"Even so," Rhys went on, "there will always be a ... tug. For the females, it is usually easier to ignore, but the males ... It can drive them mad.”

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.

—

The ancient healer jerked her chin toward Lucien. "See what he can do. If anyone can sense if something is amiss, it's a mate."🚨

Lucien murmured to me, eye still fixed on Elain, "Should we-does she need ...?"

"She doesn't need anything," Azriel answered without so much as looking at Lucien.🚨

Elain was staring at the spymaster now- unblinkingly.

"We're the ones who need..." Azriel trailed off. "A seer," he said, more to himself than us. "The Cauldron made you a seer."🚨

—

Mate. The word chased me from the bath sooner than I wanted, (…….) My stomach grumbled, and I realized I hadn't eaten since the day before, because— Because he'd been injured, and I'd gone out of my mind— absolutely insane-when he'd been taken from me, shot out of the sky like a bird. I'd acted on instinct, on a drive to protect him that had come from so deep in me ...So deep in me-

And what Hybern would do to Elain, might already be doing-

From the shadows near the entrance to the tent, Azriel said, as if in answer to some unspoken debate, "I'm getting her back."

Nesta slid her gaze to the shadowsinger. Azriel's hazel eyes glowed golden in the shadows. Nesta said, "Then you will die."

Azriel only repeated, rage glazing that stare, "I'm getting her back." / Met Azriel’s wrathful stare./ Azriel honed Truth-Teller with relentless focus/ His rage rippled off his invisible form.

—

Knelt on those stars and mountains inked on his knees. He would bow for no one and nothing- But his mate. His equal.

Never, Rhys said from where he finished buckling on his own weapons against the side of the wagon. I have never once seen Azriel let another person touch that knife.

This is 100% an Elriel post fyi.

The rage they feel when their female is in danger. They will face death to save them. Without hesitation.

From the shadows near the entrance to the tent, Azriel said, as if in answer to some unspoken debate, “I'm getting her back.” Nesta slid her gaze to the shadowsinger. Azriel’s hazel eyes glowed golden in the shadows. Nesta said, “Then you will die.” Azriel only repeated, rage glazing that stare, “I’m getting her back.”

I stood. Met Azriel’s wrathful stare. “I’m going with you,” I said. Azriel only nodded.

&

“At least you’re honest.” Azriel smirked. “You and Nesta are wanted down there.” “Because of the shit with Elain?” Azriel stilled. “What happened to Elain?” Cassian waved a hand. “A fight with Nesta. Don’t bring it up,” he warned when Azriel’s eyes darkened.

They dote on their females.

Azriel arrived first, no shadows to be seen, my sister a pale, golden mass in his arms. He, too, wore his Illyrian armor, Elain’s golden-brown hair snagging in some of the black scales across his chest and shoulders. He set her down gently on the foyer carpet, having carried her in through the front door. Elain peered up at his patient, solemn face. Azriel smiled faintly. “Would you like me to show you the garden?” She seemed so small before him, so fragile compared to the scales of his fighting leathers, the breadth of his shoulders. The wings peeking over them. But Elain did not balk from him, did not shy away as she nodded—just once.

&

Azriel’s power gave out on the outskirts of our camp.

The girl, despite the burns and lashings on her moon-white skin, was able to walk.

The gray light of morning had broken over the world, mist clinging to our ankles as we headed into that camp, Azriel still cradling Elain to his chest. He dripped blood behind him the entire time—a trickle compared to the torrent that should be leaking out. Contained only by the patches of power he’d slapped on it. Help—he needed a healer immediately.

Rhys lunged for Azriel, taking Elain from him and gently setting my sister down. Azriel rasped, swaying on his feet, “We need Helion to get these chains off her.” Yet Elain didn’t seem to notice them as she rose up on her toes and kissed the shadowsinger’s cheek. And then walked to me and Nesta, who pulled back long enough to survey Elain’s clean face, her clear eyes.

&

But I strode to my seat—nestled between Amren and Mor—in time to see Elain say to Azriel, “Hello.” Az said nothing. No, he just moved toward her. Mor tensed beside me. But Azriel only took Elain’s heavy dish of potatoes from her hands, his voice soft as night as he said, “Sit. I’ll take care of it.”

WHY are you tensing Mor?

Azriel set the potatoes in the center of the table, Cassian diving right in. Or he tried to. One moment, his hand was spearing toward the serving spoon. The next, it was stopped, Azriel’s scarred fingers wrapped around his wrist. “Wait,” Azriel said, nothing but command in his voice.

They know exactly what their mate needs.

"Is there something wrong with her?” Madja chewed over the words. “I do not like that word—wrong. Different, perhaps. Changed.”

“If anyone can sense if something is amiss, it’s a mate.” “How.” The word was barely more than a barked command. I braced myself to warn Nesta to be polite, but Madja said to my sister, as if she were a small child, “The mating bond. It is a bridge between souls.”

&

“Can I set you up in the garden? The herbs you planted are coming in nicely.” “I can help her,” said Azriel, stepping to the table as Elain silently rose. No shadows at his ear, no darkness ringing his fingers as he extended a hand. Nesta monitored him like a hawk, but kept silent as Elain took his hand, and out they went."

&

“Do you need anything?” “No. I … I was sleeping, but I heard …” She shook her head. Blinked at our formal attire, the dark crown atop my head—and Rhysand’s. “I didn’t hear you.” Azriel stepped forward. “But you heard something else.” Elain seemed about to nod, but only backed away. “I think I was dreaming,” she murmured. “I think I’m always dreaming these days.” “Let me get you some hot milk,” I said, putting a hand on her elbow to guide her into the sitting room. But Elain shook me off, heading back to the stairs. She said as she climbed the first steps, “I can hear her—crying.” I gripped the bottom post of the banister. “Who?” “Everyone thinks she’s dead.”

I faced Azriel, exposing my palms to him. “What does that mean?” Azriel’s hazel eyes churned as he studied my sister, her too-thin body. And without a word, he winnowed away. Mor watched the space where he’d been standing long after he was gone. WHAT are you looking at Mor?

&

But Azriel asked softly, taking a single step over the threshold and into the sitting room, “What other?” Elain’s brows twitched toward each other. “The queen—with the feathers of flame.” The shadowsinger angled his head. Lucien murmured to me, eye still fixed on Elain, “Should we—does she need …?” “She doesn’t need anything,” Azriel answered without so much as looking at Lucien. Elain was staring at the spymaster now—unblinkingly. “We’re the ones who need …” Azriel trailed off. “A seer,” he said, more to himself than us. “The Cauldron made you a seer.”

It made sense, I supposed, that Azriel alone had listened to her.

But Azriel nodded. “You knew,” he said to Elain. “About the young queen turning into a crone.” Elain blinked and blinked, eyes clearing again. As if the understanding, our understanding … it freed her from whatever murky realm she’d been in. “The sixth queen is alive?” Azriel asked, calm and steady, the voice of the High Lord’s spymaster, who had broken enemies and charmed allies. Elain cocked her head, as if listening to some inner voice. “Yes.”

&

“Elain is fine,” Rhys said. “Azriel was at the town house.

&

Elain turned from where she’d been speaking to Nesta. “Oh, that’s from me.” Azriel’s face didn’t so much as shift at the words. Not even a smile as he opened the present and revealed— “I had Madja make it for me,” Elain explained. Azriel’s brows narrowed at the mention of the family’s preferred healer. “It’s a powder to mix in with any drink.” Silence. Elain bit her lip and then smiled sheepishly. “It’s for the headaches everyone always gives you. Since you rub your temples so often.” Silence again. Then Azriel tipped his head back and laughed. I’d never heard such a sound, deep and joyous.

This isn't even half done. There's still so much more evidence I didn't add.

Tell me why these two are literally perfect for each other.

Tell me why Mor, whose gift is Truth, seems like she knows something everyone else doesn't.

Tell me why they are literally yin and yang.

Tell me why Azriel gets more of a response from Elain than anyone else.

Tell me why Azriel has more in depth mate behavior than Lucien.

Tell me why. I want to hear it. Actually don't worry I'll answer for you-

BECAUSE THEY ARE MATES. They are meant FOR EACH OTHER.

Blessed by the Mother or whatever being/thing that brings soul-mates together.

Just like it's ONLY Elain for Azriel. (Just like it seems to be only Vassa for Lucien, who said that??)

So, no, Azriel probably does not have another mating bond he has even an inkling about. It certainly is not someone he met YEARS ago and has known the location of ever since. If it were, he would not be thinking about Elain in the way that he is. He would not be yearning for her in the way that he is.

Fandom:

Azriel and Mor (bi/gay) = MATES!

Azriel and Rhys’s sister (??) = MATES!

Azriel and Emerie (gay) = MATES!

Azriel and Gwyn (Lightsinger) = MATES!

Elain and Lucien (who dislike each other, and interested in other people) = MATES! 

Elain and her going back to Greyson = MATES!

Elain and Tamlin (because she likes flowers) = MATES!

Elain and Jurian (who was responsible for her turning) = MATES!

Elain and Eris (?? who the hell knows?) = MATES!

Elain and Tarquin (?? she likes summer? the beach?) = MATES!

5 books of hints, build up, tender glances, soft touches, rescues, bleeding wings, dagger exchanges, solstice gifts, window vigils, arousal and aching cocks

From the first moment they met - they just clicked. They made sense. The two quiet introverts, the observant ones. A smile blooming on Azriels face, Elain looking to him for reassurance. Elain asking him questions which he answered poetically. Then their bond, much like themselves, quietly grew. In acowar, he was showing her the gardens. Offering his hands. They sat together completely relaxed as if it was a common occurrence. Az peacocked a little bit, elain not shying away from him or his shadows or anything that made Azriel, Azriel. Acofas comes along and Elain is still mourning Grayson with Az still longing for Mor. They wanted different people yet were drawn together. This is the book where they officially become friends and their closeness is obvious. Elain going out of her way to make sure Azriel had his own special headache powder. Azriel choosing to spend his solstice sitting with Elain, listening to her talk. They built a beautiful connection - one where they began understanding each other and becoming aware of the others’ presence then comes acosf and there is a shift between these two. Their friendship is turning into something greater then them both, they’re toeing a line both know they shouldn’t yet can’t seem to help themselves. Their feelings are becoming more noticeable and its like they just can’t help themselves from a small touch here, smiling at each other like they’re the only ones in the room. From friends they developed crushes on each other- Azriel literally stared at that headache powder Every. Single. Day.

we're cooked.

So the only ship where the two people have canon attractions and feelings for each other - the only ship where the two characters actually want each other and have had multiple romantic as well as romanticlly intended scenes across the seriee, that is the “made-up” ship?

and its made up whereas you have Gwynriel where neither Gwyn or Az want each other. They’re not even canon love intetests but That ship is somehow more plausible then elriel? Elucien where Elain doesn’t want him and Lucien cant stand being around her, the only mated pair with a questioned bond that too is more likely then elriel?

Brycerial…where Bryce is literally mated to another male and lives in another world…Azris where Eris nor Az want each other -

out of all these ships, elriel is the “made-up” one? This is why antis can’t be taken seriously. Their statements and arguements dont stem from common sense, logic or canon. It comes from a place of immaturity, entitlement, biased reading comprehension and wrong interpretations.

is the passion in the books? Because what. He wouldn’t call Gwyn a friend and moved on with his life. Their sessions where so irrelevant for him, he never brought the pre-bonus one up & didnt think of Gwyn at all after their session in the bonus but here he is losing sleep over elain, staring at her gift etc.

Im glad Sjm isnt online anymore because these interpretations are an insult to her books.

The bonus chapter from A Court of Silver Flames is not some sweeping, swoony love scene. It’s a quiet, emotionally painful look at a man wrestling with feelings he doesn’t believe he’s allowed to have. From the first page, we learn that Azriel isn’t in a place of romantic bliss—he’s in emotional torment:

“Too many wants and needs left his skin overheated and pulling taut across his bones.”

“So he slept only when his body gave out.”

This is a man haunted. Not content, not satisfied. His insomnia isn’t caused by lust—it’s caused by internal war between desire and restraint. He aches for Elain but doesn’t act on it. He denies himself even the right to imagine a future with her:

“He hadn’t gotten that far with his planning, certainly not beyond the fantasies he pleasured himself to.”

That isn’t evidence of one-dimensional lust. It’s an admission that he can’t let himself hope. The physical fantasies are all he allows, because believing in anything more feels dangerous. This is shame, not indulgence. Then the scene turns heated. Azriel has desire for Elain. No one denies that.

But look closely: it’s not casual. It’s tortured, controlled, and rooted in shame.

“It was a sacrilege for his fingers to touch her skin, tainting her with his presence.”

That isn’t lust.

Lust doesn’t think you’re unworthy.

Lust doesn’t call touch “sacrilege.”

Lust doesn’t ache and pull back and self-loathe.

His thoughts are carnal and conflicted. That’s key. When Elain leans in and gives him verbal and non-verbal consent, it nearly destroys him. This isn’t a man chasing gratification. This is a man drowning in emotion. If all he wanted was sex, he would’ve taken it. She was willing. The room was empty. No one was watching. But he didn’t. Instead, when Rhys interrupts him, Azriel steps back. He apologizes. He says “This was a mistake.”

This is restraint. This is guilt. This is not lust-driven behavior. He doesn’t resent Elain for the moment. He isn’t frustrated that it was ruined. He’s devastated because he’s convinced it can never happen again. Azriel’s training scene with Gwyn is emotionally disconnected. He notices her improvement. . He trains her like he trains others. But the tone is completely different. There’s no pining. No aching. No shame. He gives her the necklace not out of desire, but out of kindness and guilt.

“Tell her it was from Rhys.”

He doesn’t want credit. He doesn’t want it to be known that he even gave her anything. Let's not forget the Gwyn scene happened when Azriel was in emotional withdrawal. He just winnowed away from the most painful interaction he’s had.The bonus chapter is not about Elain being nothing more than a sexual fantasy. It’s about Azriel’s deep internal conflict—his desire, his guilt, and the love he believes he’ll never be allowed to act on. If you’re only reading the chapter for what he says out loud, you’re missing the entire emotional subtext. Because if anything is clear in this chapter, it’s this: He wants Elain.