We discuss Darklina, the relationship between Alina and the Darkling. We ask such questions as: Was the Darkling ever into Alina? How did Bardugo manage to fit four of Kat and JJ’s favorite tropes into one relationship? Is it because of or despite the lack of time they spend together that we became so invested? And Anjali asks: must one actually be invested in the first place? Special bonus nerd discussion of how Occam’s Razor supports or fails to support the romantic interest argument.Contains spoilers for the Netflix Shadow and Bone show, the Shadow and Bone trilogy, and occasional reference to the King of Scars duology.