Chapter Text
updated on 7/20/26
Guys I’m about to have a fucking aneurysm. People are attacking me in tik tok comment sections about Elriel. Pls send help.
Here is what they claim:
@person#1: Lmaoo I don’t see how that’s changing the characters when I’m taking what’s written in the books. Az is comfortable around Elain and vice versa, that’s a fact. Feyre said that he looks more human, that’s a fact.
@person#2: You realize his shadows disappear when he’s comfortable around people right that’s been proven. No one’s changing anything. Gwynriels twisted it and tried to make it bad. That’s why people had to say that it was good because y’all were trying to turn it bad but they disappear when he’s comfortable around people.
@person#1: That’s wrong. Always the same wrong arguments. He only lusts for her but risks his life for her and spends his nights watching her gift, offers her a necklace and stays late to listen to her talking ? Try being logical. Someone who feels unworthy won’t plan an entire future with someone he thinks he won’t have. And as for the shadows. They’re a defense mechanism. It’s very clear. Him not having them isn’t negative. Feyre even describes him as more human she’s ever seen without them. And they didn’t seem to hide from Elain when they gathered around the room to attack Nesta who’d insulted her.
@person#3: But it was literally proven they disappear when he is safe😭? They even kiss feyres cheek does that mean they’re canon then?😭
And there is more but I can’t even be bothered to add the same stupid arguments…
Can someone please tell me I’m not going insane??? This is the first time I’ve EVER heard anyone claim that his shadows disappearing is a good thing. I’m so fucking confused on how they came to this conclusion.
Why the fuck would SJM include these details BACK TO BACK in the bonus chapter??
Here is my original comments for reference:
@kayleigh:): He lusts after Elain, he didn’t even bother to think about anything past just sleeping with her (straight from the bonus chapter). Why would I want that for either of them? Not to mention that his shadows literally hide from Elain, I thought it was obvious foreshadowing that they weren’t compatible long term…
@kayleigh:): Azriel is known to be very protective of women because of his childhood trauma, that is not exclusive to Elain. He’s also saved Mor, Feyre, Nesta, Gwyn, a total stranger, and many more. His shadows are a part of him, and I have NEVER heard anyone say that he is better or “more human” without them. They represent the darker side of him, one that I don’t think Elain would accept. And that is not a negative view on her, it’s just my opinion. Azriel without his shadows is like saying Rhys is more human without his wings. They came to him at his darkest moments, that’s perfect symbolism of his character. As for the lusting part, it’s obvious that they are both using each other to get away from their problems. I think they are fond of each other, and SJM originally intended for them to be together. However, I think the same thing happened with Nesta and Lucien, she decided that they didn’t work and changed her mate to Cassian aka Gwyn. As a writer, I think I can see this clearly, but I could certainly be wrong. Thankfully, it’s just a book and I’m sure whatever happens will be best for the story.
@kayleigh:): This is your opinion and I respect that. We all want different things. Some parts are up to interpretation as of right now, and I think his shadows are one of those things. SJM purposely wrote about his shadows dancing with Gwyn’s breath immediately after that vanished from Elain. Some people, like myself, think they are symbolic of his character, and that the hiding shows how he is closed off around her. I don’t think less of Elain, I just don’t think they are compatible. They could be happy together, but I don’t see them having that legendary romance like the other relationships have. You say they bring each other peace, but I see a surface level relationship that doesn’t go much deeper than it already is. I also don’t see SJM spending two book on a romance that’s already established, it’s too easy imo. I genuinely like Elain, I think she is a breath of fresh air, but at the end of the day, I just don’t see the things you do with their interactions. ACOSF is what I based a lot of my opinion on. It’s the latest book, and after the bonus chapter especially, it’s clear she changed her mind about some things. She said in the most recent interview that she did change something in this new book and that she went with what she felt was right even if it wasn’t was everyone else was expecting. She said “it surprised me.” There so many details that can’t type it all, but I do hope you enjoy the new book, no matter the outcome. We all have different experiences that shape us, and I just have a different outlook on everything. But that’s exactly what this community is for.
@kayleigh:): Omg thank you. I literally just had someone reply to a comment and tell me that Azriel’s shadows disappearing around Elain is a good thing because he’s more human without them. The Elriel’s want it so bad, they’ve changed their whole characters to work together 😭
@kayleigh:): They only disappear around Mor and Elain. “Elain sucked in a soft breath that whispered over his skin. His shadows skittered back at the sound. They’d always been prone to vanish when she was around.” This is not worded in a positive way. That’s just my impression on it. You are free to see whatever you want.
END OF RANT!
WELL...We are getting two books! One on October 27, 2026 and January 12, 2027.
How do y'all think the Podcast went, and what are your opinions on where we stand as Gwynriel shippers?
SJM has confirmed that Bryce and Hunt are endgame (I never questioned that), but she stayed neutral when discussing Azriel. She did, however, have a conversation about mates in regard to Lucien and Elain, and I believe the word "explore" was used to describe Elain trying things outside her mate relationship...
I'm honestly so scared. I will read everyone regardless, but I can't lie, my heart would be broken if it's not Gwyn and Az. I've been very confident in my theories until recently, and now I'm second-guessing everything.
Anyway, I just needed to talk about it with someone, so let me know what you think.
Chapter 13 is almost complete, btw!