you love me back

Daphne and Simon just sort of slowly come together until Daphne tentatively, tenderly moves her hand into his and he lets her. She chips away at his wall a little more and he allows it, even participates in it, like he knows it's what he needs.

With Kate and Anthony we don't actually get the holding part. Their story is all about wanting but not having, reaching but not meeting. It's painful to watch.

And with Colin and Penelope, we see them bump and fumble their way together until they both commit to it with equal strength and certainty, holding each other steady. A shaky start that leads to perfect harmony.

#WE WON!!!!!!!

Spoiler Alert: Read at your own risk. ☮️

I stumbled upon this intriguing theory deep in the realms of Reddit, that mystical place where theories come to life.

The theory goes with the idea that Velaris is Hel, and suggests a connection between the Prison as the Dusk Court, specifically involving Azriel. Familiar?

Well, if you entertain this theory, like me, it might actually seem possible.

Considering SJM may be laying the groundwork for future books by hinting at the existence of the Dusk Court—starting with Azriel's unique role as a shadowsinger and his ties to Nesta and Bryce, as hinted in her latest book—this storyline has the potential to captivate many fans and draw them deeper into her world.

Alright, let's dive deeper into this rabbit hole.

The theory begins with the suggestion that Velaris represents Hel, the realm associated with the afterlife in Norse mythology, while the Prison is equated with the Dusk Court.

When you delve deeper, dusk stands at the boundary between day and night, symbolizing transitions and passages, often linked to themes of mortality and transformation.

In religious beliefs, there's a concept of "purgatory" where souls are in limbo, deciding their final destination between heaven or hell. Purgatory is viewed as a temporary state where souls undergo purification or purging before entering heaven. In a similar vein, the Prison could be interpreted as a purgatorial realm where souls linger in uncertainty, awaiting judgment or resolution on their journey towards heaven or hell.

The souls in the Prison:

Now, where does Azriel fit into this?

The theory suggests that Azriel could be linked to the Prison, potentially as a part of the Dusk Court, based on the meaning of his name, possibly inspired by Azrael, the angel of death known for compassionately guiding souls to the afterlife.

SJM’s fans know she gives her characters names with deep meanings, not just random choices. Connecting Azriel's name to "Azrael," the angel of death, fits well with his role guiding and protecting souls.

In the series, Azriel is known for his bravery, often rushing into danger to save others. He's consistently the one relied upon as the protector and 'the savior'.

Another strong clue linking Azriel to the angel of death is his mastery over shadows. These shadows not only help him as the Night Court’s spymaster but also symbolize protection, hiding, and comfort. They show his natural instinct to potect others, similar to Azrael guiding souls in myths across rivers to their afterlife destinations.

Also, let's remember Azriel's skill in finding people on their journeys, such as when he located Bryce near the Sidra River while she was searching for Hel.

🥖: The name Sidra means “star born” or “like a star”

This theory offers insights into Azriel's potential hostility toward Illyrians: it suggests that his disagreement with their mindset stems from not truly belonging among them, contrasting with his possible connection with another court, which aligns with Rhys's observation that Azriel is different.

This theory also sheds light on why Rhys is uniquely capable of managing Azriel’s anger compared to other members of the Inner Circle. In the bonus chapter where Azriel reveals his cold rage, it's directed only at Rhys, who can understand and match it. Could this suggest they are equals in power?

Alright, Sherlock, we read that theory like three years ago. So what?

Here’s the meat: the Valkyries

In Norse mythology, Valkyries are supernatural beings depicted as choosing the bravest warriors to guide them to the afterlife, fulfilling their role as soul bearers. Derived from Old Norse valkyrja, meaning 'chooser of the fallen,' they select half of those who perish in battle to reside in Valhalla, Odin's afterlife hall for the slain.

Another potential portal that has opened because of this theory is the connection between Azriel and the Valkyries.

If we follow this line of thought, it’s possible that SJM is subtly guiding her readers towards a deeper storyline involving Azriel. The idea that Hel is Velaris, the Prison is the Dusk Court, and Azriel ties to the Valkyries adds layers of mystery and depth to his character.

Now, I'm not going to state the obvious because it might seem like a bit of a stretch to pinpoint who among the Valkyries could be intertwined with the shadowsinger, but you see the possibilities here, right?

I hope you do, because in the realm of speculation, every theory holds water until SJM confirms or denies it in her next book.

Starborn, Fireheart & Lady Death - CC, TOG & ACOTAR

𝐍𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐍𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧

I’ve been saving this baby for Nesta Week, so I’m really excited to share this heartwarming art of Nesta and Cassian!

@lyyzis_art did such a wonderful job! I love the way she drew Nesta and Cassian relaxing in the House of Wind library. Thank you @lyyzis_art

Link to Instagram post

@nestaarcheronweek

you're susan pevensie, and when you look at your siblings you see broken tools shoved into jobs they are not made for. your older brother is nothing more than a sword forcibly blunted, rust-red and sacrificial, a means to an end brought to ruin between gunfire and shrapnel pieces. your younger brother forgets to crave sugar like they want him to, forgets that he cannot speak sense to adults lest he be branded ill-mannered and dangerous. your sister seems like a tear in the landscape, so utterly alien, so unfitting, to the world that birthed her that you can't bear to look at her anymore.

Nico causing wounds to necrotize. Even from a small scratch on your finger, it spreads so fast your only hope is an amputation asap.

Jason holding the air still in your lungs. You're not dying because you don't have air, but because you can't get it out and are literally choking.

Hazel controlling stones in jewelries. Imagine getting chocked by your necklace, your finger being sectioned by your ring, being handcuffed by your bracelets, your head being crushed between your earrings...

Thalia manipulating the electricity in your body. Causing your nervous system to move in certain ways, or just shutting down your brain activity.

(The full official English title is Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, because literal translations rarely make catchy titles.)

Later, as Frieren is fighting Aura, Lügner explains that Frieren is the most prolific demon-killer in history. In the English translations I’ve seen, this earns her the nickname “Frieren the Slayer”. But in the original Japanese, this nickname is 葬送のフリーレン: “Sousou no Furiiren”, the title of the series.

In this context, this line (and the title, too) could be more literally interpreted as “Frieren, who sends you to your grave”. It also means the line is a little more impactful in Japanese — you’re supposed to point at the screen and yell “hey that’s the name of the show!!”