsure about the direction of his life. He is a musician but is playing in a band that he does not like. He lacks the motivation to pursue a solo career. When he meets Layla, she pushes him to post his solo music while she bolsters his social media presence.

From the time that Layla is shot by Sable, Leeds is plagued with guilt. He feels it was his fault that Layla was nearly killed. He also feels guilty that he feels differently about Layla during her recovery period, not knowing that the spirit of Sable is inside her and that’s why she is behaving differently. He also feels guilty about falling in love with Willow, not realizing that it’s Layla’s spirit he’s falling for all over again.

Leeds shames himself for being selfish but also does not do a lot to change his behavior. His feelings and choices are ethically ambiguous, but because he is dealing with supernatural forces, he seems to absolve himself.