#the day we see a SJM FMC chasing a male is not today

[starsreminisce]

“I belong to no one. But my heart belongs to you.” Graysen’s face hardened. “I don’t want it.” He would have been better off hitting her, that’s how deep the hurt in her eyes went. And seeing her face crumple …

Rhys vanished, and Azriel was left standing before Elain, who still awaited his kiss. His stomach twisted as he pulled his hand from her hair and stepped back. Forced himself to say, "This was a mistake.” She opened her eyes, hurt and confusion warring there before she whispered, "I’m sorry." “You don't-- Don't apologize,” he managed to say. "Never apologize. It's I who should…” He shook his head, unable to stand the bleakness he'd brought to her expression. "Goodnight.” 

Elain endeavored twice to convince herself that her mating bond held no significance, only to be scorched by the romantic rejection of two different males. Regardless of their varied reasons for turning her down, the outcome was the same – Elain felt the sting of hurt. The reasons behind the rejections became inconsequential when the pain persisted.

SJM has a penchant for starting her FMCs at their lowest, prior to being with their lifelong partners. Surprisingly, Elain's ultimate low point might not be the broken mating bond, but rather another rejection from someone she had anticipated prioritizing love over a mere mating bond.

She mourned her broken engagement for months, to the extent that Lucien still inquired of Feyre if she continued to grieve for him.

In ACOSF, we witness a transformed Elain – confident, assertive, and willing to confront Nesta, involving herself in the Dread Trove discussion, and insisting on attending the Hewn City Solstice despite its cruelty and the unsuitability of black for her.

Elain has evolved considerably over the year, choosing to assert that she doesn't need a mate. Though details about her interactions with Lucien are sparse, subtle cues indicate their continued connection and mutual influence. Elain's lingering wariness and Lucien's discomfort suggest an underlying tension.

I wonder if Lucien's presence triggers Elain's rebellious instincts, compelling her to assert that she doesn't need him, even while maintaining the bond.

Azriel, offering encouragement at the party, exhibited charged glances and physical closeness. Despite her boldness, he took a step back, labeling their interaction a mistake. Elain, a keen observer, calculated the risks but was unprepared for Azriel's rejection, which stung deeply.

Her response to his rejection was to return his gift as she retreated upstairs.

Hopeful for a change of heart, Elain spent over six months anticipating Graysen's reconsideration. She had hoped Azriel's stay that one night was meant for her. She is determined not to repeat the same mistake she made with Graysen in her dealings with Azriel.

Despite skeptics claiming SJM would not address a rejected mating bond, they forget what followed Rhys's mention:

Many mated pairs strive to make it work, convinced that the Cauldron chose them for a reason.

Elain may be reaching a juncture where she needs to give her mating bond a chance, especially considering her looks at Lucien – none betraying hurt.

After all, there is a reason why she has yet to break it.