r/SarahJMaas

Hi everyone! My partner and I are currently debating this because we’re both confused about the necklace situation in Azriel’s bonus chapter for ACOTAR 5 (ACOSF) which we literally just discovered existed today. This bonus chapter lowkey irritated us both.

Spoilers for the entire SJM universe below:👇

My main question: How does Azriel get the necklace back? And what was he thinking?!

In the bonus chapter, Azriel puts the necklace on Elain, gets interrupted by Rhysand, and later gifts what appears to be the same necklace to Gwyn. But we never actually see what happens to it in between.

I keep seeing explanations mistakenly repeated in discussions as though they’re established canon:

1) Elain gave it back. We never see this happen. The last time we see the necklace with Elain, it’s still around her neck when Azriel leaves.

2) Azriel took it back himself. We never see this happen, either.
Both are theories, not confirmed explanations. The text simply tells us that Azriel finds the necklace again the following morning.
Could Rhysand have taken it? Could the House of Wind have somehow been involved? There are possibilities, but none are confirmed as far as I can tell.

The only concrete detail we get is that the following morning, Azriel “found Elain’s necklace amid the pile” of presents at the River House. It’s back in his possession, mixed in with his other gifts, but we’re never told how it got there.

Am I missing an actual textual clue, or is this genuinely left unexplained? I know we’re meant to assume or infer Elaine left it but you truly never know with SJM so it’s worth wondering. I’m hesitant to treat fan theories as canon when the book itself doesn’t establish what happened.

🎁And can we talk about the decision to regift it in the first place? Azriel’s treating the Night Court like a Secret Santa exchange, recycling romantic gestures within the same friend group until one person accepts. 😭 Sir, these women have to see each other!

Honestly, this whole situation has soured my perception of Azriel. The necklace felt like a meaningful gesture, and regifting it makes that gesture feel less personal to both potential pairings. It also makes me question his judgment and credibility in a way I hadn’t before. It lessens his connection are care for Elaine. Is lessens his gesture to Gwyn. Is lessens the impact of his decision making. It weakens him altogether and gives off the vibes of the weird guy just trying to find anyone to make him feel good about himself. Like that one guy at the bar that can’t find a connection so just keeps going to the next girl. Idk that’s definitely too harsh but this chapter shocked me and felt very out of character, or like I was reading a fanfic.

And please, no “he’s just being a dumb boy” justifications. This is a 500+ year-old fae warrior man, not a teenage boy who doesn’t know any better to gift a meaningful item twice. I think we can critique his romantic decisions without excusing them as boyish stupidity.

At this point, I honestly don’t want either Elain or Gwyn to end up with him because they both deserve better than a man who apparently can’t figure out what he wants or give a gift without creating a mess. And this has even watered down my dream ship of Azriel and Bryce… at this point, I don’t even feel silly for that, Azriel seems to smile for whichever girl is nice to him. Gwyn asked why he’s a shadow singer and that little line brought a smile to his face and next thing you know he’s giving her an anonymous gift. Idk…. How am I supposed to root for him with anyone when this whole situation makes him look so indecisive and careless with other people’s feelings?

What are your interpretations of the necklace situation? And has it changed how you view Azriel?

I do not understand nor stand this Nesta attack!!!💀😭 How do you not like nesta she is actually the best part of the whole series and am so excited for ACOTAR 6 & 7

I wanna make myself a shirt with Danika, The Suriel, and Nehemia on it and some text but can’t decide between:

Patron Saints of the Plot
Martyr Club
More Than Your Average Plot Device
Not Your Character Development

Thoughts?