Graysen did not fight for the love he and Elain shared when given the chance

Azriel did not fight for Elain when given the chance.

I'm not talking about a physical fight because that's ridiculous to even consider. Elain is not a trophy to be given to the victor of battle.

I'm talking about fighting to be with her by confessing their feelings. Explaining to the ones who doubted their intentions why they want to be with her.

Graysen chose NOT to explain to his father that despite what they once believed about the Fae, his love for Elain was stronger.  Because apparently it wasn't.

Azriel chose NOT to explain to Rhys that he wanted a chance to be with Elain because she made him happy. Because she made him realize that she's what has been missing from his life. Not the bond but her warmth, her inner light, the joy he felt around her, that she made him laugh, who he saw her to be inside. It's fine that he's attracted to her but Rhys was concerned that was only what it was about. Needing to get laid and Azriel thinking he should be with her because the brothers were with the sisters. It doesn't matter if Azriel felt deeper emotions than he was letting on because when the opportunity came to show it was more than that, he didn't take it.

THAT is what it means to fight for the female you love. And neither male passed that test. It doesn't mean Azriel is a bad person but it does mean that Elain deserves someone who wants to be with her for the person she is and is willing to explain that when called into question. Who isn't afraid to confess what she means to them.

I would love someone to ask Lucien why it is he's still sticking around because I doubt his answer would be because of the bond.

“No—I didn’t have time. I felt her, but …” A blush stained his cheek.

And:

Lucien just stared and stared at my sister, as if he’d never seen her before.

Which sounds very similar to Cassian regarding Nesta:

She didn’t so much as look at Cassian as she said it. But he stared at her—as if he’d never seen her before.

To me it seems as if both Cassian and Lucien see who their mates are on the inside and that is why they can't stay away.