new theory! NOWHERE is a result of alina seo's identity and memories fusing with ariane's
theory time!
nowhere is actually a reflection of alina seo's memories of war and the empire merging with ariane, and thus becoming a dream.
we see lots of flesh and intestines, likely something alina saw a lot of during the vinetian war. we see imagery of the empress through her puzzle, something that neither elster nor ariane would likely know anything about.
as seen in a previous theory somewhere here, people have theorized that the plate of balance guillotine strongly resembles a uterus, and we know the empress was married, so maybe she potentially had a fear of childbirth?
additionally, the three diamonds or "stars" we often see affiliated with the nation, are shown here too, but this time in a more bloody and unfiltered form. the flavor text for interacting with them also says "it hurts to look at."
im probably missing many more bits and pieces that could tie this theory together more, but i think nowhere is either a reflection of lilith or alina's experiences in the vinetian war or something along those lines.
also, alina's butterfly box contains the plate of eternity, which is the only thing that is used from outside of nowhere to complete the final puzzle. her final diary entry is also here
let me know what everyone thinks!