Maybe your sins will save you: cutting deep into Azriel's bonus chapter reveals secret, lovely truths [ANALYSIS]
This is my love letter of an analysis of Azriel's BC from ACOSF. I think it's way more complex than it appears and is actually a sophisticated exploration of competing moral systems, divine authority and what happens when someone finally gets a moment of authentic connection.
I'm not offended if you think it's an over-analysis - but there really are too many convenient things in this chapter to be coincidence :)
This analysis is split into 3 parts followed by final thoughts/takeaways at the end.
Warning: this a long read. I've been working on this for a while and trying to get the structure right to avoid jumping around. But there's a lot to cover, so apologies when we bounce back and forth on themes, ideas, etc.
SPOILERS MAASVERSE, ACOSF, HOFAS, etc.
ALSO RE SHIPS: flagging this analysis is both pro-Elain and pro-Gwyn. It's not intended to be anti-Elucien, but does question the mating bond system. If it's anti anything it's the AzrielxRhys friendship lol.
Part 1: The moral landscape
The seven deadly sins (but also the seven virtues)
On the surface, Azriel seems to tick every box for the classical deadly sins.
His envy is acknowledged upfront:
He was elated for his brother and yet⌠Azriel couldn't stop it. The envy in his chest. Of Cassian, and Rhys.
His sloth isn't physical laziness but emotional avoidance. He's withdrawing from anything that might be painful rather than dealing with his feelings:
Elain's large brown eyes flickered, well aware of all that. Just as he knew she was well aware of why Azriel so rarely came to family dinners these days.
Azriel and Elain's mutual lust and desire is clear:
Her arousal drifted up to him, and his eyes nearly rolled back in his head at the sweet scent. He'd beg on his knees for a chance to taste it. But Azriel just stroked her neck again.
Elain shuddered, drifting closer. So close one deep breath would brush her breasts against his chest.
The way Azriel keeps Elain's headache powder could be seen as hoarding and greedy:
Az tried not to look at his scarred fingers as they took the gift. She hadn't bought her mate a present. But she'd gotten Azriel one last year -- a headache powder he kept on his nightstand at the House of Wind. Not to use, but just to look at. Which he'd done every night heâd slept there. Or attempted to sleep there.
When confronted by Rhys, his wrath emerges:
Azriel stiffened. Let his cold rage rise to the surface, the rage he only ever let Rhysand see, because he knew his brother could match it.
His pride surfaces with in his confidence in his ability to defeat Lucien in a Blood Duel:
"I'll defeat him with little effort." Pure arrogance laced every word, but it was true.
Finally, and most tragically, his gluttony manifests as being a glutton for self-punishment. After the confrontation, he deliberately seeks sits in the freezing cold and he feels nothing:
Azriel tucked in his wings and left without another word, stalking through the house and onto the front lawn to sit in the frigid starlight. To let the frost in his veins match the air around him.
Until he felt nothing. Was again nothing at all.
And then gives in to the temptation to physically exert himself until his body gives out:
He aimed for the training pit, giving in to the need to work off the temptation, the rage and frustration and writhing need.
(an unhealthy habit he's been doing for a while)
So he slept only when his body gave out, and even then only for a few hours.
However, Azriel simultaneously displays all seven heavenly virtues. It's just a bit more subtle and not called out and I feel this is intentional. Some examples below.
His humility appears constantly:
Az tried not to look at his scarred fingers as they took the gift.
His charity shows in being genuinely happy others despite his pain:
He was elated for his brother
He's patience is demonstrated when even though he's angry with Rhys/suffering on the inside, he's polite and maintains social grace:
He refrained from mentioning that he did indeed sleep with a dagger.
"Fine," he said, and realized a heartbeat later that it wasnât a socially acceptable answer. "It was nice."
Not much better. So he asked, "Did you and the priestesses have a celebration?"
He offered her a grim smile. "I lost the snowball fight today"
His diligence appears in how he continues his responsibilities despite personal chaos:
He'd need it come dawn, for the snowball battle up at the cabin.
His temperance shows in his remarkable emotional control even when provoked and threatened:
Azriel donned the frozen mask he'd perfected while in his father's dungeon. "I don't know what you're talking about."
His chastity is demonstrated through his restraint despite intense desire prior to this night and while during his interaction with Elain:
He'd been so vigilant about keeping away from Elain as much as possible, and had stayed up here to avoid her
It had never gone this far. They'd exchanged looks, the occasional brush of their fingers, but never this.
Azriel's cock strained behind his pants, aching so fiercely he could hardly think. He prayed she didn't peer down. Prayed she didn't understand the shift in his scent.
And his generosity is clear in the unplanned training session as well as giving the necklace to Gwyn, asking for nothing in return:
"If there's another priestess here who might appreciate it, give it to them. But I'm not taking that necklace with me when I leave."
Exposing double standards
What's also subtle in this chapter are examples of others exhibiting similar behaviours but without consequence, exposing a selective application of moral standards.
General indulgence by the Inner Circle was perfectly acceptable:
The river house had finally fallen quiet after the raucous Winter Solstice party
Azriel surveyed the empty family room, presents and ribbons littering the furniture.
Cassian boasts about his snowball battle plans repeatedly, but that's just harmless fun rather than sinful pride:
Cassian had mentioned no less than six times tonight that he had a secret plan regarding his so-called impending victory. Az had let his brother boast.
Cassian and Nesta's sexual relationship (mentioned four times in the BC) is natural, celebrated and joked about:
Cassian wouldn't know what was coming for him. And Az fully planned on capitalizing on the fact that Nesta likely wouldn't let Cassian sleep much tonight. Az snickered to himself, to the listening shadows around him.
Cassian and Nesta hadn't reappeared downstairs, though that came as no surprise.
Azriel unwrapped the box, glancing at the card that merely said, You might find these useful at the House these days, and then opened the lid.
Two small, bean-shaped fabric blobs lay within. Elain murmured, "You put them in your ears, and they block any sound. With Nesta and Cassian living there with youâŚ"
He chuckled, unable to suppress the impulse. "No wonder you didn't want me to open it in front of everyone."
Elainâs mouth twitched into a smile. "Nesta wouldn't appreciate the joke.â
"I blame Cassian for this. He's too busy making eyes at Nesta to notice such mistakes these days."
Azriel laughed. "Iâll give you that."
Rhys displays fury and makes threatening ultimatums, but this is framed as necessary leadership rather than wrath:
Rhys sat at his desk, fury a moonless night across his face.
Rhys's power rippled through the room like a dark cloud. "Iâm talking about you, about to kiss Elain, in the middle of a hall where anyone could see you," he snarled. "Including her mate."
Rhys bared his teeth. "So you will leave Elain alone. If you need to fuck someone, go to a pleasure hall and pay for it, but stay away from her."
Azriel snarled softly.
"Snarl all you want." Rhys leaned back in his chair. "But if I see you panting after her again, I'll make you regret it."
The pattern is clear: if your behaviour serves the existing power structure, it's virtuous. If it challenges that structure, it's sinful.
Fighting against temptation vs indulging in sin
A crucial distinction I feel is often missed is that Azriel isn't gleefully indulging in sinful behaviour. He's actively fighting against his desires and struggling with temptation. His situation is fundamentally different from others who freely exhibit the same behaviours without consequence.
He'd been so vigilant about keeping away from Elain as much as possible, and had stayed up here to avoid her
Restricting his thoughts and only allowing himself fantasies "in the dead of night" when "even his shadows had gone to sleep"
Physical restraint and conscious effort to resist despite intense desire:
Elain bit her lower lip, and it took every ounce of Azriel's restraint to keep from putting his own teeth there.
"I should go," Elain said, but made no move to leave.
"Yes," he said, his thumb sweeping in long strokes along the side of her throat.
Her arousal drifted up to him, and his eyes nearly rolled back in his head at the sweet scent. He'd beg on his knees for a chance to taste it. But Azriel just stroked her neck again.
Wrongâit was so wrong. He didn't care.
Elain shuddered, drifting closer. So close one deep breath would brush her breasts against his chest. She looked up at him, her face so trusting and hopeful and open that he knew she had no idea that he had done unspeakable things that sullied his hands far beyond their scars.
Such terrible things that it was a sacrilege for his fingers to skin, tainting her with his presence.
But he could have this. This one moment, and maybe a taste, and that would be it.
âYes" Elain breathed, like she read the decision.
Az is displaying conflict, not callous indifference.
When the distinction between resisting temptation and indulging in sin is missed, it leads to broad assumptions about Azriel's character that miss the point entirely.
Two assumptions I see commonly in the fandom:
"He only wants a mate, he doesn't want Elain specifically" - this ignores all the evidence of his specific connection to her (the way his head goes quiet around her, how he treasures her gifts, his careful attention to her comfort and desires, etc)
"He hasn't made plans, so he doesn't really care about her" - of course someone who's spent a year trying NOT to think about someone wouldn't have detailed romantic plans. The lack of planning proves he's been fighting his feelings, not that those feelings are shallow.
Missing this nuance means missing what the chapter is actually about: someone genuinely torn between what he wants and what he thinks is right. Azriel's moral struggle is the whole point.
There's also something a bit meta here too. When we as readers apply harsh moral standards to Azriel (like assuming his motives are shallow or selfish without looking at the evidence) we're falling into the same trap the chapter critiques.
We become like Rhys, making quick judgements based on surface appearances rather than understanding the complexity underneath.
Two different gods, opposite divine receptions and responses
The chapter presents two completely different divine authorities and things get theologically fascinating:
Rhys as the wrathful Father/Cauldron and Clotho as the compassionate Mother.
Rhys functions like an Old Testament God figure.
Appearing like divine wrath discovering sin and catching Az and Elain in transgression:
Rhysand stoop atop the staircase. Glowering down at them.
His voice thundering with unrelenting command:
Rhys's voice thundered through him.
Unrelenting command filled his name, and Azriel looked up.
"But if I see you panting after her again, I'll make you regret it."
Rhys explicitly defends the Cauldron's authority and positions himself as enforcer of predetermined fate. His concern is maintaining divine law even at the cost of individual happiness.
(Let's also not forget that Rhys was the one who died and reforged the Cauldron in ACOWAR... but maybe that's just a coincidence.)
Either way, the contrast with Clotho couldn't be starker.
Crucially, Az isn't caught by Clotho. He willingly finds himself in front of her and this shift from being discovered in sin to voluntarily seeking guidance completely changes the dynamic. He's essentially confessing, bringing his "transgression" (the necklace from the forbidden encounter) to a divine figure who responds with compassion rather than condemnation.
In Greek mythology, Clotho is one of the three Fates who spins the thread of life. Some sources suggest the Greek Fates to be earlier representation or parallel to the Triple Goddess deity/archetype (Maiden/Mother/Crone).
Asks gentle questions to understand rather than condemn:
He slid the small box across her desk. "If you see Gwyn, would you give this to her?"
Clotho angled her hooded head, and her enchanted pen wrote on a piece of paper, A Solstice gift from you?
Azriel shrugged. "Don't tell her it came from me."
Why?
Observes with compassion rather than judgement:
"Does she need to know? Just tell her it was a gift from Rhys."
That would be a lie.
He waited for Clotho's pen to finish writing. Your eyes are sad, Shadowsinger.
Celebrates the same generous impulse that Rhys condemned:
Clotho was smart enough to see through his deflection. She wrote, Iâll give it to Gwyneth, Tell her a friend left it for her.
He wouldn't go so far as to call Gwyn a friend, but⌠"Fine. Thank you."
Clotho's pen moved once more. She deserves something as beautiful as this. I thank you for the joy it shall bring to her.
The symbolism of Az's willing confession suggests he's seeking a different kind of divine guidance. One that might bless rather than punish.
Zeroing in on the gift-giving of the necklace, the identical act of gifting the necklace receives completely different divine receptions. For Elain it's part of "sinful" behaviour. But the same necklace for Gwyn is a blessed offering that brings joy.
Maybe true divine will values genuine emotion and generosity over rigid adherence to predetermined arrangements.
The real sin: manipulation through lies
Here's the irony that pulls everything together. The one lecturing about moral behaviour commits what I see as the most serious moral violation in the entire chapter.
While Az struggles with moral complexity and actively fights against temptation, Rhys engages in calculated intentional deception.
Rhys relies on the threat of the Blood Duel, which relies on Lucien being "Beron's son". But Lucien isn't Beron's son, he's actually Helion's son.
We as readers know this and we know that RHYS knows this too.
But Rhys deliberately withholds it from Az - his brother AND his own spymaster. This creates multiple betrayals:
Professional: Az lacks crucial intelligence he needs for his job and raises the question about what else he doesn't know (which is a risk for the Night Court)
Personal: deception undermining their supposed brotherhood and trust
Moral: using false information to control someone's major life decisions
Unlike Az's struggles with desire and emotion, Rhys's manipulation is calculated and intentional. It's designed to maintain political stability at the expense of individual agency and truth. The person preaching about moral behaviour is engaging in the most serious moral violation in the entire chapter.
Sins of the father and the lies that bind us
There's more and more layers of irony. Including exploring inherited sin and false traditions.
Azriel is literally born from sin - he's the bastard son of an Illyrian lord born out of wedlock, conceived by his father's adultery, lack of chastity, abuse of power, (and very likely SA).
But while Az is the product of his father's moral violation, he's one of the most genuinely moral characters in ACTOAR (and in this chapter).
But both times Az's father is mentioned in the BC, they actually parallel Rhys's authoritarian behaviour. And it's also explicitly stated that Az is not trying to act like that too.
Rhys sat at his desk, fury a moonless night across his face. He asked softly, "Are you out of your mind?"
Azriel donned the frozen mask heâd perfected while in his father's dungeon. "I don't know what you're talking about.â
Rhys's power rippled through the room like a dark cloud.
He avoided the urge to cross his arms, not wanting to look intimidating. He blocked out the memory that flashed--of his mother cringing before his father, the male standing with crossed arms in such a way that made his displeasure known before he opened his hateful mouth.
These references show the same pattern: powerful men using intimidation and control to get their way. It's exactly what Rhys does when he appears "atop the staircase. Glowering down" and starts making threats.
And it get's twisted. There's this whole biblical idea of "sins of the father", that kids suffer for what their parents did wrong. But Lucien can only challenge Azriel to a Blood Duel because he's supposedly Beron's son and inherited the "right" to deadly violence through bloodline.
Except that's all based on a lie. As already mentioned, Lucien isn't actually Beron's son - he's Helion's. So this entire system of inherited violence just⌠falls apart. The Blood Duel threat only exists because everyone believes false information about who Lucien's real father is.
Again...This this violent tradition only works because people believe lies about Lucien's parentage.
And it implies something bigger: maybe other harmful systems like authoritarian control are kept going the same way - through deception and false information that people just accept without questioning.
And maybe other systems like mating bonds are systems like this too... (*takes cover under desk from shippers*)
Azriel, despite being born from his father's sin, chooses generosity and authentic connection. Meanwhile, those from "legitimate" bloodlines engage in calculated manipulation to maintain systems that cause suffering.
Part 2: Literary symbolism and metaphor
Religious symbolism everywhere
The BC is saturated in religious imagery that reinforces these themes. The Winter Solstice setting represents the spiritual before redemption and religious language is throughout the chapter.
Azriel sees himself as profane, his desire becomes almost worshipful, the setting creates a sacred space for divine witness and when he challenges the Cauldron's authority, it's presented like confessing heretical thoughts:
sacrilege for his fingers to skin, tainting her with his presence
unspeakable things that sullied his hands far beyond their scars
He'd beg on his knees for a chance to taste it
only the Mother might witness them
He had never before dared speak the words aloud
Other religious language includes references to invoking duels, claiming vengeance and even physical desire framed in religious terms:
He prayed she didn't peer down. Prayed she didn't understand the shift in his scent.
Death and burial imagery runs throughout:
Until he felt nothing. Was again nothing at all
The final image transforms burial into preservation, carefully protecting something too precious to expose:
But Azriel tucked away the thought, consciously erasing the slight smile it brought to his face. Buried the image down deep, where it glowed quietly.
A thing of secret, lovely beauty.
The precise timing of Az's encounter with Clotho is also significant. It happens at exactly 7pm, which aligns with evening prayer times across multiple religious traditions (including Vespers in Christianity *side-eye HOFAS*).
Seven is also the number of divine completion in many faiths, something SJM mentions across her series. The specific timing suggests this isn't coincidence but a carefully chosen sacred hour when Az's spiritual transformation begins:
Instead, he found himself at the library beneath the House of Wind, standing before Clotho as the clock chimed seven in the evening.
The binding and loosening pattern
Throughout the chapter, there's this intricate web of imagery about things being tied up, constrained or set free. Everything in Az's world exists in states of binding or liberation. But there's a crucial distinction between forced, violent binding and gentle, mutual, creative connection.
The chapter opens with imagery of harsh constraint. Wants and needs pulling taut, presents literally bound and then unwrapped, though Elain appears with unbound hair symbolising freedom:
Too many wants and needs left his skin overheated and pulling taut across his bones.
She extended the wrapped gift, her hand shaking.
The faelights gilded Elain's unbound hair, making her glow like the sun at dawn.
Social and political ties represent violent, forced binding. Mating bonds that tie people who have no interest (suggested in the BC, don't come for me lol), fragile alliances that could rip apart, Rhys's authority about binding others to his will, and ritual constraints that would force combat:
"I think Lucien will never be good enough for her, and she has no interest in him, anyway."
"And your doing so will rip apart any fragile peace and alliances we have, not only with the Autumn Court but also with the Spring Court and Jurian and Vassa."
Rhys had rarely threatened punishment or pulled rank.
âOh, I can, and I will. If Lucien finds out you're pursuing her, he has every right to defend their bond as he sees fit. Including invoking the Blood Duel.â
Azriel's emotional and physical state is constantly described in terms of harsh restraint and constraint:
He blocked out the memory
Azriel's cock strained behind his pants
Azriel tucked in his wings
But then there's a completely different kind of binding. Gentle, artistic, mutual connection.
When Azriel and Elain interact, everything becomes about gradual, creative movement like a dance. She asks him to fasten the necklace, creating both connection and willing binding. His touch becomes like painting or creating something beautiful:
his thumb sweeping in long strokes
Azriel's hand slid up her neck, burying in her thick hair
Tilting her face the way he wanted it
Their connection involves gentle drifting, brushing and gradual responses rather than force. It's choreographed like dance partners moving together:
the occasional brush of their fingers
Her arousal drifted up to him
So close one deep breath would brush her breasts against his chest
Elain's mouth parted slightly
Similarly with Gwyn, the imagery is about flowing, musical movement. Breath curling, shadows dancing, singing that follows and responds:
Her breath curled in front of her mouth
one of his shadows darted out to dance with it before twirling back to him
Like it heard some silent music
he could have sworn a faint, beautiful singing followed him
his shadows sang in answer
The conversation about singing feels very on the nose and revealing something crucial. Gwyn asks if Az can sing, uncovering his artistic, creative nature that he keeps hidden behind his warrior mask:
She angled her head, hair shining like molten metal. "Do you sing?â
He blinked. It wasn't every day that people took him by surprise, butâŚ"Why do you ask?"
"They call you shadowsinger. Is it because you sing?"
âI am a shadowsinger--it's not a title that someone just made.â
She shrugged again, irreverently. Az narrowed his eyes, studying her. "Do you, though?" she pressed. "Sing?"
Azriel couldn't help his soft chuckle. "Yes."
Beneath the spymaster persona he must maintain for the Night Court, Azriel is fundamentally creative and artistic.
And there's clear contrast: forced binding feels like chains and control, whilst mutual connection feels like art, music and dance being created together.
The sword lesson/cutting the ribbon is the key metaphor
This flows right into the key metaphor of the chapter. The training scene with Gwyn operates on multiple levels as both literal instruction and spiritual guidance.
Gwyn can't cut the ribbon because:
âYou're turning the blade a fraction as it comes parallel to the ground," Azriel explained, drawing his Illyrian blade from down his back. "Watch." He slowly demonstrated, rotating his wrist where she did.
"You see how you open up right here?â He corrected his position. âKeep your wrist like that. The blade is an extension of your arm."
This perfectly mirrors Azriel's tendency to deflect from emotional truth just when he should face it directly.
I find the "opening of the wrist" particularly interesting phrasing. It suggests both vulnerability and the need for emotional openness. If Azriel stops defensively turning away from his feelings and keeps the blade "parallel to the ground," maybe he might cut through the constraints binding him.
"Keep your wrist like that. The blade is an extension of your arm."
suggests that authentic action requires treating emotions as natural parts of yourself rather than foreign objects to control.
Surveillance and role reversal
There's also mirroring here that adds another layer to the power dynamics.
"What--with you watching?"
she shows discomfort about being observed during a vulnerable moment. This mirrors exactly what happened to Azriel and Elain. their private, authentic interaction was ruined when Rhys caught them.
But there's a key difference: Azriel's watching is supportive and educational ("the impromptu lesson"), whilst Rhys's surveillance was punitive and controlling.
The roles also reverse in some more mirroring. Az becomes the commander:
"Again," he ordered, rubbing his hands against the cold, grateful for its bracing bite and the distraction of this impromptu lesson.
while Gwyn transforms into the warrior:
Gwyn nodded her farewell, again facing the ribbon. A warrior sizing up an opponent, all traces of that charming irreverence gone.
This mirrors how Azriel puts on his warrior mask for Rhys. But here the transformation is about growth and empowerment rather than defensive protection.
Teaching versus controlling authority
The key distinction is intent. Rhys uses his authority to shut down and control, but Azriel uses his to teach and encourage growth. When he admits he's "grateful for... the distraction of this impromptu lesson," it shows he's genuinely invested in helping Gwyn succeed, not in maintaining power over her.
Both Gwyn and Az transform during this scene, in a safe space where vulnerability leads to strength rather than punishment. Az sketching a bow too in this moment also feels humorous from SJM.
Azriel dipped his head in a sketch of a bow, something restless settling in him. Even his shadows had calmed. As if content to lounge on his shoulders and watch.
The "Again" command also connects to the broader theme of repetition and practice. Gwyn needs multiple attempts to correct wrist, just like Az needs repeated chances to face his emotions directly rather than turning away.
Truth-Teller and the irony of lies
There's a beautiful irony in how this all culminates. When Gwyn asks why Azriel came to the House of Wind, he tells her:
"I can't sleep without my favorite dagger."
This is technically a lie. Az came because he was fleeing his pain over Elain.
But it might actually be what he needs. We readers know his favourite dagger is called Truth-Teller, and the chapter's entire message seems to be about living your truth. The sword/cut the ribbon lesson metaphor becomes even more powerful when we realise Azriel claims he needs his 'truth-telling' blade to find peace.
I also have to flag the poetry and convenience in how "Truth-Teller" spoken aloud sounds like "truth tell her". As if the very name of his blade is instructing him to be honest with the women in his life, whether Elain or Gwyn (or Bryce, I see you Bryceriels).
(But most likely a carry over from scrapped Moriel).
The irony is that in lying about needing Truth-Teller, Azriel might have accidentally spoken a deeper truth about what he actually requires for healing: the courage to cut through deception and face reality directly, just like Gwyn learning to cut the ribbon.
Artist: @theogwhimsicalartist on insta (formerly @whimsicalillustration)
Part 3: Connections and consciousness
The architecture of loneliness and the pain of lies
Underneath everything else, this is chapter is about profound isolation and how lies create suffering.
We know Az likes to be alone. But he's really become an expert at positioning himself as observer rather than participant in life.
Whilst everyone is sleeping upstairs, he lingers downstairs:
Amren, Mor, and Varian had finally gone to bed, but Azriel found himself lingering downstairs.
During the party, he stays on the outskirts by the door while everyone was in the family room:
Azriel had needed to stay by the door the whole time because he couldn't stand the sight of it, the scent of their mating bond, and needed to have the option of leaving if it became too much.
And he's actively avoids family moments generally:
Elain's large brown eyes flickered, well aware of all that. Just as he knew she was well aware of why Azriel so rarely came to family dinners these days.
His chronic insomnia reflects this isolation:
I wish I could, he answered silently. But sleep so rarely found him these days. Too many razor-sharp thoughts sliced him any time he grew still long enough for them to strike. Too many wants and needs left his skin overheated and pulling taut across his bones. So he slept only when his body gave out, and even then only for a few hours.
But what's particularly tragic is how moments of lies and false truths cause him the deepest pain.
When forced by circumstances to deny his authentic feelings and lie to Elain about something that brought them peace, both Az (and Elain) suffer:
His stomach twisted as he pulled his hand from her hair and stepped back. Forced himself to say, "This was a mistake.â
She opened her eyes, hurt and confusion warring there before she whispered, "Iâm sorry."
âYou don't-- Don't apologize,â he managed to say. "Never apologize. It's I who shouldâŚâ He shook his head, unable to stand the bleakness he'd brought to her expression. "Goodnight.â
Similarly, when Az dodges Rhys's question about Mor, scowls at Rhy's accusation that Az believes he deserves Elain but doesn't fully explain his feelings, his intentions get misunderstood and wrongly assumed to be shallow or predatory:
"So you'll what? Seduce her away from him?"
This reduction to mere "seduction" shows how avoiding truth leads to his feelings being dismissed as meaningless or ill-intentioned.
When the senses come alive
A striking part of the chapter is how the writing completely changes during Az and Elain's unplanned encounter. Suddenly everything becomes intensely sensory:
The faelights gilded Elain's unbound hair, making her glow like the sun at dawn.
Letting his scarred fingers touch her immaculate skin. Letting them brush the side of her throat, savoring the velvet-soft texture
Her arousal drifted up to him, and his eyes nearly rolled back in his head at the sweet scent
For someone whose thoughts are usually described as:
razor-sharp thoughts sliced him any time he grew still long enough for them to strike
this represents a profound shift to pure present-moment awareness.
The tragedy is that this sensory freedom and authentic presence gets labelled as "wrong," suggesting the systems governing their world prioritise control over genuine human experience.
Two languages of connection
What's fascinating about this chapter is how it presents two completely different but equally valid forms of deep connection through Az's interactions with Elain and Gwyn.
Many interpretations of this chapter compare and contrast Elain and Gwyn's interactions with the scrutiny that these are two competing relationships.
While those interpretations may or may not be correct, I believe Az's interactions with Elain and Gwyn in this chapter are complementary models of intimacy that highlight different aspects of human connection.
Azriel and Elain's interaction in the chapter shows nonverbal and intuitive connection. They understand each other without needing words it's almost telepathic (*side-eye*). This represents soul-level, intuitive intimacy where connection transcends verbal communication.
Azriel intuitively knows she's not being entirely truthful:
Lie. Well, the second part was a lie. He didn't need his shadows to read her tone, the slight tightening of her face.
They share mutual understanding of unspoken context:
Elain's large brown eyes flickered, well aware of all that. Just as he knew she was well aware of why Azriel so rarely came to family dinners these days.
She reads his intentions before he even acts:
"Yes" Elain breathed, like she read the decision.
Their entire physical interaction flows without verbal negotiation. She exposes her neck, he fastens the necklace, they move toward a kiss all through intuitive reading of each other's desires and responses:
Azriel's hand slid up her neck, burying in her thick hair. Tilting her face the way he wanted it. Elain's mouth parted slightly, her eyes scanning his before fluttering shut. Offer and permission.
Azriel and Gwyn's interaction is very verbal, playful and action-based. Their interaction is full of easy conversation, questions, teaching and shared activities. It represents the special intimacy you have with some people where you just naturally click:
Direct questions and playful curiosity about his nature:
"They call you shadowsinger. Is it because you sing?"
"Do you, though?" she pressed. "Sing?"
Gentle teasing and humour:
"A comfort to every growing child"
"Are you kicking me out?"
Active teaching and learning through the sword/cutting the ribbon lesson:
"You're turning the blade a fraction as it comes parallel to the ground," Azriel explained, drawing his Illyrian blade from down his back. "Watch."
The complementary peace they bring
Both connections bring Azriel profound peace but through different pathways.
With Elain, his head goes quiet because they connect on a level that bypasses his overthinking mind. It's pure presence and intuitive understanding:
With Gwyn, his restlessness settles because they connect through natural, easy interaction that doesn't require performance or hiding:
something restless settling in him. Even his shadows had calmed
The chapter suggests that both forms of connection are valuable and necessary. Elain represents the kind of intimacy where souls recognise each other beyond words, whilst Gwyn represents the kind built through shared growth, learning, and genuine friendship.
We shouldn't be thinking in black and white that one of these forms of connection is superior over the other. It's like comparing apples and oranges. They're simply different languages of human connection that serve different needs in Azriel's journey toward healing and authentic relationship.
The BC ends with something intriguing:
He could picture it, though, as he ascended the stairs back to the House proper. How Gwyn's teal eyes might light upon seeing the necklace. For whatever reason⌠he could see it.
That phrase "for whatever reason" suggests this visualisation is unusually vivid. Given that Elain is established as a seer, maybe Azriel is experiencing some kind of prophetic insight rather than just imagination. I can think of multiple meanings of this:
Simply telling us Gwyn did get the necklace from Clotho
Foreshadowing Az growing closer with Gwyn
Foreshadowing Az's personal journey to choose joy, authenticity and not sacrifice connection any longer
A hint to a carranam bond with Elain
If you made it this far thank you! There's a whole lot in this chapter but I think a few key things stand out:
Truth vs lies is the real battle
Every time someone's forced to lie or deny their authentic feelings, people suffer
When Azriel tells Elain "This was a mistake," both of them are wounded
When he dodges Rhys's questions, his deep feelings get dismissed as shallow "seduction"
But when he's authentic with both Elain and Gwyn, his usual torment actually quiets
The pattern is clear: lies create suffering, truth brings peace
2. The sword lesson/cutting the ribbon
Liberation requires facing truth directly rather than turning away at the crucial moment
Whether it's cutting ribbons, confronting emotions, or challenging authority, the principle stays the same
The irony of Azriel claiming he needs his "Truth-Teller" dagger? He actually does need the courage to stop deflecting and face reality
3. There are two types of moral authority
The punitive Father figure (Rhys/Cauldron) who demands obedience to predetermined rules
The compassionate Mother figure (Clotho) who celebrates genuine emotion and generosity
Azriel's healing journey suggests picking the latter, even when it means breaking artificial boundaries
4. What looks like "sin" might actually be spiritual growth
Azriel's supposed sins come from longing for genuine connection and the permission/freedom to nurture what's found
The real moral violation comes from those who use deception and authority to control others
Sometimes the most sacred thing you can do is transgress social boundaries in service of truth and authentic connection
5. That final image matters
The "secret, lovely beauty" buried within Azriel is his capacity for growth, honest connection and truth-telling
It's too precious to expose to a world that might destroy it, but too valuable to abandon
ACOTAR6/Maasverse and beyond
Rhys's manipulation with the Blood Duel threat and Lucien's true parentage will be revealed. And it will be have significant impacts on Az and Rhys's relationship. Maybe so significant it can never be fully repaired.
What I believe has been set up for Az's story arc (whichever that book is) is exploring this fallout as part of the journey and courage required to live authentically in a world that punishes truth and rewards deception.
Real spiritual growth doesn't come from perfect obedience to external rules, especially those you don't believe in. It comes from the willingness to face truth directly even when that truth challenges everything you've been told about right and wrong and your world. With how HOFAS went down and some of the things revealed in the ACOTAR world, the themes are aligning in a convenient way that I'll be shocked if SJM doesn't jump on.
The lesson for Az: Sometimes being authentic requires what others call transgression. And maybe that's not a bug in the spiritual system, maybe that's the whole point.
