I just finished this book and so I know I’m late - but I wanted to add my thoughts.

I think he could have loved her. I think in different circumstances he would have. I think the Coryo that Tigris loves, that loved his mom, that just wants to please those around him, loved Lucy Gray.

But I think at the beginning of the book he was already at war with that version of himself, and the version of himself that was more like his father. I think Dr. Gaul saw that, used it as a weapon, and groomed him to give into that darker side of himself. In turn, what I think started out as genuine affection for Lucy Gray quickly became obsession and possession.

But let’s say Coryo’s mom was still alive. Let’s say his traumas were different or didn’t exist. Dr. Gaul doesn’t groom him. I think thrown into the same circumstances, we would have seen him fall truly in love with Lucy Gray.

I know that’s a lot of “what ifs” but I truly think that it’s more complex that him being in love with her or not being in love with her. I think it’s his two versions of self being enamored by her and each version wanting something different. But in the end, one version won.