Yo, the darkling was literally stealing information from Alina and Mal’s letters in order to make her like him and manipulate her into joining his side I’m-
And THEN he told Mal he couldn’t be trusted, because so many people claimed to know the sun summoner, when he knew exactly who he was and how he could sway Alina against him-
And THENNN he planned on going back to literally sleep with Alina all while essentially keeping her only family as a prisoner, and never telling Alina he was even there.
And THEEEEEN once he had her back he totally planned on having Mal killed and telling Alina that he up and deserted her.
mayhaps this is my villain origin story sir