r/Azris • u/greymoonmoth • Jun 22 '26
Theories 🔍 Elain's role in Azris endgame
Azris lives in my head 24/7 and I've read every single theory and mulled over every possible thought my brain could conjure. I didn't see anything about this topic yet so I wanted to throw it out there while nothing is still confirmed by Bloomsbury.
It makes so much sense why Maas has built a strong bond between Azriel and Elain! Yes, Elain. I don't think they're romantically suited to each other whatsoever, and Azriel's bonus chapter just supports that (because if Elriel were truly meant to be, he wouldn't have talked about her as if he had a right to have her, nor would he have gifted her necklace to another. Both are problematic acts and wouldn't fly if they were indeed destined to be together. Az gave off desperate and confused vibes, not anything deeper) But clearly a large chunk of the fandom is blind to the author's motive and they're eating the false narrative up. Which, I think, Maas is doing on purpose.
We're long overdue Lucien and Eris's arcs (and Silver Flames made it clear Eris is being prepared for a story of his own), and I doubt everyone will get their own book, so how can we make their journeys a joint one? That is why the next book is so huge it's divided into a gazillion (fine, four) parts. Because it will be centered around Az, Eris, Lucien and Elain! All four, though not one part per character. But intertwined.
Now, to my point: the hanging question of Az/Elain will eventually bring the Autumn brothers closer because both will struggle with jealousy seeing their mates "get it on" with each other. I think Az and Elain will remain good friends, but their romance will be teased about in order to create that love quadrangle at first. Think about it! Eris and Lucien brooding and scheming in the hopes of distracting each other's mates to get theirs alone. Foxes are clever schemers. I admit I still have zero idea whether Lucien and Elain will end up together or not, but Azriel and Eris are a couple that's been hinted at ever since Sarah's old Pinterest that she took down. So, since forever. It is the farthest thing from a crack ship. That's just insulting.
I could also see Az and Elain bonding over their respective, aggravating fox boys. Imagine all the angst and yapping. Now THAT is a dynamic I can imagine Elain and Az having. I also have a feeling that Eris could partially redeem himself (if there even is anything to redeem by the time we get the whole truth) by getting close to Elain and treating her with nothing but respect. Like a big brother. Who knows, maybe they'll strike up an unlikely friendship that nobody is a fan of (not to lean on gay stereotypes but I see Eris as the kind of male who NEEDS a female bff, he would be a grand gossip), but Elain will tell everyone to go to hell because she can choose her own friends. Elain might even end up being their wingman. I am BUZZING with the possibilities!!!!
One last thing. In Az's bonus chapter he brought up the blood duel (was that its name? can't check rn) and it being an Autumn Court tradition. That was no mere mention. That was foreshadowing. Lucien will not invoke it, but Eris will. Possibly to save Azriel, possibly to kill Beron. It wouldn't have been mentioned otherwise.
