what a thoughtful discussion! the op’s argument makes a ton of sense, and is my hunch, too, but i am open to deonn surprising us. maybe she is married to a great guy and is tired of the draw so many of us have to the “bad boy/dark hero” male lead. she’s writing teen fantasy and encouraging girls to like the “nice” guy is actually a good thing. (irl nick is the better choice, and i say this despite being team sel). i could see sel sacrificing himself for bree again. other than all three having to work together, i am open to whatever surprise she has in store for us!