Briony Thorburn and Finley Blair might be my favourite couple in All of Us Villains. they weren't appealing at first. them in aouv was mild but in All of Our Demise truly showed their characteristics as an individual.
Previously, Briony and Finley were described as two confident, self-reliant and grounded people. although it might look like they could be the perfect match, These two were never meant for each other. They were too similar in a lot of ways. Their solid principles made it hard for them to hold together.
But along the way (in aoud), Briony and Finley get to rediscover themselves through the tournament. Their lives depended on it.
Having two competent people being challenged, their own principles were threatened and their beliefs constantly shook to the point where they started to question themselves as their own - not as a couple.
"I guess Innes was right about me. I'm still trying to play the hero." - Briony
This kiss had reminded her of the future worth fighting for. But for him, it was a cruel taste of everything they'd never been allowed to want.
"I'm so tired- of wanting impossible things." - Finley
Briony acts on emotions. Her confidence allowed her to be herself. But not for Finley. His family's code is a bible. Blair's way of life is a religion. And he came from a family that abides to these rules and keeping up with these perfection, despite wanting something for himself.
So when both of them found each other in the tournament, they were forced to face the inevitable.
Briony had to question her intention. Was it for her to become the hero or to save everyone? Did she truly stole the champion's ring for Innes or for her to be on the spotlight.
Finley had to force himself to think for himself, do things for his own survival. Even at the beginning of the tournament, he thought he had to win for his family's name. He even volunteered to be in the game. It's a code of honour. And when its up to him to survive on his own, he didn't know what to do.
Briony and Finley's journey is interesting. As much as I love Alistair and Gavin, both couples are waaaaay too different.
Briony and Finley's story arc is about character development while Alistair and Gavin story arc is about character realization.
Anyway, I have yet to finish this book. I am half-way there but I had to write this down. I honestly love their character development. It was subtle but hard to miss.