Based on the provided information, the Djinn did not explicitly state or outwardly demonstrate love for Alithea before her specific wish for him to love her, nor did he appear particularly excited when she made that wish.
Unpacking the Djinn's Sentiments Towards Alithea
The relationship between the Djinn and Alithea is portrayed with a nuanced complexity, particularly concerning the nature and timing of his affections. While Alithea ultimately desires love, the narrative offers specific insights into the Djinn's state of mind and expressions of emotion leading up to her pivotal wish.
Absence of Explicit Declaration
Before Alithea explicitly expressed her wish for him to love her, the Djinn's actions and words did not include an outright declaration of his love for her. The reference highlights two key points regarding his emotional state:
- He never says he loves her before her wish. This indicates a lack of verbal confirmation of romantic feelings from his side prior to her decision.
- Furthermore, when Alithea voices her desire for him to love her, he does not respond with visible enthusiasm; he does not smile or seem particularly excited. This suggests that his immediate reaction to her wish for love was not one of overt joy or reciprocal passion.
The Role of Her Wish and His Past
The Djinn's vivid stories of his past experiences and relationships played a significant role in Alithea's journey, ultimately influencing her to use her wishes. It was through these narratives that she was moved to articulate her own deep-seated desire to be loved. This dynamic implies that her wish might have been more of a catalyst for their relationship to evolve, rather than a response to pre-existing, clearly expressed love from the Djinn.
Interestingly, there are clues and hints that Alithea is similar to his previous lover, Zefir. This parallel suggests a deeper, possibly subconscious, connection or recognition on the Djinn's part. While not an explicit declaration of love, such similarities could indicate a profound resonance or a rekindling of past affections that might develop into love over time. This layer adds complexity to his feelings, moving beyond a simple yes or no to the question of love, and pointing towards a bond that is perhaps more intricate than immediate romantic infatuation.
In essence, the information indicates a developing and complex connection, where explicit declarations of love from the Djinn were absent prior to and during her wish, but where deeper, perhaps unexpressed, ties existed due to historical parallels and the powerful influence of his storytelling.
