beta
Recent chapter is very interesting in how it illustrates the relationship dynamics. There are some hallmarks of abusive relationships. Henrik pins Mason so hard his shoulder dislocated over false rumors about him and other women (they are not dating at this point). Definitely possessive, aggressive, and inappropriate behavior towards a potential partner (or anyone really).
Right after, Mason is gifted a hermit crab from him, a touching and thoughtful gift that sort of distracts him from what just happened. This is how cycles of abuse work. There is mistreatment, but also loving and supportive gestures that make the victim hesitate to judge or leave their partner. There are almost always good times sprinkled in that push the victim to tolerate the bad times, when in reality they are mistreatment