Be advised—this article contains spoilers for Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm. The conclusion of Onyx Storm has left a lasting impression on its audience, which is characteristic of Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Series. The rapid and unexpected marriage between Violet and Xaden took many by surprise, while the cliffhanger raised numerous questions about the storyline’s future. Fans are eager to learn about Andarna’s early return, the identity of Xaden’s new venin brother, and the ramifications of Xaden’s transformation into an asim. With the expectation of a two-year wait for the next installment, readers now turn to Yarros’ skillful foreshadowing for hints of what lies ahead.
Following the publication of both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, speculation surged across online platforms where fans eagerly pieced together clues from Yarros’ writing.Onyx Storm has prompted similar theories within just a week after its release, with readers dissecting the text for indicators of upcoming plot developments. This article will focus on the most compelling theories, supported by key quotes and overarching themes in Onyx Storm.
10. The Isle Kingdoms Have Been Stripped of Magic by the Venin
Violet’s Observations of the Isles
The Isle Kingdoms significantly influence the plot of Onyx Storm, and Yarros meticulously examines this new territory. During Violet’s quest to locate Andarna’s seventh dragon den and forge alliances for Navarre, she frequently notes the Isles’ colors, observing their dullness and vitality, or lack thereof. Her first impressions upon arriving in Deverelli highlight this issue as she describes how the flora and fauna appear muted and devoid of vibrancy.
“All of it is the same muted green as Deverelli.”
—Onyx Storm, Chapter 29
The land in the Isle Kingdoms bears an alarming resemblance to Navarre, where the venin have drained vitality—indicating a history of loss. Although Violet’s observations might be misinterpreted due to the Isles’ unique climate, Yarros seems to use the recurring theme of muted colors to imply lingering venin influence. This suggests that the land, although healing, may have once faced devastation.
9. Violet’s Hair Has Fully Turned Silver
Brennan’s Confused Reaction at Onyx Storm’s Conclusion
8. Tairn and Sgaeyl’s Mating Bond is Severed
Andarna May Hold the Key to Bonding Mechanics
The finale of Onyx Storm creates tension not only for Violet and Xaden but also for Tairn and Sgaeyl, who might be affected by Xaden’s departure. As detailed in Iron Flame, a pairing of dragons can’t be separated for extended periods due to their powerful bond. Theories flaring on Reddit now suggest that Tairn and Sgaeyl’s bond could have been broken.
“So end it.”He angles his head, and the scales above his eyes furrow into a single line.“Bonds are merely magical ties. You are irid. You are magic. Bend it, shape it, break it as you see fit.”
—Onyx Storm, Chapter 53
Various clues supporting this theory arise as the narrative reveals Xaden and Sgaeyl require Tairn’s consent for their plans. In the climactic moments, Violet senses a clouded bond with Tairn, which Andarna suggests is due to a peculiar need for recuperation. This raises speculation that Andarna—mentioned by Leothan as having the ability to establish or sever bonds—could have interfered to protect Violet.
7. Anticipated Pregnancy for Violet in the Fourth Empyrean Novel
Several Hints Indicate This Possibility
The concept of heirs recurs throughout Onyx Storm. Although Violet and Xaden’s relationship doesn’t discuss this directly, Xaden’s future responsibilities involve ensuring lineage for Tyrrendor. Notably, the Irids’ discussion about venin and their potential offspring suggests some level of evolutionary potential.Irids state, “their offspring could evolve”, leading to speculation that a child could help counterbalance Xaden’s venin transformation.
The theory gains traction when considering that, in contrast to typical venin experiences, Xaden retains his emotional connection, implying that his bond with Violet might be pivotal in allowing him to keep parts of his soul intact.
6. Brennan’s Rune Scar Tied to Naolin’s Venin Powers
Sloane’s Powers Appear to Leave No Mark
“Weird. There’s no mark at the back of his neck like he carries on his palm. There hadn’t been one on Dain’s wrist, either.”
– Onyx Storm, Chapter 59
The implication that Brennan’s rune scar does not align with traditional patterns establishes significant suspicion. If Naolin is indeed a venin, then it could be that this rune functions analogously to the sigils shaping venin-created wyverns, suggesting Brennan may be used by Naolin unbeknownst to him.
5. A Possible Link Between the Irids and the Venin
Instinctual Recognition of Xaden’s Venin Nature
The Irids’ initial response upon encountering Andarna and Violet reveals striking indifference regarding Navarre’s conflict with the venin. Their nonchalance warrants concern, suggesting they consider the venin a blight, yet uncharacteristically accept the idea of their devastation. Notably, Xaden’s eyes glow red when he approaches them—indicating an unusual interaction since no other dragon has discerned his venin nature without his prior channeling.
This peculiarity hints at a connection between Irid and venin magics, particularly when recalling that the disappearance of both species from Navarre happened simultaneously following the Great War six centuries ago.
4. Bodhi, Identified as Xaden’s New Venin Brother
An Evolving Character Arc Endorses This Theory
Bodhi plays a more significant role in Onyx Storm compared to prior entries in the series, leading many fans to deduce he is Xaden’s new venin brother. Notably, Xaden reflects on the identity of his new brother, who appears to have witnessed his struggle with becoming venin.
This scenario limits the possibilities to either Bodhi or Garrick. Nevertheless, Bodhi’s continual portrayal as powerful yet avoided suggests he is the more probable candidate. Throughout the novel, he feels frustration towards being sidelined and even experiences illness after critical moments. Ultimately, Xaden’s decision to leave Tyrrendor to Violet indicates Bodhi’s removal from contention for leadership.
3. The Venin’s Pursuit for a Powerful Army
They Are Targeting Renowned Wielders
From the onset of Onyx Storm, it is apparent that Xaden and Violet’s signet abilities once united against the venin, with the stakes heightened by their unique significance as contemporary wielders of legendary signets since the Great War. Throughout the series, Violet and Xaden’s powers are established as the strongest. An epigraph in Chapter Two reinforces this point, indicating that their kind of signets manifest very rarely in conjunction with others.
The rarest signets—those that rise once in a generation or century—have manifested concurrently with an equal twice in our records, both critical times in our history, but only once have the six most powerful walked the Continent simultaneously. As fascinating as that spectacle must have been, I would rather not live to see it happen again.
—A Study On Signets by Marjor Daltaon Sisneros
Theories underline that the venin, fixated on Xaden and Violet’s powers, may be endeavoring to monopolize the six legendary signets—one of which they currently possess—and are intent on targeting Violet next. While the identity of the remaining four wielders remains a mystery, potential candidates include Garrick with his distance wielding and Imogen with her rock-signets.
2. Prospective Romance Between Dain and Sloan
Their Dynamic Resembles That of Violet and Xaden
Only a few moments allude to a potential connection between Dain and Sloan, though their interactions radiate romantic tension. Previously, Sloane held animosity towards Dain, blaming him for her brother’s demise. However, in Onyx Storm, hints suggest underlying feelings might exist. Notable is a pivotal scene where Violet perceives Sloane’s conflicted emotions toward Dain, interpreting them as longing or resentment.
Sloane’s hesitance to embrace her abilities following her past trauma contrasts strongly with Dain’s supportive demeanor, showing striking parallels to Violet and Xaden’s original dynamic of conflict and attraction. This concurrent development culminates when they united during a rescue mission, reinforcing the possibility of a blossoming romance.
1. Aaric’s Knowledge of His Own Fate
His Gift of Precognition Lets Him Foresee the Future
The revelation of Aaric’s signet introduces unforeseen complexities. Speculations indicate he can glimpse into the future, which becomes apparent through his orders directing Violet to safeguard Dunne’s temple. He also tasks Sloane with delivering a crucial weapon to confront Theophanie. However, it is suggested that his ability extends further into the future.
“I will fight in this war, most likely die, and do so knowing that I protected others.”
—Onyx Storm, Chapter 36
This idea gains weight when Aaric, in dialogue with Hedotis rulers, hints at foreknowledge regarding his brother’s ascension to the throne, thereby alluding to his demise in the conflict. The implications set the stage for a potential moral weight that may influence future events within the Fourth Wing narrative.
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