He loves her. He loves her so much he would rather die than not be with her. That’s not how someone behaves with an object.
Stockholm syndrome requires psychological dependency without agency, which has nothing to do with Daon:
1. She does not lose her sense of self. She retains her values, her strategic thinking, and her moral line throughout the story.
2. She evaluates the ML, not just reacts to him, and she withholds parts of herself for a long time (until this very moment actually).
3. Her attachment is not born from isolation. Stockholm syndrome typically arises when the victim’s only emotional input is the captor, but Daon maintains political awareness, maintains her relationships with other characters and she ultimately acts against him when it matters most.
A woman with Stockholm syndrome does not:
1. Willingly sacrifice proximity to her abuser for the greater good
2. Act independently to prevent mass violence
3. Choose exile over protection
Exactly
Is it love or is she just his favourite object? Is she truly in love or is it just Stockholm syndrome? Is it love or is it just male class fantasy?