The fact that SJM indirectly confirmed Gwyn is a Light Singer adds context and perspective to foreshadowing established in ACOSF and its bonus chapter. A full circle moment, for an underlying concept that actually was pretty obvious. As a reader, I knew Gwyn was a Light Singer as soon as the creatures were brought up. SJM’s interview and the bonus chapter were just an added validation (though truly unnecessary).
With that in mind, as an Elriel, the Gwyn Light Singer theory is not a justification I lean on to disprove Gwyn/Az. I don’t need Gwyn to be a Light Singer to undermine her ship. That theory only exists as a way to explain Azriel’s inconsistent behavior without claiming he is an incel.
But that’s where the Light Singer theory ends for me, a logical justification for Azriel’s otherwise questionable behavior. What does disprove Gwyn/Az for me is the simple fact that Azriel has shown no romantic interest in Gwyn. He only occasionally shows friendly behavior towards her, being respectful and polite which is nothing he hasn’t done for others. The bar is in hell if that is the basis for romance. Meanwhile he is openly stating his interest in Elain. And call me cheesy, but I prefer my ships to actually like each.
Spark and glow are as much related to magic as they are related to feelings, perhaps even more so. Burying the image deep in his chest is such specific wording, because why not just say his heart? This is romantacy after all. Why bury those feelings at all and never dwell on them again? His shadows danced with Gwyn’s breath, sang at her singing, it’s painfully evident her voice is what his magic is reacting to, not Gwyn. His shadows could have reacted to any other attribute of Gwyn, so why blatantly associate them with her voice? It’s almost like that was the point.
That is what disproves Gwyn/Az, the simple fact that we had nothing but time for romantic build up and got moderate indifference. Not unlike another supposed couple.
Azriel will not be heartbroken when he discovers Gwyn is a Light Singer, he will be concerned for his friends and protective of his family. The only one likely to be devastated by discovering Gwyn’s powers is Nesta. Which is why, even as an Elriel, I truly hope Gwyn does not turn out to be evil. I do not want another Iathe, because I don’t think Nesta can weather that betrayal the way Feyre did. I will happily take Gwyn as an unknowing pawn, but for Nesta’s sake I do not want evil Gwyn. Gwyn’s actions are suspicious and cannot be ignored, but I do not want her to be a bad guy.
And what’s more, I don’t need her to be a bad guy to prop up my ship. I wish Gwyn happiness, which is why I would never want her with Azriel. How could she be happy with a male who has no interest in her and is already openly stated to be falling for Elain?
Antis however cannot say the same. They want, need, Evil Elain to justify their ship. Because if Elain isn’t a villain, if she is just a girl in love, then Azriel will always choose her. Even over Mor, or anyone else that comes along. I think that fact alone says it all about which ship will end up sailing.
