See I think people forget that yes, Audrian cared for Yasha deeply that’s been made clear both by the books and by Ms Foody, but he doesn’t take kindly to betrayal like at all.
Just think of Runa and Cyril. Audrian knew them LONGER than Yasha he GREW UP with them. They were best friends practically siblings (except Cyril and Audrian I’m convinced they had smth gay going on in their teen years n that’s why they’re so hung up on each other but we’re not talking about that right now). Throw Leopold in there too, that was basically his adoptive father atp.
But in Audrian’s eyes, Runa and Cyril trying to stop him from bonding with Dimondaise was a massive betrayal (even before he almost died). Like that fight was going to end up as lethal if not close to on one of the sides Audrian was NOT holding back just bc it’s Runa and Cyril (see: literally Runa’s face) and neither was Runa bc she is also locking in bc Cyril is unconscious on the ground probably heavily injured this fight isn’t kicks and giggles anymore.
In ttg Audrian says to Barclay that he’d never hurt Runa and Cyril bc that would hurt Barclay but we know that this is FACTUALLY UNTRUE. He tried to kill Runa in tnc and was GOING TO KILL GOATH. Did we forget his monologue from tes. “I’ll show Runa what it’s like to bleed out on a mountaintop” and whatever he said about Cyril I forget bc I only care about Runa (/j maybe). Audrian only appears truthful here because we see everything through Barclay’s eyes and thoughts, and he is actively being manipulated by this busted looking man (which Barclay never lets us forget thank you Barclay) who has KILLED PEOPLE. Like Barclay is actively being groomed into thinking Audrian is more morally righteous than he actually is. And also he nearly killed Leopold which like yeah Leopold attacked him first but like,,, gang Audrian was WAITING for that fight he was just so GIDDY about being able to flex his god level unhinged powers. ALSO HE KILLED GOD.
but anyways back to Yasha. Yes, Audrian cared about him to insane levels but also already knew he was starting to lose Yasha. And again he DOESNT TAKE BETRAYAL KINDLY. He appears frazzled when talking to Barclay towards the end of ttg bc he IS frazzled there is so much shit happening rn. He wasn’t expecting Yasha to actually betray him but he’s still gotta lock in and kill another god.
And also Audrian isn’t stupid. Yasha very clearly betrayed him. And Yasha knows where the golden feature stash is, along with any other secrets. He CANNOT let him live long enough to allow him to tell the Guild everything he knows or everything Audrian’s done could be for nothing. So combine that with the fact that he’s already rlly rlly upset n mad that Yasha had the audacity to actually betray him n try to ruin his plans?? yeah sorry he was the one who sniped Yasha.
And to the theory that Graft was the one who sniped Yasha I don’t think that’s true bc. Okay first of all Audrian is NOT against killing people who betray him that’s what we just established. Also it came from the sky,,,, even if it was Graft she’d still need Avior,,, Gorviaries are NOT big enough to carry someone. And if he’s giving her Avior atp he’s gonna do it himself. And like I don’t think Graft gaf enough about Yasha to do that without being ordered to. Even when ordered to. She kinda gives the vibes of “what no go do it yourself you fucking coward”
anyways okay that’s enough yapping there are my thoughts goodbye.