Ep 8.5 ACOSF: Azriel POV Bonus Chapter

Summary

Fantasy Fangirls Podcast Summary: Episode 8.5 – ACOSF: Azriel POV Bonus Chapter

Release Date: December 5, 2024

In Episode 8.5 of the Fantasy Fangirls podcast, hosts Nicole and Lexi delve deep into the Azriel POV Bonus Chapter from "A Court of Silver Flames" by Sarah J. Maas. This dedicated episode explores the intricate dynamics between key characters Azriel, Elaine, Gwen, and Lucian, unpacking lore, character motivations, and fan theories that have emerged within the ACOTAR fandom.

---

Inner Circle Debrief: Azriel's Bonus Chapter Summary

Nicole opens the discussion by providing a concise summary of Azriel’s bonus chapter, setting the stage for a detailed analysis.

Key Events:

• Winter Solstice Gathering: The chapter unfolds on Winter Solstice at the River House, where the Archeron family celebrates amidst festivities.
• Azriel and Elaine’s Interaction: Azriel remains secluded by the fire, grappling with feelings of jealousy over Cassian and Nesta’s bond. Elaine approaches him with a thoughtful gift—earplugs—to block out the noise from their partners.
• Gifting of the Necklace: Azriel reciprocates by gifting Elaine a glass rose necklace. However, under Rhysand’s stern admonition, Azriel is forced to retract the gift, preventing an intimate moment with Elaine.
• Introduction of Gwen: The narrative shifts as Azriel encounters Gwen in the training ring, highlighting her determination and growth post-trauma.

Notable Quote:

Lexi [04:03]: "Elaine is extremely observant. She knows that Cassian and Nesta are mates long before even Nesta knows."

---

Step Into The Cauldron: Key Insights and Character Analysis

1. Azriel’s Internal Struggles and Relationships:

• Feelings for Elaine and Gwen: Both hosts express their evolving perceptions of Azriel’s relationships. Initially indifferent to shipping Azriel with Gwen, Lexi admits that the bonus chapter reignited her interest in this pairing.
• Mating Bond Dynamics: Nicole posits that Azriel and Elaine might share a deeper connection beyond superficial interactions, suggesting a potential mating bond that transcends traditional expectations.

2. Rhysand’s Intervention:

• Protective Nature: Rhysand intervenes to prevent Azriel and Elaine from advancing their relationship, citing potential political and personal repercussions.
• Character Consistency: Both hosts critique Rhysand’s seemingly uncharacteristic behavior, debating whether his actions are motivated by genuine concern or external pressures.

Notable Quotes:

Nicole [09:31]: "This might be the most impactful bonus chapter I've ever read from really any book."

Lexi [16:39]: "She knows he hasn't been coming to family dinner lately because he's avoiding her because she's got a mate."

3. The Blood Duel Theory:

• Autumn Court Tradition: The concept of a blood duel, a brutal one-on-one combat tradition within the Autumn Court, is explored as a potential consequence of Azriel's actions.
• Implications for Alliances: Nicole emphasizes the political ramifications of invoking a blood duel, highlighting the delicate balance of alliances that Azriel and Rhysand must maintain.

4. Gwen and Azriel’s Growing Connection:

• Shared Trauma and Healing: The hosts draw parallels between Azriel’s and Gwen’s traumatic pasts, suggesting that their shared experiences foster a unique bond.
• Shadow Singers: The interaction between Azriel and Gwen reveals deeper layers of their characters, particularly Azriel’s shadow singing and Gwen’s curiosity about it, hinting at a potential magical connection.

Notable Quote:

Nicole [54:18]: "I believe this is Rhys being narrow-minded and trying to protect his brother from Lucian's wrath as a territorial mate."

---

Sip Tea With The Suriel: Exploring Lore and Fan Theories

1. Mating Bonds and Alternate Theories:

• Fake Mating Bonds: Nicole introduces the theory that external manipulation (possibly by King of Hybern or Koshay) could have fabricated Elaine and Lucian’s mating bond, suggesting that Azriel and Elaine might be the true mates.
• Dual Nature of Mating Bonds: The discussion pivots to the idea that there are two distinct types of mating bonds—those created by the cauldron for optimal breeding and soul-deep bonds from the mother, potentially setting Azriel and Elaine apart from the norm.

2. Character Development Concerns:

• Consistency in Character: Both hosts express concerns over character deviations, particularly Rhysand’s portrayal, fearing that future books might stray from established character arcs.
• Future Dynamics: Lexi speculates on how Rhysand’s actions might evolve, especially concerning Azriel and Gwen’s relationship, emphasizing the need for characters to remain true to their core traits.

Notable Quote:

Lexi [41:27]: "I just want my guy to be happy. Like, truly, more than anyone."

---

Personal Thoughts and Conclusions

Nicole and Lexi share their individual perspectives:

• Nicole: Leans towards Azriel and Gwen’s relationship, citing their complementary characteristics and the symbolic gifting of the necklace as indicators of deeper feelings.

  Nicole [62:27]: "It's more an ease from Azriel that we don't really see very often."

• Lexi: Advocates for Azriel and Gwen, appreciating the natural friendship and mutual growth while expressing reservations about the intensity and potential complications arising from Azriel’s interaction with Elaine.

  Lexi [86:03]: "I am a soft Asriel and Gwen Shipper, and here's why."

Key Takeaways:

• The bonus chapter significantly deepens the lore surrounding Azriel, introducing nuanced relationship dynamics that challenge previous character perceptions.
• The interplay between forbidden romance and political intrigue adds layers to the narrative, keeping fans engaged and speculative.
• The potential shift in character relationships, particularly between Azriel, Gwen, and Elaine, sets the stage for compelling developments in future installments of the ACOTAR series.

---

Favorite Moments from the Bonus Chapter

1. Azriel’s Shadows:

• The revelation of Azriel’s shadow singing and their playful interaction with Gwen provides a refreshing look into his abilities and personality.

Nicole [93:46]: "We get so much more insight."

2. Training Ring Encounter:

• Azriel and Gwen’s training session serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting Gwen’s determination and Azriel’s supportive nature.

Lexi [95:07]: "I love how determined she is. That is so Gwen."

3. Symbolic Gifting:

• Azriel’s decision to re-gift the necklace to Gwen instead of Elaine underscores the shifting dynamics and foreshadows future alliances.

Nicole [60:25]: "He could have sworn his shadows sang in answer."

---

Final Thoughts

Episode 8.5 of Fantasy Fangirls offers an exhaustive analysis of Azriel’s bonus chapter, unraveling complex character relationships and theoretical underpinnings within the ACOTAR universe. Nicole and Lexi provide insightful commentary, blending textual evidence with speculative theories, making this episode a must-listen for dedicated fans seeking a deeper understanding of their favorite fantasy saga.

For more detailed discussions and upcoming episodes, tune in every Monday as Nicole and Lexi continue to explore beloved fantasy worlds with passion and expertise.

Transcript

[Lexi]

This episode is brought to you by Google Gemini. With the Gemini app, you can talk live and have a real time conversation with an AI assistant. It's great for all kinds of things like if you want to practice for an upcoming interview, ask for advice on things to do in a new city, or brainstorm creative ideas. And by the way, this script was actually read by Gemini. Download the Gemini app for iOS and Android today. Must be 18 to use Gemini Live Baking Hershey's Kisses Peanut Butter blossoms is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family with their classic rich, creamy milk chocolate taste. There's no better way to heartwarm the holidays than by baking with Kisses chocolates. Find Hershey's Kisses holiday Chocolates at your favorite retailer. Welcome, welcome welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive deep into beloved fantasy lore, character themes, theories and more. I'm Lexi and I'm Nicole and today.

[Nicole]

Is part two of our episode eight, Deep Dive of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas as we focus on Azriel's bonus chapter that has the ACOTAR fandom reeling. His bonus chapter takes place on Winter Solstice and we initially tried to fit it into our episode eight, but there's just too much to talk about and speculate, so we decided it needed its own follow up episode. As always, let's start with our spoiler warning. While today's discussion focuses on Azriel's POV bonus chapter from Silver Flames. This is spoiler central for the entire ACOTAR series. However, this episode does not have any spoilers for the rest of SJM's books. No mask versus madness today.

[Lexi]

So with all that said, if you didn't know that Azriel is a big old re gifter, then please go read the bonus chapter which is in the show notes and then come back. We will be here when you're done.

[Nicole]

Next, we at Fantasy Fangirls are adults who say adult things about adult books. In other words, friends, this podcast is.

[Lexi]

Rated R. We do have it confirmed officially initially from SJM herself that Azriel is quite a fireball in bed and we get a taste a little nibble of it if you will in this bonus chapter. So please be mindful of those little listening ears.

[Nicole]

Friendly reminder as we discuss this bonus chapter and Silver Flames as a whole. We recognize some of the topics we're talking about are divisive among the fandom and it's okay for this community to have different opinions about characters and perspectives and who should end up with who. But with that said, please do be respectful both to us and to others as the conversation continues on other channels. Additionally, we are so excited to see you at upcoming live events.

[Lexi]

You can dance the night away with us at the Fantastique Collections New Year's Eve Drop Party in Denver, Colorado. We also have so much in store as podcasting partners at Romanecy Bookcon in Los Angeles in February 2025 and in Orlando, Florida in October 2025.

[Nicole]

We'll also be featured guests at Enchanticon in St. Louis, Missouri, August 15th through 17th, 2025.

[Lexi]

Links to all of these events and more information are in the show notes.

[Nicole]

And lastly, if you love Fantasy Fangirls and have been loving the Zacatar series Journey, we're on together. If you want more content, more community, more events and just more all around, please check out our Patreon.

[Lexi]

We have three membership tiers that you can join which range from having access to our Bop and Discord live Q&As from Lexi and I book club community events 20% off discounted merch, early access to ad free episodes. Your name shouted out on the podcast. So much more.

[Nicole]

Join the party and learn more [e-mail] fantasy fangirls. The link is of course also in the show notes. And really and truly, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us as we've turned this podcast into our livelihood. It's literally all because of you.

[Lexi]

And now it is time to dive into the biggest question among the fandom. How big is Azriel's penis? Just kidding. I mean Gwen or Elain? Dun dun dun.

[Nicole]

Before we dive into this bonus chapter, Nicole's going to give us a summary of what happens in it. So gather round friends. We need an inner circle debrief for Azriel's POV bonus chapter from Silver Flames.

[Lexi]

Twas the night before solstice and all through the manor the Fae lights were dimmed, casting a soft golden glamour. The family had parted with laughter and cheer, but Azriel stayed, brooding his vibe woof this year. Then came soft steps in the quiet of the night, and Elain appeared in the soft fay light, a small wrapped up package she held in her hand. Just for you, she whispered, the gesture so grand, earplugs for silence to block out the noise from Cassian and Nesta's late night joys. He chuckled and teased, no wonder you hid it. But deep down he cherished the thought that she did it. Azrael reached for his gift, prepared for the task, a glass rose necklace wrapped in velvet. Alas, when he clasped it on her, his fingers stayed the danger, though in his mind thoughts blared, go Bang her. Her eyes closed, she was ready for a kiss. Azrael leaned in his heart, saying, don't do this. But before he could kiss her, so soft and divine, Rhysand's voice thundered, azriel, that's out of line. Immediately as went to his high lord, regal and stern, with a weight of a lecture as didn't quite earn. You'll ruin our pace, rhysand snapped in command. And Lucian, he'll duel you. Do you understand? As furious on this holiday, he dashed to the House of Wind, where his hopes were smashed. There Gwen practiced slicing her sword in the air. That ribbon was stubborn, her eyes fixed in a stare. He stepped in to help, his tone distant but kind. If you wish to cut the ribbon, keep this tip in mind. They laughed in the cold, a solstice delight with shadows and singing that danced like light. But what of that necklace? It found a new home to clothe the priestess beneath the library dome. Give it to Gwen, as whispered with care. But he couldn't help but think of Gwen's joyous stare. Then off Azrael flew into the night, with shadows and stars his only respite. And as frost kissed his wings, he whispered with might, happy solstice to all, and to all a good night.

[Nicole]

Bravo.

[Lexi]

Thank you. I had no idea we were really.

[Nicole]

Getting cozied up for bedtime stories here.

[Lexi]

I'm very inspired by my Christmas tree and fireplace.

[Nicole]

Thought I wrote this. It's just fantastic. Oh well, you know what else is fantastic? The feeling of just hopping into bed at the end of a long day. And Miracle Made makes snuggling up in your sheets even more wonderful.

[Lexi]

Miracle made sheets are infused with silver that helps Prevent up to 99.7% of bacterial growth, leaving them to stay cleaner and fresher three times longer than other sheets. Huzzah. Using Silver Infused fabrics inspired by NASA, Miracle Made sheets are thermoregulating and designed to keep you at the perfect temperature all night long no matter the we weather so you get a better night's sleep every single night.

[Nicole]

Miracle sheets are luxuriously comfortable without the high price tag of other luxury brands and feel as nice, if not nicer than sheets used by some five star hotels. I swear one of my favorite moments of each day is when I hop into bed and it just feels so nice and cozy in my Miracle made sheets.

[Lexi]

I love Miracle made sheets so much that I literally just ordered a second pair. I love them so much. Go to trymiracle.com ff to try Miracle Made sheets today and whether you're buying them for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, you can order today and save over over 40%. And if you use our promo code FF at checkout you'll get three free towels and save an extra 20%. Miracle is so confident in their product that it's backed with a 30 day money backed guarantee so if you aren't 100% satisfied you will get a full refund.

[Nicole]

Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made, go to try Miracle.com FF and use the code FF to claim your free three piece towel set and save over 40% off. Again, that's TryMiracle.com FF to treat you yourself. Thank you so much Miracle Made for sponsoring this episode. It's time to step into the cauldron and discuss key insights, character analysis and most of all, speculations for the whole Asriel, Elaine, Gwyn and Lucian dynamic. Today looks a little different with our Silver Flames Deep Dive because it's a follow up to our Silver Flames episode 8. Let's call this episode 8.5 if you will, as we dive into Azriel's bonus chapter. But before we do that and go beat by beat, I'd love for us to discuss our overall reactions to this bonus chapter.

[Lexi]

Like most Sarah J. Maas bonus chapters, I was immediately like, why is this not included in the book? Like there's so much here. Prior to reading this, I really won't lie, I was not hard shipping anyone in the Asriel, Elaine, Gwen, Lucian Dynamic because quite frankly, I just didn't feel connected to their characters. And especially prior to the Deep dive, I didn't feel connected to Elaine. But after reading this it's like, whoa. Oh my God. This is what turned me into a shipper of Gwen and Azriel. And I'll get more into that later. I'll say soft shipper, but something I'm really curious about is how is this going to be woven into the story? Because major moments happen in this. Rhys tells Azriel to stay the fuck away from Elain. Azriel re gifts Gwen a present, which I'm assuming she'll find out eventually because she'll wear it around Elaine and Elaine will be like, what is that? That was supposed to be for me. It'll hurt Gwen's feelings, which breaks my heart for sweet, wonderful Gwyneth Bardara. There's so much here and I can't Wait to see how it plays out in the story. But I'm anxious. Like, this gives me anxiety.

[Nicole]

Yeah, this might be the most impactful bonus chapter I've ever read from really any book. I do get how it couldn't be in Silver Flames itself because it is from Azriel's pov, but wow, it really does add important context, especially with what's next for him and probably Elaine too. We did get Cassian's POV in a bonus chapter for Acomath, and it has similar vibes except for the major differentiator with the question who does as end up with? We had seen it all over the pages between Cassie and and Nesta, so his Acomaf bonus chapter fan the flames for them ending up together. But this, the first half takes what we've seen on the page between Azrael and Elaine from other characters POVs, and, you know, it just cranks it up to level 100. I remember texting you Nicole as I was reading the first part of this bonus chapter, and I was like, well, duh. These two end up together. Like suddenly I'm in Elaine and Azriel. Big shipper. The evidence is all right there in ways that make me go, oh my God, how could there be any doubt? And then I read the second half of the bonus chapter, which introduces Gwen to the mix, and it has me doing a 180. It feels like the very beginning of a potential love story. So by the end of this bonus chapter, especially with that last line that we will definitely be talking about, I was and still am torn, which for me is part of the fun thinking about what's next. Because ultimately I know we're similar in that we just want everyone to be happy with whoever they end up with. And I'm really just along for the journey. Although, like you too, I am leaning Azriel and Gwen winding up together. So, you know, please do keep that in mind. As we do deep dive this bonus chapter, we will look at everything from all sides as we always try to do. But we can't help looking at it through the lens of Azriel and Gwen ending up together and the evidence that goes along with that. Before we lay out all the proof for who ends up a couple, let's deep dive this bonus chapter and go beat by beat.

[Lexi]

We have to begin with the Elain encounter, because wow. On winter solstice, Azriel is in the River House living room thinking about Cassian and Rhys and their partners, and he feels this sting of jealousy. So much so that he waits down by the fire rather than going up to his room to get swallowed up by loneliness.

[Nicole]

Azriel oh, we already know from earlier in Silver Flames that as has difficulty sleeping. He told Cassian that he trains at night instead of during the day. And Cass didn't push the topic despite his worry because he knows his brother well enough that he'll open up if and when he's ready to talk. So we can assume this has indeed been going on for at least a duration of this book. As the scene plays out, Cassie and and Esta are consummating their mating bond. So I love how as knows what they have even before Nesta admits it to herself or before it's told to her months later. Because of course he does. He's very observant. He and Rhys will talk about it pretty openly. So much so where I had to double check that this is the same winter solstice before Nest Nesta knew she was mated with Cassian. It is basically just everybody knows except Nesta that they're mates.

[Lexi]

It's almost like everyone also knew that Rhys and Feyre were mates before Feyre knew. There's a pattern happening boys.

[Nicole]

But in this case Nesta and Cassian are bang bang bangity banging first.

[Lexi]

Yeah, they did that.

[Nicole]

I love that a few times.

[Lexi]

Just then the middle Archeron sister comes down to put a present on Azriel's pile because she made your air quotes forgot to give it to him earlier. Immediately this is setting the tone of forbidden love. They're sneaking around, they don't want anyone else to know. Especially a red haired one eyed fae who is sleeping upstairs.

[Nicole]

Yes, and like this forbidden love. It's very mutual between them. Both of them have gifts for the other but haven't given each other those gifts yet. I have to ask once again why Lucian is here when last year Lucian made it clear it's painful for him to be around Elaine who doesn't want anything to do with him. I'm assuming based on all the descriptions we've gotten that nothing has changed in the past year. But I do think Lucian is here because he needs a break from Jurian and Vassa, from what he said to Nesta on Solstice, how they're kind of at each other's throats lately and he certainly doesn't want to spend it alone. Lucian wants a family, he wants a home. And yeah, as awkward as things are, he wants that with Elain. But I suppose he's here because this is him wanting to hold out his hand and try again, especially with it being the holidays.

[Lexi]

I also wonder if this is because Lucian has had some distance from Elaine. There's no longer maybe, like, feeling like he has to white knuckle the mating bond. And instead he's had some time to distance himself with Jurian, with Vassa, and now he gets to go back and be a little bit more, I'll call it at ease and maybe chiller around Elaine. We don't really see a whole lot of Lucian looking at Elaine or staring at her. We do know that he gives her a present, and Elaine barely thanks him.

[Nicole]

And she also sits on the opposite end of the room as him. And it's clear that nothing has changed. Or I'll say nothing has gotten better.

[Lexi]

But what I'm saying is I think Lucian has changed. I think Lucian is less white knuckle and he's more just like. Like, you're saying, I'll reach out my hand and be here, but I'm not, like, whole. I don't think he's holding his breath anymore.

[Nicole]

I'd argue he wasn't really doing that in Acor as much either. He was never really white knuckling it. Like, at first he was like, I need to get back to my mate. But then when he really realized that she wanted nothing to do with him, she was in love with somebody else. And he's kind of been waiting it out and almost kind of like doing like, a little temperature check every now and then. This could be another version of that temperature check. And I do think he just wants to belong somewhere.

[Lexi]

God, I love him. I just want Lucian to be happy. Like, truly, more than anyone. We learn as Elain hands Azriel his gift, that his present from last year, the headache powder that she gave him, has gone unused and instead has sat by Asriel's bedside for a year of him just looking at it. So we can assume that this crush that he has on her has been going on for at least a year. And my guess is that what truly cemented the crush, I'll say the crush, at least from Azriel's side, was when he went to go rescue her after she was taken by the cauldron.

[Nicole]

I agree. We noted throughout our Acawar deep dive how he was able to connect with Elaine during her darkest time. And I think he consciously caught these romantic feelings when she was taken by the cauldron. Those feelings have always been lurking beneath the surface. There's always something different about Elain and his connection, which we were definitely pointing out. Throughout that deep dive coverage there. And yes, a little bit later, I will get into some theories around them actually being mates, because they have had that connection since the very beginning.

[Lexi]

This year, though, Elaine gives him earplugs to use at the House of Wind for Cassie and and Nesta's escapades. This is delicious. It's something friends would indeed get each other. It's an inside joke between the two of them. It's showing how much more y. Yes, Elaine is extremely observant. She, I think, knows that Cassie and and Nesta are nates long before even Nesta knows. And it's also a wink, wink, hint, hint, like, hey, I. I got your back.

[Nicole]

Yes. And while last year the headache medicine was like an innocent joke between friends that could be in front of everyone, this year is different. Even though the gift is on the surface along those same lines. Like you're saying there was that same kind of inside joke there. It's all the extra context text that makes this year's gift different. Aside from it potentially being, you know, like embarrassing for Cassian and Nessa. She's like, Nessa wouldn't appreciate this. And it's like, yeah, she probably once when they're open about everything, then I could see her laughing about it. But yeah, we get hints that things have emotionally escalated between Elain and Azriel. Before, Azriel would approach Elaine and be the one to initiate conversation when she felt out of place. Now he's avoiding her because there's that spark between the two of them. Plus, Elaine's gift is about sex. There is that little bit of flirtation along with this gift. Again, because of the extra context that we get, like we've already been talking about. It's jumping off the page that there is a forbidden romantic interest between these two as they simultaneously tiptoe around each other and lean into the other at the slightest bit of the other's attention. From the way she swallows in his presence and her breath quickening when they get closer. Unspoken words just hanging between the two of them. No need to be said because they both know. She knows he hasn't been coming to family dinner lately. Again, because he's avoiding her because she's got a mate. You know what? I know we've given Elaine a hard time for being so mean and indifferent to Lucian when he deserves a little decency and the guy deserves to be happy. You all know our stance on that. But it seems like she has tied Lucian to her not getting to follow her heart because Azriel doesn't make a real move because she's mated. So she's probably mad at Lucian for simply being in existence so that she can't be with the one that she wants to be with.

[Lexi]

That makes a lot of sense. Like. Like there is this subconscious or even conscious anger at Lucian. And boy, oh, boy, I think she's taking it out of on him, at least in the Elaine way.

[Nicole]

And it used to be with Grayson. Remember how Grayson was like, you're made, and now you know. Do you even know what that means? She's like, no, no, no, it doesn't matter. Like, she was trying to downplay it because she wanted Grayson, and now it's like she's trying to downplay it because she wants Asriel.

[Lexi]

Exactly. Or Lucian. Again, not poor Lucian, because Elaine's a bitch. Just poor Lucian because of the situation he's in.

[Nicole]

Like, it just always finds himself in these really tough situations. Yeah. Elaine is absolutely within her right to not owe him anything.

[Lexi]

No. Yes. These are mutually exclusive. Like, the way that we're looking at this is not in an Elaine Lucian. They are one in the same. They have to be a mutually exclusive situation because we have to look objectively at Lucian's standpoint and then also objectively at Elaine standpoint. And both are right here. Both are right. Asriel pulls out his gift for Elaine that he chose not to give her during everyone's presence exchange because Lucian was nearby. And honestly, valid point. Like, if he had given.

[Nicole]

Imagine, like, the whole room would have gone silent. It would have been so awkward.

[Lexi]

He would have invoked the blood duel right there.

[Nicole]

Like, I'm gonna be getting into all that. I think, if anything, Rhys would have. Which, again, we're gonna. Oh, gosh, we have so much.

[Lexi]

My blood just started boiling when you said that. Oh, God. This tiny golden necklace has a flat rose. And it's all within the stained glass quote, designed so that when held to the light, the true depth of the color would become visible. This charm shines with reds and pinks and whites, which. Side note, those are all of the colors of the roses that we have seen at the spring court. That could just be a coincidence, though, because those are very common rose colors.

[Nicole]

So did you know that the red rose is the insignia for the spring court?

[Lexi]

Yes, indeed.

[Nicole]

I don't think Azriel gifted this to her with any conscious tie in to that. Like, definitely not. She loves flowers and gardening. It makes sense anyway way. But for us readers, I really am just absolutely floored by how much foreshadowing There is for Elaine to belong in the Spring Court. And this is one more big example.

[Lexi]

Well, we also can't forget that this does not end up around Elain's necklace. By the end of this scene, it ends up around Gwen's neck. So.

[Nicole]

Well, I might just take back what I just said.

[Lexi]

Well, I don't know, because it's originally offered to Elaine though, so it's almost.

[Nicole]

Like a potentially a stand in for her being. I'll call it offered the Spring Corps. I don't think it'll be nearly that simple, but let's just call it that for now and then she does not accept it.

[Lexi]

I think she would because there's so much foreshadowing around. Elaine belongs in something like spring. So I just confused myself. Anyway, moving on, Elaine says the magic words that makes Azriel's dick hard. Put it on me. And my oh my does this bonus chapter take quite a turn. Because Azriel takes his time until his palm is laid flat against her neck. As Azriel is putting this necklace on her, though, it breaks my heart because he notes how his scarred hands shouldn't be touching something as precious as Elaine. He believes they're not even worthy of being on her immaculate its skin. Later, he notes how Elaine looks at him so trusting and helpful. Quote, he knew she had no idea that he had done unspeakable things that sullied his hands far beyond their scars. I would actually argue she does know. She is much more observant than anyone fucking gives her credit for. So I actually argue that she is very well aware.

[Nicole]

Yes, Lexi, I was gonna say the first time I read that my mind is definitely in the gutter. And then I realized it's like, oh, no, it's because he tortures people for his job. I do think. Why? Was your mind in the gutter too?

[Lexi]

No, but now it is. I just got more excited for Azriel's book.

[Nicole]

Well, so I think that she knows, but only like very surface level, because she doesn't want to know any more than that. Like, even Feyre was very uncomfortable in the Court of Nightmares when they were doing their torturing of the Autumn Court soldiers for only like 10 minutes or so. Elaine would never ever be able to be in that position, at least as of right now. And that's only based on the context of her being uncomfortable there. Do I think that we could see her in that kind of situation where her eyes are really opened up to what he does? It's like she knows, but she doesn't really know kind of thing.

[Lexi]

Potentially.

[Nicole]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Lexi]

Now we do know that the common theme with the bad boys and their partners is this feeling of unworthiness. Rhysand is overly selfless because he feels unworthy of being loved by his friends. Cassian believes in this chapter. I'm dying. This is not Rhys. This is some devil took over his body. I can't. I. Cassian believes he's no better than a bastard born brute. Something about Asriel not feeling worthy of touching Elaine's immaculate skin. It just feels off. I'll talk about this more later, but it's almost like Azriel needs to be with someone who makes him feel beautiful. Which, back in Acawor, Elaine whispers beautiful to Azriel. And because we're in favorous pov, she couldn't tell if Elaine was talking about his cipher fins or Azriel's hands. So I'm not saying that Elain has made him feel less than or less beautiful, please don't get me wrong. But what I am saying is that Azriel doesn't have this feeling of unworthiness when it comes to Gwen, because they do feel more like equals. But again, more on that later.

[Nicole]

Yes, because with Gwen, it's like they're both overcoming their pasts of feeling unworthy. All of it in vastly different ways. I will say we've gotten a lot of that with Cassian, where Nesta very specifically does not make him feel worthy.

[Lexi]

And it does go both ways because, like, even Nesta didn't feel worthy of Cassian until literally this exact night that this is happening with Azriel. I'll talk more later as to why with the language in this scene, it does feel like it's one to the left. I'm not saying it's a total. Like everything's wrong and horrible and it's completely different. It's very similar. There's very similar tendencies here between Rhys, Cassian and Azriel interacting with Elaine. But something feels one to the left with it. But again, I'll get to that later.

[Nicole]

And I think that's why we're getting this in the first half, where very much we are in the mentality of like, oh my God, Gosh, it feels wrong because it's a forbidden romance and we're all caught up in that. And then the second half, it's like, oh, wait a second.

[Lexi]

Yes, exactly.

[Nicole]

Yes, yes.

[Lexi]

And honest, I want to pause real quick because I'm so glad that we're left being like, fuck, which one is it? Like we were left being able to do an entire bonus episode on this. Because if it wasn't like this, like reading the Cassian and Nesta bonus chapter of Akamaf, you would have no doubt in your mind that those two are. Are in some way going to be together, if not mates. Here we don't know. And I'm so happy for that because it adds this level of mystery as we're going further in our story. I don't want to know right now who he's going to end up with. And that's what makes it exciting. However, scars or no, Azriel puts on the necklace and his thoughts turn lower, wondering what sounds she would make as he entered her. And by the shift in her sense, it he's not the only one getting hot and bothered.

[Nicole]

Like we've been saying, this short scene encapsulates the idea of ribbon and romance so well, again, like I was saying earlier, it also just cranks it up to like level 100 is like, whoa, okay, we're. We're there. All right, sounds good. It's wrong. It's so wrong. But Azriel doesn't care. Honestly, not even so much romance as it is lust here on the page. We only get this one chapter from AS is pov, so I can't speak to his more comprehensive feelings about it as we're just living in this intimate moment right now. But I'm not getting I'm in love with you show don't tells as much as I'm getting I'm horny for you vibes. Don't get me wrong, I've gotten these more romantic vibes subtly in other books. And he'll argue about why Elaine isn't mated with him later in this chapter. And we've definitely seen the same from Cassian. Can't forget chapter one of Silver Flames, when he was oogling Nessa's boobies. So another argument is that it is his primal male instinct to lust after her because they are indeed meant to be together.

[Lexi]

That's what I got from when I was reading the scene for the first time was that like more primal drive.

[Nicole]

And this seems to be the most they've touched ever. It's not like there was an intimate incident where something happened between them to cause this awkwardness we've seen over the past year. Ish. So I assume it's been these feelings starting to really show between them. The chemistry is undeniable and they especially as are avoiding it because it's, you know, not allowed. We have seen Elaine go through heartbreak and her own rock bottom, where Nesta was genuinely afraid she would waste away. Elaine mourned the loss of Grayson and their future together for so long. And it seems that she has recently been opening her heart to Azriel in this moment. She says she should go, but she makes no move to leave. And instead she drifts closer, tilting her face face up toward him. Quote, offer and permission. She is putting herself in the most vulnerable position right now, knowing that he wants it too. That this quiet moment is just for the two of them. Quote, where only the mother might witness them. Ah, such an interesting line when we think about one of the mating bond theories where the cauldron made Lucian her mate, but the mother made Azriel her mate.

[Lexi]

It's interesting you bring that up, because when I read Where Only the mother Might witness them, I hear it as. As tripling down on the sneaky sneakiness of the scene. You know, like not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Like it feels very. My head is just in Christmas rhymes. But like it's. It feels along those same lines. It's like this. The mother, this all being goddess, is the only person who would witness them in the dark here. Like they are that secluded from the rest of people. Which, speaking of Azrael's hand slides up her neck, burying deep in her thick hair. He tilts her head up. This is hot. This is awesome. They're less than a breath away from each other when Azriel. My office. No.

[Nicole]

God damn it, Reese.

[Lexi]

I hate that those four words just came out of your mouth. I agree with you. I'm agreeing with you as Reese is just going far.

[Nicole]

I know. So if you're new to fantasy fangirls, Acotar deep dive. Rhys is. Was Nicole's number one book boyfriend. And oh my gosh, like, we. We love him. He got a few L's as we give all characters, you know, when needed. But Silver Flames has been a little tough and this is a little tougher.

[Lexi]

He was at 1 in ACOMAF and then in Acowar, he went down to like two, AKA Sif. He went down to like three. And now I think he's down to maybe five.

[Nicole]

Like, my goodness.

[Lexi]

I know.

[Nicole]

Again. All right, well, with Elaine still awaiting Azriel's kiss, literally her mouth is parted and she's inviting him. Azriel gets a metaphorical splash of cold water on him. He forces himself to say this was a mistake, despite those being the last words he wants to say. And poor Elaine, who just put her heart out there for him. She's so hurt and confused because he clearly wanted this and now he's pulling back, unwilling to take that final step and kiss her. Like I was just saying, she's already had her heart broken with Grayson, and so this is a really big deal for her to be putting her heart out there again. Little does she know, Rhys is the busiest busybody of all the busybodies. Seriously, though, Mini rant incoming. Stay out of your brother's head, Reese. You snooped when you should be snuggling with your own mate. And not only did you snoop, which, by the way, how often do you do that, this is not the first time that he or Feyre have just, like, popped into somebody else's head, being like, oh, it seemed like you had nothing better to do right now, but he purposefully intervenes.

[Lexi]

This is like another way that Rhys and Feyre are so similar. Like, in our original trilogy coverage, we noted how often Feyre is a big old busy body. And Rhys has been taking lessons, apparently, because he wasn't really until the end of Acawor, where he really even told.

[Nicole]

Her not to be a busybody.

[Lexi]

And here he is like, I'm gonna. I'm gonna busy your body all up and down this river house.

[Nicole]

God, so mad. Okay, I know that Lucien is in the house, which, again, we'll get to more in a second. But for Rhys, a male who never felt like he would ever get to be with one he loved and who only wants his family to be happy, it feels a little out of character.

[Lexi]

I want you to imagine Listener and Lexi, okay? That we are on Starfall and it is beautiful. Rhys and Feyre are holding hands, looking at each other, looking at the smear from the star splooge that across her face. And Cassian or Asriel comes over their shoulders and is like, rhys. She's still getting over Tamlin. Like, back the fuck off, man. I get that Rhys has some kind of male mate code going on with Lucian, but Elain hasn't accepted the mating bond with Lucian. So, like, they're not together. Like, the mating bond is just hanging there, not doing anything. Get out of here. Back the fuck off, Rhys. I'm furious.

[Nicole]

I wholeheartedly agree with you. But playing devil's advocate, think of Rhys's personal experience with mates. While he knows that fate can pick people incompatible with each other, like his parents, he is a mated male in an extra protective mode these days. So I could see him viewing at all this very subjectively, because he is Mated. And if anyone even hinted at acting that way toward Feyre, he would literally rip them apart. But, yes, to your point, Elaine has not accepted the mating bond. In fact, it was Rhys who explained to the readers and to Farah that a mating bond can be rejected. So let's talk about the scene in Rhys's office, which, by the way, he probably had to put clothes on because, you know, he sleeps naked.

[Lexi]

Yeah, he does.

[Nicole]

He has to sneak out of sleeping Farrah's arms and then go to his office. I will throw Rhys this tiny bone as he gets angry with Azriel. Like a chicken wing at the bone carver style. Small bone. He's initially keyword, initially emphasizing how bad it would be if Lucian saw them. Not about it happening in the first place, but how Azriel and Elaine were out in the open where anyone, including Elaine's mate, could have seen them. However, I do believe as his shadows would send him, like, blaring warning bells if Lucian left his room. But I can understand Rhys's concern that Lucian might come across his mate kissing Rhys's brother. It would cause a scene, to put it mildly. But that's as much understanding as I can extend to you, dear Rhys, because you take a nosedive after that.

[Lexi]

Oh, speaking of nose dives, one thing I will not understand from this scene is why, oh, why Rhys is like, what about more Azriel? You mean that girl he's been pining for for 500 years without reciprocation? I get him looking at the bigger picture and not wanting to piss off Autumn or Lucian and then Vassa and Jurian and even Spring. That way I get the political play that's going through Rhys's mind. I will give him that chicken wing bone. But why is he asking about more? If I were Rhys, I would not scold Azriel or even tell him that he's never able to see Elain again. Because, like, what is he gonna fucking do after that? Rhys, like, you know, AZ is just going to want to see her more if you tell him. Never.

[Nicole]

He just has to stay away from her. But they also are part of a family together. Like, they're not going to physically be able to stay away from each other. He's more, I'll call it emotionally telling him to stay away from her.

[Lexi]

Yeah, if I were Rhys, I would rationally and point blank tell Azriel like, hey, there's bigger things for you to consider here other than just your dick swelling up. I don't want you to get hurt. I don't Want her to get hurt, but he's acting. Ah. Why does he bring up more that just I will not under like he has seen his brother hurt for 500 years about this girl who is not reciprocating love with him for obvious reasons that we dissected at length in Acowar. Why is he bringing her up?

[Nicole]

Well, and then Rhys goes on to say. So you'll seduce Elain away from Lucien? Away from him. She already keeps him at the farthest possible distance imaginable without out outright refusing to see him. Azriel doesn't need to seduce her away from him. He simply was himself and she gravitated toward him. Which he admits only in his own thoughts that he hasn't gotten that far to, you know, their kiss and seducing her and what could go after he never imagined he would actually get with Elain. Partly because he's avoided her so it wouldn't happen.

[Lexi]

Why is Rhys thinking the worst of his brother? Other like that is something I will never understand. Rhys is not someone who looks at his family and thinks the worst of them. And here he is doing that with Azriel again.

[Nicole]

You know how I am. I try really hard to look from the different characters.

[Lexi]

I'm glad one of us is because I am too irate right now.

[Nicole]

Number one, Rhys is going through some crazy pregnancy hormones even though he's not the one pregnant. We have talked about this during our silver flames deep dive. He is not not rational right now. So as angry as we are with him, it is absolutely not an excuse. I don't know if things are going to get better after the baby's born, but he's got a lot of other stuff craziness on his mind. He's a little tunnel visioned right now, especially when it comes to the political ramifications. He needs peace because for his mate, assuming that she lives, and for his baby, he wants there to be peace so that his child is not born during the time of war, especially a civil war between the courts like autumn and night. And maybe because he knows his brother so well, that he knows that things will escalate to Lucian's death. That he's trying to cut this off as soon as he can. So maybe if we're in Reese's POV, he's laying it on extra thick so that his brother will get the point. So that in his mind he's self sacrificing and being the bad guy to keep his brother and his kingdom alive. I really, I grabbed you really stretch.

[Lexi]

There, but it was enough. It was enough to make my blood pressure simmer down.

[Nicole]

Well, it's about to spike back up. Reese, polls rank and orders as to stay away from Elaine again. I really do wonder if in his mind he's purposefully being a dick like he has done in the past with his bad guy mask on and all that. For all the courts. He's doing that right now with his brother again. That's why I said initially earlier. Because this isn't a don't let Lucian find out warning. This is Rhys telling his brother he killed boy. Yep, here we go.

[Lexi]

Here.

[Nicole]

He can't try to have happiness with the girl he wants. Which does make me wonder again, as I'm trying to see this from Rhys's perspective. Does Rhys realize how much as likes Elaine or like I was talking about earlier, does Rhys identify as his feelings as lust? Except. Except Azrael is literally talking about the Cauldron choosing three sisters and two of them are already with these brothers. He's not talking about lust. He's thinking about Elain as his mate. Even if it's Rhys who utters the word mate instead of Azrael. So I believe this is Rhys being narrow minded and trying to protect his brother from Lucian's wrath as a territorial mate. Again, being a territorial mate himself. Which brings us to the mention of the blood duel. It is an Autumn Court tradition and a battle to the death that is so brutal it's only enacted in rare cases. Despite being an outsider, Az had wanted to invoke it against Aerys and Baron when he found Mor 500 years ago. But Mor said their heads were hers to claim, so he didn't. Rhys says, quote, Lucian, as Baron's son, has the right to demand it of you. Liar, liar, pants on fire. Rhys knows Lucian is actually Helion's son, not Barons. Now he is the lady of Autumn sun, so he is partly of the Autumn Court. But the point is, you are lying right here, Rhys. And note that Azriel shadows do not pick up on it. So Rhys is quite good at lying. I love how Azriel's like, I'll defeat Lucian with little effort. The thing is though, they need this alliance. It's not about who's going to win or anything like that. It's the fact that they need this alliance. If there is a blood duel between the knight and audience court, even if it is their outcasted son, it will only create more tensions that nobody can afford right now. And not just with the Autumn Court, but with Lucien's Other networks. That's his job is networking. So killing him would only piss the Spring Court, AKA Tamlin, off even more. And that's a shit show as it is. And it would create a major wedge with Jurian and Vassa, who are the main players for the mortals south of Prythian on this side of the sea. They need their alliance there too. There is some confusion around around who can invoke the blood duel. Like is it only mates? In which case there is a theory that it actually makes Az and More mates because he wanted to invoke it 500 years ago for as to chase after mor for 500 years, hoping the mating bond would snap into place. It would make sense that he held onto feelings for her for that long if they are indeed mates. And it would be poetic if he and Elaine both rejected their individual mating bonds to end up together. Alternatively, though, and this is interesting, there's another theory that as we've been in as his POV here, this bonus chapter, he has not brought More up once.

[Lexi]

Yep.

[Nicole]

Not one time. The only time she's brought up is when Rhys brings her up.

[Lexi]

When Rhys brings her up. Yeah. Huh.

[Nicole]

So what if everyone assumes his feelings toward More, but it's not actually the case? Or what if More is creating an illusion of truth, but it's not how as has actually felt? There's a lot of nuances with that and pros and cons that I'm quite frankly not going to get into right now as we keep talking about the blood duel, but is something to noodle on because he does not give More a second thought in this entire chapter, even when Rhys brings her up.

[Lexi]

There's also the theory that with Azriel actually not being in love with Mor, but instead he's suspicious of More, which is why he's always casting her side glances. There's this idea that that there's going to be a betrayer next book, based off of like a half a sentence that Bri Allen says at the end of this one. And a lot of people pointed that towards More. She wears red, which tends to be a big like backstabbing color. Her thing is truth. She could be bending the truth to align with what she wants. All this kind of stuff. And Azriel is actually one of the people who is very suspicious of her again, hence why he's always looking at her. I need a lot more convincing before I hop on that train. I do think that this was as simple as Asriel was in love with with more for 500 years. And she obviously never reciprocated it again for many reasons that we discussed in Acowar. I think that he's just over More. He needed someone to help get him over the Moore Hill and Elaine just happened to be that person. It's not diminishing his feelings towards Elaine. It's just saying, hey, oh my God, here's finally this person who's looking at me twice rather than More, who wouldn't in that way.

[Nicole]

I agree. When we're talking about as his feelings towards More and if they're real or if she's manipulating them or he's suspicious of her, all I can ever think about is the High Lord's meeting. There's plenty of other examples, but that is definitely the biggie there. So yeah, I would definitely need a lot more convincing too. And there is a note. Where is it Cassian or somebody who says that Asriel's not chasing after More like he used to. Like it has been noticed in the inner circle. So I do agree with you that his attention has shifted from More to Elaine. Now, whether that is real, true deep love, I don't know. I could honestly see Azriel not knowing the true meaning of love. And he mistakes it for lust or more like love as a sister. And then there's a little bit tangled up with that lust. And that applies to both Mor and now Elaine. And he will learn that deeper meaning of love with somebody else. All right, back to blood duels. Because they are not mentioned mentioned anywhere else in the series. And in this description as gives us, it does not hint specifically at being a tradition for mated males. So I'm under the impression blood duels are a one on one fight to the death. When conflict between two Fae have escalated that high, it's a formal way to try to kill the other to solve the conflict or get revenge. Bringing this back to Elain. Do we think we will see a blood duel in the future?

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

Yeah. However, I don't know if it will be Lucian and Azriel fighting over Elaine. Elain has said in silver flames that she is not a child to be fought over. I can't imagine her. I'll call it approving of this blood duel or Lucian even invoking the blood duel. Despite his primal maiden male instincts, he respects that she doesn't want to be with him. Yes. He is kind of, you know, holding out his hand and maybe doing a little bit of trying. He's here after all. He gifted her something. But he does still respect her. And that's Something else that we've been talking a lot about, too. And he does respect and even fear Azrael a little. I don't think Lucian thinks that he would make it out of that blood duel alive.

[Lexi]

Oh, I think he's smarter than that, for sure. I wonder if the blood duel, or maybe not it fully happening, but at least the beginnings of it being in motion, is actually what's going to lose Elaine to Azriel. Because she's going to find out and she'll be furious. I don't know. I could see it. But you make really solid points here, because it's not in character for, quite frankly, anyone but Azriel.

[Nicole]

Yeah. Now, again, we are talking about a primal maiden male. And we know how they can be Rhys. So that's kind of the wild card here. So, what I could see, however, is asking a blood duel between two others like Eris. Over what and who, I'm not quite sure. But, hell, maybe even Eris kills his father in a blood duel. Now, the caveat to that is Eris has not done such a thing yet. I kind of doubt he will, if he hasn't already. Unless, and I really hate to say this, Baron kills the lady of Autumn or something else that big that personally wrongs Aerys. I hate even saying that.

[Lexi]

Oh, but I could see it. Oh, I love the idea of the blood duel being between Aerys and Baron. That just makes sense to me. And my God, Aerys better make it out of that allotted life.

[Nicole]

Yes, and I could see something happening that catapults him into invoking the blood duel against his father for a reason that he has not done yet.

[Lexi]

Hate that, but yes.

[Nicole]

All right, moving on. Because as this conversation wraps up and Rhys kicks Azriel out of his office, he threatens his brother that if he keeps panting after Elaine, Rhys will make him regret it. And if he needs to quote someone, go to a pleasure hall and pay for it. Wow.

[Lexi]

What the fuck?

[Nicole]

Such a romantic race. That is a big, fat, literally, that's not race.

[Lexi]

Like, again, what leech, parasite, demon monster from the underworld took over my boy?

[Nicole]

It makes me wonder. Is that what AZ has been doing all this time? Being in love with more? Because we know that he's had other partners throughout the centuries. Have they all been paid? I never got that impression until this bonus chapter.

[Lexi]

I maybe. I maybe never thought about them being paid, but I thought about them being some freaky deaky S M. Yeah, but.

[Nicole]

That'S not the same as a pleasure hall.

[Lexi]

It's definitely not the same as but I don't know.

[Nicole]

So that brings me to my next question here because is as not wanting to be with anyone else now a new development? Because his feelings for Elaine are that strong and potentially different from his feelings.

[Lexi]

For More I think that if I'm looking at this from a literary perspective, I'm thinking about it more as like if we're looking in romance. Typically when a romance starts between two consenting parties and I would consider an a romance having started between Elaine Asriel as two consenting parties, there is not, I'll say, quote unquote, another typically. That's my literary analysis. So yes, I guess it would be that the feelings are that strong, but I think it's also the feelings are stronger because oh my God, someone's actually reciprocating the feelings. Fucking finally. Here's the one thing that that does make me me. I'll say sad and hesitant when as we're going into ACOTAR 6, these characters aren't acting in character anymore. Rhys Feyre really lost a lot of their character development in Silver Flames. And yes, I know we're in different POVs, but we're also in Cassian's POV and we're in Azriel's POV right now. And Rhys is not acting like Rhys. At least in my opinion. I do worry that as we go into the later ACOTAR books that Rhysand's gonna lose a lot of his is beautiful, complex character development. Same with Feyre. And this isn't the first time we've seen this in a later SJM book where characters stopped acting in character. So I am sad. It does make me really sad reading this bonus chapter looking at a character who we love so much and me literally yell at him in a microphone because this isn't Rhys. This is some alien took over his body. And it does make me lower my expectations and not in a good way going forward in the book series, if you know what I mean.

[Nicole]

I definitely do. Yeah. I think that the focus is on other characters and like we've discussed during Silver Flames, when it's so much richer for other characters. Like for instance, how we love Nesta's character development. It is sacrificing other characters that we have come to know and love like this. Yes. Last thing I'll say before I move on again as I'm really trying to put myself in Rhys's shoes here. Rhys does know how AZ gets when he's hung up on a girl. Maybe he's trying to prevent another 500 years like the as and more ordeal. And at this point he wishes it was as simple as as just wanting to stay focused on more. That's why he's bringing her up and be like wait, what about this? Like this was kind of like how things were and now things are changing and I don't like that.

[Lexi]

Nothing like the guy who's the leader of the court of dreams being like, hey, remember this thing that was a nightmare for you for 500 years? Can you just go back to that? Because that was easier. You know what also can be frustrating in addition to Reese's character development? Creating great retail experiences. Because that is tough. Especially with multiple stores, team of staff, fulfillment centers and separate workflows. It can be a lot. But with Shopify's Point of Sale system, you can do it all without complexity.

[Nicole]

Shopify's Point of Sale system is a unified command center for all of your retail business. It brings together in store and online operations even across 1000 locations. Imagine being able to guarantee that shopping is just always convenient. Endless aisle ship to customer buy online pickup in store, all made simpler so customers can shop how and where they want want and staff have the tools they need to close the sale every time.

[Lexi]

And let's face it, acquiring new customers can be expensive. With Shopify pos, you can keep existing customers coming back to your stores with consistent tailored experiences and first party data that give marketing teams a competitive edge. Also side note, the FFG Merch store. Yep it is through Shopify.

[Nicole]

Want more? Check [e-mail] FFG all lowercase case and learn how to create the best retail experiences without complexity. Shopify.com FFG angrily and needing to calm.

[Lexi]

His heart rate down like I do right now, Azriel flies up to the House of Wind knowing that if he stayed at the manor, he probably strangled Rhys and he'd probably do something stupid with Elaine that he would regret. Air quotes there, my guy. So he might as well work out the rage that is going through his bloodstream. The frustration, thriving need. But it looks like someone is already in the training ring at the House of Wind. Gwen which Pause.

[Nicole]

It is the middle of the night on winter solstice and she opted not to go to the River House at Nessa's invitation because Gwen wasn't ready to leave the library in the House of Wind yet. And thinking no one would be around, she came up here to train in the chilly night and keep trying to cut the ribbon. Oh Gwen. We know that among the three female friends, she is the most determined garment to cut that ribbon. And here she is treating the ribbon like nested pretty much treats the stairs. It is her personal challenge to overcome and Gwen is on a mission to achieve it. We already knew this, but this highlights in a new light just how determined she is to reclaim her life after her trauma and push through it even on her own, in the dead of cold night on a holiday. While these two have interacted in the training ring since Azriel started working with the group, they haven't been one on one since he saved her from the terrible Hybern soldiers in Sangre, Va. Both of them have heavy pasts marked by trauma and pain, as we've seen in subtle ways through Azriel's POV so far. This chapter with references to his scars and frosty mask that he learned from his father's dungeons and her past, directly includes him. He was the one who helped her, but when he first looks at her, the bloody memory flashes before him, quote, so at odds with the Gwen he saw before him. Now he's seeing that growth. It feels really symbolic that they see each other here again and begin connecting as simply two individuals who have found themselves at the same spot for different reasons, but each driven by their own dark thoughts and here to chase them away. And it's where they have their first true opportunity to start building their own relationship, even just as friends, right here to start off.

[Lexi]

After some kind pleasantries, Gwen says happy soul justice, as if it was a dismissal as much as it is a holiday blessing.

[Nicole]

Like she doesn't know what else to say. In the budding awkwardness of their shared memories of her trauma. She doesn't want that to be on the surface. So she takes the initiative to push those bad thoughts away.

[Lexi]

And Azriel is like, are you kicking me out? And Gwen tells him no, but she knows that he likes being alone. She's basically giving him an out of the conversation for him to go off and do whatever it is he needs at 2 in the morning. It really shows A just how observant she is in what he wants and B, that she is almost like, you don't have to be on for me right now. Just go do your own thing. Go be at ease basically. And I just, I. That is something in my relationships that I cherish above all else. And of course he's like, well I was, I'm here because I forgot something earlier. And she, she totally calls him out on his BS. She's like, yeah, sure, you forgot something at 2 in the morning. He plays Back with her. He's smiling, he's chuckling. They fall into this easy back and forth. Gwen asks about the inner circle party and he asks her about the priestess's celebration. But it's Gwen's next question that truly shocks him. Quote, do you sing so many things here? Yes. Azriel is a shadow singer and that's why she is is asking.

[Nicole]

It's showing she's curious and wants to learn more about him. But it's somehow such a personal question. And I love how she's not asking about his shadows. That's kind of what everybody else would be asking about when it comes to being a shadow singer. She's asking about what might light him up and bring him joy instead of the darkness.

[Lexi]

Also back on my Gwen is part light singer theory. This would be so layered because if they are both singers in their own way, here they are bonding over it and here it is almost being like foreshadowing for us readers.

[Nicole]

So that's interesting because there is another theory that this is actually proving Gwen is, I'll call it a bad light singer because she is trying to figure out his powers and she's almost doing her own detective work of trying to get in and she's like doing that like luring him in sort of thing and bringing up singing because that's something that she's very attached to, to. I do not think that Gwen is bad at all. I love our girl Gwen. She's a singer herself and she's looking to find a common denominator between them in a way that is not related to swords or training or shadows or any trauma or any of that stuff. Again, it's a simple but very personal thing, at least for him.

[Lexi]

Well, and Azrael lets out a soft chuckle and admits that yes, he does sing, which it feels very personal for Azriel to let out.

[Nicole]

I wonder how many people know that. Like, do Cassian and Rhys know that he sings? Well, I'll also say too, earlier you were saying how they were going into like an easy back and forth. He was still very reserved where he was like, fine. You know, the party was fine. And then he's like, okay, shoot. Like that's not the good answer. So he like follows up with a little bit more. But it is like that self awareness of wanting to engage in that conversation there. Maybe he's not jumping into it, you know, super ego, but it is that easiness of wanting to keep a conversation going with her.

[Lexi]

When I say easiness, I'm not saying he's jumping into like a Cassian level, extroverted emotional intelligence. It's more an easiness from Azriel that we don't really see very often. But Azriel does still have some level of privacy because it's Azriel, obviously. So he turns the attention back on cutting the ribbon. And he recognizes that she is. Is unable to cut it. She's turning her blade just a fraction as she comes parallel to the ground, which allows basically the ribbon to like float easily around the sword. So he demonstrates and helps her correct the position. And Azriel is a damn good teacher. Even at two in the morning, cold, pissed off at his high Lord. I'm just proud of him.

[Nicole]

There's no hesitation or tension here. There's encouragement and growth and like we've been talking about a certain ease that brings out a side of as I think we're supposed to directly compare to the first half of this bonus chapter. As we've been saying, it was not an accident that we got these two contrasting scenes literally back to back in the same chapter. And we are seeing that so much. He was hesitant and there was tension, even if it was romantic tension, but it was like feeling of wrong and all that kind of stuff with Elaine. And here is his encouragement and growth and all that kind of stuff that he actually used to have with Elaine before their feelings got complicated.

[Lexi]

Well, and you mentioned earlier how Elaine gives him this present that does have the underlying tone of, hey, flirtation.

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Lexi]

Here Gwen says that she thanks him so much for his teachings and then she's like, Cassian's too busy. I fucking Nesta in the ring that he's not catching these things. So there's also another wink, wink, hint, hint to sexual tension. Even though Cassie and. And Nesta are again the scapegoat here.

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Lexi]

I just, I think that's so interesting, those two contrasting moments as Gwen thanks him, smiling broadly, quote, something restless. Oh, I love this. Something restless settling within him. Even his shadows had calmed. We're going to go into the points of argument pro and con, both Elaine and Gwen. But this is one of those moments that really cements that Gwen is an important person for Azriel. Even as he leaves, quote, he could have sworn a faint, beautiful singing followed him. Could have sworn his shadows sang in answer. There's this element of being able to be himself, be this person. Shadows and all. They don't hide away. They don't go into the background. They dance, they play, they look over his shoulder, they sing. He is A shadow singer. It is literally embedded in who he is. And his shadows start to sing here at a female who brings that out of him. That's not an accident.

[Nicole]

And as we've been talking about the light singer theory, that's a little piece of evidence about that too, that they're curious about her as well. There. The next morning, before dawn. So just a few hours later, with as little sleep as expected, Azriel goes back to the River House, and he finds Elaine's necklace he gave her with his pile of presents. Ah. So turns out she took the necklace off and gave it back. Put it back on the pile there. Not surprising after he told told her this was a mistake. While she waited for his kiss, Elaine has already experienced terrible rejection from Grayson. She's been guarding her heart, and last night was a vulnerable moment that she thought was mutual. And even if she believes he wanted to, as he assured her not to apologize, she wants to be with someone who equally wants to be with her, who can be with her. I think that's one of the reasons she's attracted to him in the first place. He liked her despite her not being his mate. But when he rejected her, she wasn't about to keep his jewelry. She already did that with Grayson, so she isn't about to make the same mistake twice. Even, of course, if they're under very different circumstances. After the snowball fight, which Azriel did not win, he had every intention of returning the necklace to the shop in the palace of Thread and Jewels. Except instead, he finds himself at the library beneath the House of Wind, standing in front of Clotho that evening. Evening. Notice how there doesn't seem to have been much thought to that. Did his instincts tell him this was the better option? Possibly. It's like he actually just found himself there. It was like his feet just took him there because it was the right thing to do. In his heart, he asks Clotho to give the gift to Gwen. And I love how Clotho gently presses him. I'm telling you, Clotho is so observant of everybody. She's got some real emotional intelligence, too. When he asks her not to say who it's from, Clotho refuses to lie. But she soon enough concedes and says she'll tell Gwen a friend left it for her. While Azriel wouldn't go so far to call Gwen a friend, he's like, fine, thank you. And when Clotho says that Gwen deserves something this beautiful and it will bring her joy, something sparks in Az's chest. Quote for whatever Reason he can see the joy that it will bring her. And it stirs something in him, knowing that he caused that for her. Well, as is just a good guy in general. General, this feels very important, especially with the bonus chapters ending. And this is the part that really sealed the deal for me and left me being like, well, it's got to be. As and Gwen, quote, buried the image deep down where it glowed quietly, a thing of secret, lovely beauty. Is that a double meaning I hear?

[Lexi]

Yes. Yes, it is.

[Nicole]

Now, before we get into the big debate of Gwen or Elaine for Azriel, what are your thoughts, Nicole, about Azriel re gifting this necklace for when it's.

[Lexi]

Gonna cause him a fucking headache? That's what I think. I see it in. In two different buckets almost. I see it as his instincts telling him one thing, and that's really sweet and laden with meaning. And I see it in the other bucket as I don't want Gwen to get hurt. And I think that this is going to do nothing but hurt her because Gwen and Elaine are not that far removed. Like they. They run in the same circles. I. I guarantee you Gwen is going to wear the necklace at some gathering or some kind of thing at the inner circle. Elaine is going to see it, and it's going to hurt Elaine's feelings. It's going to devastate Gwen. And Asriel's kind of the asshole in that scenario. So, like, I see, those are the two camps. I see it. Asriel's kind of the asshole, but then also Azriel followed his instincts, which I think is laden with meaning.

[Nicole]

Yes, I agree. I also have to wonder, or is it going to be as big of a deal as we might think it is? I'm going with yes, we need conflict. So probably. So my line of thinking is, is it good manners? I'll call it? No, not really. Is it potentially very symbolic storytelling? And I think that's the point here. We get two starkly different interactions between Azriel and Elaine and then Azriel and Gwen as we've been talking about. And I believe that the necklace might be a representation of him taking that first step toward shifting his heart. Azriel has been through a lot with holding onto his love for more these past 500 years by taking what he gave Elaine, not just the necklace, but also his emotions and even his emotional availability and passing that along to Gwen. That's symbolism if I've ever seen it. He doesn't even realize what's going on right here, but he's trying to be casual with this re gift. No, they're not really friends. Just give it to the priestesses. There's that little spark that reflects it is meaningful to him and he does care, even if he doesn't realize it yet. Otherwise, why would he have found himself here in the library instead of in the palace to return it in the first place?

[Lexi]

Why would he have smiled and, like, felt this glow in his chest at the idea of Gwen being happy? Yes. Absolutely. All right, we gotta get into this. Biggest question of the bonus chapter. Gwen or Elaine?

[Nicole]

I feel like it's necessary again, like we did at the top of the episode, to give the disclaimer that these are our opinions and our perspectives, and it's okay if you feel differently. We gotta be respectful. So before we get into our personal thoughts, let's go through the objective ish arguments for and against Elaine or Gwen.

[Lexi]

All right, let's start with Elaine. And you're doing your pros for Elaine. So I'm gonna sit back and listen.

[Nicole]

I am. And to be clear, like I said at the top of the episode, I am a soft shipper for Azriel and Gwen, but I like to put my perspective hats on here. Okay, first and foremost, Elaine and Azriel have had chemistry since they first met. Even when Elaine was human and they were visiting the Archer and estate, she and Azriel kept up polite conversation and she was intrigued by him. Remember how she asked him about flying and all of that? There was this immediate click between the two of them. Them that cannot be understated or overlooked. They are consistently drawn to each other throughout the rest of the series. Azrael was the one who figured out she was a seer and was the only one who asked her questions when she was in her darkest time. He invited her to go to the gardens, and he was gentle with her. She opened up to him, unlike with anybody else. Azrael was the first to realize she was gone when the cauldron took her and needed to jump into action immediately to get her back. There's clearly been tension between him and Grayson and Lucian for a while, showing how much his feelings have developed. They shared an inside joke together and she made him laugh out loud. Last winter, solstice and frost and starlight. The list goes on. So, number one, they have great chemistry and they are always pulled together. They cannot stay apart from one another. So while this next point can be for Azriel and Gwen as well, I have to bring it up here for Elaine. Elaine and Azriel are complementary opposites. She is the light to his darkness. She embodies growth, light, softness and innocence. And Azrael is darkness and shadows, brooding, quiet, mysterious, torturer for his job. His shadows disappear when she is around, as if her light is chasing away the darkness in a way that as needs to feel loved, supported and calm in a way no one else offers him. Together, they balance each other out and offer healing and connection through their differences. He finds peace in her gentle presence, while she finds validation in his attention. Along these same lines, though they are similar in other ways. They are both the quieter characters in the group and are more introspective and observant, which allows them to connect on a deeper level that doesn't require loud declarations or drama. Plus, it's great storytelling for this forbidden romance. This bonus chapter has the fandom going crazy and yeah, good storytelling. A mating bond does not equal love love. So this could be a unique instance that SJM hasn't explored yet of someone rejecting the mating bond and choosing love with the one they want and who they are emotionally meant to be with. I'll even go through a few theories soon about how these two are actually mates because as has to physically distance himself from Elaine so he doesn't get tangled up with her. Seems more than just a crush or just lusting after her to me. That's mating bond talk right there. It would also, in so many words, release Lucien from being bound to trying to make this mating bond work, as respectful as he's trying to be. Yes, his primal male instinct would be hard to fight, but he knows that she is at best indifferent to him. So is it so bad to let your mate go and be happy with the one she wants? It would kind of be poetic for that to happen to Lucian when he was basically rooting for that between Farrah and Tamlin for a while. Remember how how Rhys was going to let her go and be with the one that she supposedly loved, even though he was her mate, and this would free Lucian up to go do his own thing, like be the heir to the day court or go be with Vassa or go fight against Koshay, which could also release Vassa and him end up being with her. Lastly for this, because honestly, we could keep talking all day long about the pros and cons for both of these. As Azriel points out in this bonus chapter, doesn't it make sense? Sense for the three sisters to end up with the three bat boy brothers? It's weird that two have found their mates in each Other and the others are absolutely attracted to each other, but they don't end up together. It makes sense that fate brings them together as well, if in a different way than the traditional mating bond.

[Lexi]

I'm not gonna lie, that is some really freaking convincing evidence you just brought to the table, Lex.

[Nicole]

I was going through it and I'm like, oh my gosh. Like, am I suddenly shipping as you're in Elaine?

[Lexi]

Like now we have three more parts.

[Nicole]

I know, but we've also been talking about that throughout the deep dive. Like, up until we covered this bonus chapter, we were like, yeah, we see it. We absolutely do see it. And I think that's the point for us as a fandom. I love it.

[Lexi]

Yes, me too. Let's go through some cons for the Elaine Asriel shipping. The most I'll call it blatantly obvious is that they are not mates. And if we know anything from Sarah J. Math as Acotar books, people do often end up with their mates, especially if they're in a main character role, like Lexi said. Could this be a new play on that trope? Of course. And that is actually kind of exciting, but it doesn't feel like it fits with SJM's resume, if you will. In this encounter with Elaine, there's a lot of quote wrong. So wrong language. He repeats it multiple times and he knows how it's wrong. And yet he still moves forward. Now we. We get similar ish language with Acotar with, you know, Feyre saying dangerous territory. But it feels different because Feyre and Rhys were not necessarily sneaking around in the middle of the night. It wasn't forbidden necessarily.

[Nicole]

It was emotional unavailability.

[Lexi]

Exactly. Whereas here, wrong, despite the emotional availability is very interesting. Plus, Azriel does not feel worthy of his sullied hands being near Elaine. And same with his line of work being so dark. Azrael seems to be holding back, if not almost ashamed by his darker side when he's around Elaine in this way, especially in this bonus chapter, his shadows skitter away from Elain. And yes, it is using that word skitter in this scene. And Azriel repeatedly pulls them back. His shadows are a huge part of who he is. He is a shadow singer. It's part of his identity. And they were his first friends when he had no one else in a dungeon at his father's house. There is an argument that he needs to be with someone who makes his shadows emerge. Play, dance. I don't know, maybe sing, perhaps. I'm not saying that this feeling he's exuding about being unworthy is because of energy that Elain is giving off. I think that this is Azriel doing this nonetheless. Again, I'm not faulting Elaine for this, but I will play my own devil's advocate. This could also be a point in their direction because it's pretty consistent with the Bat boys and their partners. Partners? Them not feeling worthy of them. Now, we also cannot forget that Elain is the only Archeron sister who did not get her womb changed in order to hold Illyrian babies. However, I'm going to be honest, this feels like a very wobbly argument for me. I know it's supposed to be in the cons, but I did actually rebuke a lot of my own cons here because a. Of course she didn't. If Nesta had changed her, that would have been a huge neon sign for us readers as to who Elaine would end up with. And SJM wouldn't do that because we need tension and suspense and all that kind of stuff. But also, like, that would have been against Elaine's will. Her and Azriel are not even out in the open, so that would have been a major no no from Nesta to do that for Elaine, especially for.

[Nicole]

How much she has trauma over the cauldron changing her body, both her and Elain's bodies. She would not do that without permission.

[Lexi]

Exactly. So this honestly feels more like a story decision much more than it feels like a clue against Elaine and Azriel. Another argument, however, in the con group is that Elaine is a grower of things and she belongs in a court where she can flourish, literally, whereas Azriel belongs in the Night Court. However, yet again, I'm going to counteract my own argument.

[Nicole]

Nicole, you're not playing the game very.

[Lexi]

Well here, although you're making points. Because I do want to argue my own point here, because as Azriel has had a lot of foreshadowing that he does not belong or even like certain aspects of the Night Court, specifically Illyria. So if anything, I'm actually going to throw this in the pro camp here. And then of course, there's Lexi, who mentioned the three brothers, three sisters. However, I'm also going to put this in the con group because this feels really cheesy. Now, is that out of question for Sarah J. Maas? No, not in the freaking slightest. This is the woman who resurrected both Rhys and Amren after killing both of them. But these stories also include much more of the messier experiences of relationships and also human experience but you know what I mean when I say that with three brothers, three sisters, all ending up together, it feels too perfect, too clean. There's also moments specifically in Acavor, where Elain still does feel pulled towards Lucian, telling him to come to Velaris, taking a step before he leads to the continent. So there is also maybe some lingering feelings where she. She's just suppressing them right now because she doesn't want a mating bond at this moment. Are Elaine and Azriel attracted to each other? Yes, obviously. But there's these difficulties between them, and we see that especially in this bonus chapter. It's almost like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. So if anything, that's my biggest con. I know that's not the weightiest argument, but it's a vibe. That's the vibe con.

[Nicole]

So, before we move on to the arguments for and against Gwen, I do want to bring up the very popular theories about there being a fake mating bond at play or a cauldron verse mother kind of mating bond. A fake mating bond is not unheard of in this magical universe. And there are several versions of this theory that Elaine and Azriel truly do belong together. There's a theory that the King of Hybern, or even Kosh J created a fake mating bond between Elain and Lucien and they aren't truly mates. It was perceived to be that way. Like if the King of Hybern used his powers to make it so, it would entice the human queens even more so to get into the cauldron. Remember, he was like, oh, look like she's got a handsome mate. Like, who else is going to get a mate kind of thing there. During our final Acomath episode, we talked about the possibility of this, but with Elain and Tamlin being mates, I'm not going to go down that road. Right now, though, as we focus on Elaine and Asriel. Go listen to that episode for that full theory. Feyre questioned in an earlier book, and now Azriel has in this bonus chapter that maybe the cauldron was wrong. Because, yeah, no one seems to think Lucien and Elaine should be mates. The chemistry isn't there and it just doesn't fit. I feel like even Lucien knows this. Like, it's very obvious for everybody that they don't fit together. So what if Azriel truly is her mate? And all this time there has been a spell under Lucian and Elaine to make them genuinely believe they're mates, which tricks everyone into being gaslit, that Elaine and Azriel can't possibly be maids, despite the chemistry and underlying mating bond truly being there. While I absolutely see the thought process for this theory, I personally feel there is too much evidence that they are mates. Now. Again, we all could be getting very much gaslit here, and the spell is just that powerful. The tug especially, that both Lucian and Elain have confirmed that they felt we were in Lucian's mind at one point in Acowar, and we saw firsthand how he felt about her. And this feeling did not go away after the King of Hybern died. Died? Once the King of Hybern died, does that mean the spell would have to be broken? Assuming that it was the King of Hybern that placed it on them, I don't know. Again, was it even the king? I feel like it would have to be him, because, man, that mating bond really snapped into place the moment she came out of the cauldron and the King of Hybern was the one right there. I just feel like there's too much biological evidence with the mating bond snapping into place and for it to go on this many books. Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? I just don't think so. Moving on to a second theory around this, Elayne and Azriel actually being mates is that there are two kinds of mating bonds. One is from the cauldron and the other is from the mother. The idea is that the cauldron creates mating bonds that are best for offspring and match couples for optimal breeding. While the mother's mating bonds are at a soul deep level where they truly are soulmates and love one another other. We've heard about mating bonds where the two mates weren't right for each other. Like Rhys's parents and Tamlin's parents and seemingly Elayne and Lucien. And then of course, we have the true soulmates like Rhys and Thera, as well as Cassian and Nesta, Drakon and Miriam, Caleas and Vivian. So what if the cauldron made Elayne mates with Lucien, but the mother made her mates with Asriel? How would this play out? I have no idea. But I do find it to be a fascinating theory. Theory. Yet my hole in it is that the cauldron likes Elain. It gifted her the seer powers, and we know it purrs in her presence. So why wouldn't the cauldron want Elain to be happy at that same soul deep level? Why would it do this to her? I'll call it. Is it because the cauldron was corrupted by the Daglan and they had some kind of influence on how mating bonds go. I don't know. I'm just throwing that out there as a possibility because we know that they did did corrupt the cauldron.

[Lexi]

And I'll admit something that does make me struggle with this theory because, like, I like the idea of there being two different kinds of mating bonds. If our story had been set up this way, if it just comes in six books in, it feels a little bit like a, oh, hey, here's this thing that might work out. Like, it just feels kind of like plot armor and not in a good way. It feels like this new added complexity that doesn't feel like it's expanding on lore. It feels like. Like it's saving plot holes for what.

[Nicole]

We know right now. However, the plot holes could be. This right here that we're all talking about is that it's like Elain and Azriel do seem like they should be together.

[Lexi]

I think about, like Acomaf and Acotar are a great example. The mating bond between Rhys and Feyre is there from the literal beginning. There hasn't been that kind of setup unless there's a massive amount of information that goes along with this that we don't know know.

[Nicole]

But we've been getting a lot of little teasers. What if the cauldron was wrong?

[Lexi]

Okay, yeah, yeah, yeah, that's fair. It would entirely depend on how this is executed, I think, for me to really enjoy this theory coming to light. And that's not because I. I do lean more towards Gwen and Asriel. That's solely from like a. I don't want to be gaslit as a reader. That doesn't make me feel.

[Nicole]

No, I feel you on that. Yeah, absolutely. So those are two theories that I gave it pretty high level level version here and I just, I find them really cool.

[Lexi]

Let us move into the Gwen and Azriel pros and cons. We're going to start with the pros for Gwen and Azriel being together. I want to start first from a literary analysis of this bonus chapter. We open up with a. I'm going to call it tough relationship between two people again, that square peg round hole with a bleak middle of Rhys being an asshat. And then this happy, uplifting ending where Asriel smiles at the thought of Gwen's happiness. If, if we're looking story arc wise, the chapter ends with a more positive feeling towards Gwen and much more ease around Gwen. There's Been so much emphasis in the Acotar world around friendship being such a major part of relationship now. Could that go for Elaine too? Yeah, I think so. Not in this bonus chapter, though. I think in other books maybe. But here with Gwen, there is the foundation of a budding friendship. Not friendship right off the bat because they're not there yet, but that budding friendship.

[Nicole]

They even bring up the word friends. Like he has to think to himself, oh, I wouldn't call her a friend, but exactly. He shows signs of them being friends because it makes them smile. Yeah, exactly.

[Lexi]

Next, into some nitty gritty details. Azriel and Gwen do have similar tendencies. Same thing again, we can be said for Elain and Azriel too. But Gwen and Azriel, they exude this quiet strength. Gwen is a warrior. She does not borrow back down from a problem or a fight. She is competitive, she is determined. This is all note for note identical to Azriel. However, she's also gentle, sweet and curious. That's really the big difference. Elaine. Yes, she is gentle, she is sweet. Gwen has this heightened curiosity about her. And it's very same, same but different as with Azriel. She has this innate ability to naturally melt this ice around as. And he really opens up to her in a way we don't really see him with a lot of other people. I. E. The singing question. There is this idea that if Gwen is part light singer, and again in a good way, that with Azriel being a shadow singer, they have this capability in this already major connection through their powers. Could this also be a fated mates connection? Absolutely. Also, those lines about Azriel watching her throughout the book, specifically around the ribbon. Oh my God. Those are not there by accident, especially when they're amplified from both parties. In this scene, Nesta later says, quote, remember how Gwen was with the ribbon. You're the new ribbon. As now, that scene immediately cuts away. So we don't get to hear what Azriel's reaction is, which is infuriating. But this is the beginning of flirtation between these two, for lack of a better term. Azriel has played a very familiar role in Gwen's life. He's helped her navigate trauma that she's dealt with. He pulled her out of Sangre Va. He's been helping her with training and dagger handling. And then here he teaches her how to cut the ribbon, which Gwen is the first to cut it. And I think that is because of Azriel's teaching here.

[Nicole]

It's only a few days later too, that it happens.

[Lexi]

Exactly. Yeah, well, and this also means that one of the most meaningful moments in her life, when she becomes a Valkyrie, something she's obsessed with, he played a role, role in that meaningful moment in.

[Nicole]

Her life and helping her overcome the trauma that her past represents.

[Lexi]

Yeah, exactly. Which is very similar to Cassie and Nesta, and it's very similar to Rhys and Feyre. But how about how they act around each other with Gwen? Azriel jokes around, he asks her questions, he actually smiles, he laughs. He's in her presence and he's bonding with her. They bond over singing. There's. There's this ease with them that. Especially in the Elaine part of the bonus chapter, there isn't there, is there tension with Elaine? Yes, but there's constant wrong, wrong, wrong language. Where here it just flows. It's easy. Then there's the big clue about his shadows and how they act differently. With Gwen, his shadows are curious. They peek over his shoulder. They're calm in her presence. Not to mention at the end of their encounter, quote, as he descended, he could have sworn a faint, beautiful singing followed him. Could have sworn his shadows sang in answer. They're playing around. They're joining in the conversation again. His shadows are a part of his identity. They are not distant from him. They are him. And here they're like this girl rocks. We like her. And last but not least, of course, when he regifts the necklace with Clotho to give to Gwen, he notes how he can easily see her face opening it. And this warm glow fills his chest when he thinks about her smile. Now, I do want to put a major asterisk in this because, yes, there is some major evidence for Elaine and Azriel. We've also had three books of Elaine and Azriel and literally half a book of Gwen and Azriel. So keep in mind the ratio of text to hints that we're working with here as we go through pros and cons.

[Nicole]

All right, now let's look at why Gwen and Azriel don't work together when we were assigning each other these. I can't believe I got both the pros for Lane and the cons for Gwen. This one was a little hard for me. I'm good at playing devil's advocate. Right you are. If Gwen is Azriel's mate, shouldn't he feel that primal male instinct when he remembers that bloody memory of saving her? Yes, it does cross his mind. But if they're meant to be based on our experiences with mates, especially now that we've been. In Cassian's point of view, it should cause a bigger internal reaction. Even if he already killed all of them to save her, he should be thinking, seen something along the lines of, oh, I wish I could kill them all again for what they did to her kind of thing.

[Lexi]

He did instantly kill all of them the second he was like, are you okay? Kill. He killed everyone in that room.

[Nicole]

So which he would do for anybody. And this memory does not cause him any major emotion. Rather, it's an awkward memory between the two of them that they're trying to move on from, and a primal male who's especially mated. If they are male mates, that is not how he would feel, no matter how quickly he killed them. On that same note, Azriel will always be associated with Gwen's most traumatic worst memory as she works on healing. It might be hard for her to truly do that with that reminder. And I'll be honest, I don't really like saying that as a con. Because while it can be true and it can be placed as a con, healing from trauma looks different for everyone. And this could actually be an argument. Argument for them as well. He understands her trauma in a way no one else does. And she can overcome it by being with him, embrace her growth and rise above it. So I really want to give that caveat there as I am saying that as a argument against them.

[Lexi]

Well, not also argue with that argument, that the same could be said with Feyre and Rhys. Rhys was a part of her under the Mountain, which was her most traumatic moment of her life, and they were able to rise above it. Same with Cassian and Nesta going into the cauldron and Nesta watching her father die. He was both a big part of both of those moments.

[Nicole]

Yes, very true there. Another argument against Azriel and Gwen is he effortlessly lies to Gwen when it's painful to do so with Elain, as we saw here in this bonus chapter. Pretty plainly he's really hurt by having to lie to Elain while it's just like a nonchalant. Yeah, I just do this kind of thing when he says it to Gwen, even if she doesn't believe him. And then, Nicole, I know you were talking about his shadows dancing. Dancing and playing with Gwen. Well, I'm going to give the counter argument to that. Instead of his shadows dancing and being curious about Gwen, it might be that she is manipulating his shadow powers, taking them off their guard, and instead weakening Azriel. For instance, in the River House, his shadows were acutely aware of Elain, while they don't notice Gwyn at all, that she's up here in the training ring before he arrives. That could be seen as a red flag that his shadows are not tuned in the way that. That they should be there. And whether that's Gwen, you know, being a bad person who's a light singer or something like that, I don't think that. But I do wonder if that unawareness of his shadows could be a point against them versus a point for them with those shadows. There is also just such minimal foreshadowing between the two of them, except for this bonus chapter and a few other moments that follow in the rest of this book. Nicole, I know you were saying that, you know, like, we just don't have as much technique next to work off of, and that could be considered. The point here is that he and Elaine do have so much history, and that means that they should be together. If this love story between Azriel and Gwyn was so central to the story, why is it a bonus chapter? Shouldn't it be more obvious on the page? Sure, we get some teasers about their growing connection after the solstice with Azriel being the new ribbon, but I'll be curious as we continue the deep dive, to really be on the lookout for more. Like how Azrael reacts to Gwen being in the blood rite. He is not nearly as worked up as Cassian. Now, of course, Cassian just made it to Nesta, and so he's a little bit more on edge, but you would think that Azriel would be more protective of Gwen if there is that connection there between them. Lastly, there's also the argument that their romantic arc would be too similar to Cassian and Nesta's, especially with the mentor and apprentice trope and overcoming trauma and all of that kind of stuff there. That might make it feel too much of a copy and paste. Now, of course, they are two very different characters from Nesta and Cassian, but it would be a very similar love story in that way. And that's what I got for the argument against Gwen.

[Lexi]

I think you did a great job.

[Nicole]

Very good points in there.

[Lexi]

Really, really fair, fair points. Let's go into now our thoughts. Emphasis on our thoughts that do not have to align with everybody's. I genuinely do not give a fuck who ends up with who, so long as these two things happen. Number one, everyone acts within their own goddamn character. That is really important to me. And B, they're happy. That's all I care about. However, that's Not a fun answer to this question. So I'm going to go a little bit further. I am a soft Asriel and Gwen Shipper, and here's why. When it comes down to it, the shadows were what at first sold me. It's the budding friendship. It's. It's the ease between them. It's the, you know, the happiness at the thought of her opening the present. That's what keeps me on this train. But this is a romance, after all, and typically romances have tension so taut you can cut it with a knife. And he does have that much more with Elaine. But the language around it, it feels like they're going behind each other's backs, sneaking around, Rhys being an asshole about it. The wrong. So wrong. It feels. Feels tense for reasons that we don't typically see in an SJM romance. Rhys and Feyre, there was playfulness, flirting, friendship right off the bat with mist and fury, I'll say. When Rhys wasn't playing the role with Cassian and Nessa, there was tension, passion playing there. Who could one up who game? And I see that much more with Gwen and Azriel, where there's that friendship and that foundation. And also, I'm just gonna be frank. Azriel and Gwen seem like the healthier choice, like, if I'm being honest, but. But that's not typically what is found in a romance. I think about, like, for instance, the Notebook, which is a book that a lot of people love. No, hate. I don't enjoy that movie because I feel like it's such a toxic love. And I feel like if we're leaning into Azriel and Elaine with what we know of them right now, with sneaking around, going behind each other's backs, like, it feels like it's leaning that way. I'm not saying it's toxic, but I'm saying it leans towards the we're doing something dirty. Whereas with Gwen and Azriel, it feels that their fault.

[Nicole]

Or is that Rhys's fault?

[Lexi]

Oh, it's Reese's fault. I'm not. Again, I'm not saying it's their fault.

[Nicole]

So it might be. Actually, the storytelling is them overcoming that despite Rhys.

[Lexi]

And again, that's where I go back to the very top of what I said. If people are acting within character, and I'm including race in that, if people are acting within character and Azriel and Elaine end up together, I'll be thrilled. I do want to also give a major caveat to my answer here, here, because we're just seeing Elaine's character get started, she very well might become playful and easy with Azriel like we saw with him and Gwen. She very well might become vocal about embracing all parts of him. Again, I'm not blaming her for him feeling like he should be ashamed of his scarred hands or his shadows. Like I want her to be vocal so he can stop hiding or feeling less than when it comes to that stuff. She very well might have an epic arc that we have no idea idea what's coming for us. And if that's the case, then maybe she and Azriel are the best fit. But based off of what we have seen from them, I don't see them being end game. Given what we now know now, does this mean Elaine and Lucian are a given? Not really. The more when more we've deep dive this book, the more I'm actually leaning away from Elaine and Lucian and more towards Elaine ruling on her own and finding power within herself. Something she has never been able to have before. And if she finds a partner after that, amazing.

[Nicole]

I'm right there with you. When we started this deep dive way back when, I thought we would get Elaine and Lucian ending up together despite the mating bond. I've been very vocal about that, despite the mating bond and that's how they would come together. But I don't know if she'll ever let down her wall and let him in. That would need to be some really masterful storytelling. Is it possible? Yes. Yes. But it feels very unlikely right now for Lucian to even have a chance, and she's just never going to give him that.

[Lexi]

Yeah. Last thing I'll say on this is also this. Three brothers, three sisters. It feels too cookie cutter. And I won't outright say that I don't like it because again, it entirely depends on how it's handled. I don't know if I'm going to like a book where Rhys is breathing down Azriel's throat, trying to get him away from Elain. So as long as everyone is making choices that align within their character, external and internal motivation, struggles, etc. I will sincerely be thrilled at whoever ends up with who, no matter who I'm shipping right now.

[Nicole]

We are very much in alignment with all of this, which is too bad because that would make a good bet. Like we do with our Empyrean theory.

[Lexi]

I know we're so. We're so nice and Acotar and we like we're vicious in Empyrean.

[Nicole]

I believe there will be a romantic interest with Elaine and Azriel it feels obvious from this bonus chapter. It's all right there on the page. It has been a buildup and it is getting set up for that. I also think that it will be the catalyst for them to eventually find their forever pass. Whether that means Elaine doing her own thing in the spring court. I'm leaning more and more that way. Like you were saying there. Or ending up pollution. And then Asriel and Gwen having a super slow burn where they truly do start as friends. I think that will be very important if Gwen winds up with someone. For it to be a trusting and safe and loving partner. Which as is capable of. Though it feels like it would have to be a slow burn.

[Lexi]

One thing that I really don't want to happen, but I could see happen is Gwen becoming collateral damage. Basically Azriel intentionally or more likely unintentionally leading her on only to end up with Elaine. And it, you know, bums Gwen out. I don't think she's gonna end the series heartbroken over a guy because that's so not the Gwen we know.

[Nicole]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

But I could see that being like. Almost like Gwen is the hurdle he needs to overcome. Just like Lucian was the hurdle that Elaine needed to overcome. Overcome and over for them to be together.

[Nicole]

I think it's the opposite, I hope. Who is the. I don't want to call it a hurdle, but it is. You know how sometimes you get your heart broken and then you find someone and they remind you that there is still love and life and hope and less than all of that and they are not your person. But then you then find your person after that. That I. I experienced that.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

And I would not be with my husband now if I did not go through. Through my other love stories. You know. And that is what I think that Elaine and Azriel are going to be here. Is that they are going to. I don't think that it's going to even be a love triangle. I hope not. SJM is not known for having love triangles. Really. So I do wonder if, as will realize, he might not love Elaine because he finds a special kind of joy and peace and beauty and curiosity with his shadows singing and all of that. That with Gwen instead of this craving that is slowly tearing him apart from the inside. That is all he knew with more. And that's starting to be all he knows with Elaine. And so he's going to be introduced to this new kind of love that starts out as a friendship there. And that is going to be so healing for him. Ultimately I just want it to be good storytelling where everyone ends up happy and it makes sense and I'm open to any possibilities. I'm not going to be mad at whatever ends up happening. I say that now, but that's my. That's what I'm going with.

[Lexi]

I'm saying I will not be mad so long as Rhys is not being a dick. Why this next book? I'm so. I feel like. I feel like he's an ex that like wronged me right now. I'm like so mad. All right, let's close out this episode with our favorite moments from this bonus chapter. I love getting more insight to his shadows. It just makes makes me so excited for his book. They whisper to him of where Elaine has gone. He can winnow in and out of them. We just get so much more insight.

[Nicole]

To his powers and how the shadows are his sentient friend who looks out for him. They're both an extension of Azriel and part of his support system. Like how his shadows encourage him to sleep and how they're curious about Gwen. Anyway, for more about shadow singers, check out our Acowar episode nine, Surreal Tea Time. I got lots of great inspiration info for that topic from this bonus chapter. Fun fact there. All right, moving on here. How the bat boys talk about their snowball fight. It's just so stinking adorable. Cassian has been bragging that he has a secret beyond secret plan for his impending victory. And Azriel has been planning his own victory for a year, which, pause. Who needs a year of planning for a snowball fight?

[Lexi]

Asriel.

[Nicole]

Well, a fat lot of good that did. And because we know at least Asriel didn't win. Win. And I'm gonna go.

[Lexi]

He was, he was distracted.

[Nicole]

Well, and I highly doubt Cassian wins either because he's a little distracted by the mating bond frenzy. And then Rhys is the most distracted and most broodiest of them all. So either they left all their baggage and went absolutely nuts, which is definitely a possibility, and it was a snowball fight for the ages as they all channeled their own pent up emotions, or it was one of the lamest snowball fights I've ever had throughout the centuries. My money's on Rhys winning. They're all distracted, but he's like extra pissy.

[Lexi]

If Rhys won, he would have been insufferable. I swear to God.

[Nicole]

I think it might be a little awkward between him and as too. I don't know. Especially in the sauna afterward where they're all naked.

[Lexi]

He's just like glaring daggers. And Cassian's like, I'm way too horny.

[Nicole]

I didn't even think about that. Guys.

[Lexi]

I wonder if Cassian got kicked out of the bird chain because he said, hey. Oh, I needed to laugh.

[Nicole]

This episode was a lot.

[Lexi]

I love that Gwen says that Cassian's been making ugly eyes at Nesta and it's literally, it's making her training suffer. Like, I just. I love how determined she is. That is so Gwen. And of course, we get Azriel's emotional support dagger confirmation. He says, quote, I can't sleep without my favorite dagger. And I love that Gwen shoots back, quote, a comfort to every growing child. That's the playfulness I love about them.

[Nicole]

Yes. I don't know if I would call this a favorite moment, but I do love getting as his POV with how he attempts to come off to others. Like with Clotho. That's a great example. He wants to cross his arms, but he knows that looks intimidating. And he doesn't want to be like his father, who would stand over his cowering mother with crossed arms and hateful words. We're starting to get little glimpses of as his traumatic past, just like we now have with Cassian after getting his pov. And I'm really looking forward to learning more about him when we eventually do get his POV book.

[Lexi]

All right, friends, that is a wrap on this bonus episode. That was supposed to be an hour that Lexi may not an hour last night in the dead of night.

[Nicole]

All right, so on Monday, we are back to where the usual deep dive covering chapters 60 through 64 of Silver Flames.

[Lexi]

Thank you as always to our executive producer, Hayden, AKA our sanity manager. We love you. And last but not least, do not forget to share this episode with your fellow El Riel and Gwen. Real Stans, if that's even how you say that. We hope you enjoyed this bonus. This bonus acotar, which we don't. We haven't done.

[Nicole]

This is our very first one. This felt very imperial with all the speculations and all of that. I'm still Calling it episode 8.5.

[Lexi]

Oh, yeah, definitely. Thank you so much for listening, everyone.

[Nicole]

Bye.