Nobody ever lives happily ever after, Tom

Nobody ever lives happily ever after, Tom. If that were to happen, the story would have to stop. Because it's sustained on the endless agonies and exertions of the hero. The twists and turns of the plot resemble a maze. But they're the very opposite of a maze. There are no wrong turnings. Just one way through, and one end point. At the close of each book, we promise him a respite. A moment's peace. And a moment's all it is. But believe me, lad... That's as close as you're ever going to get to a happy ending.

Mike Carey, The Unwritten, Vol. 4: Leviathan