Onyx Storm Resolves Fourth Wing’s Most Confusing Liam Moment After Nearly 2 Years

Onyx Storm, the latest addition to Rebecca Yarros’ acclaimed Empyrean Series, has stirred a whirlwind of excitement among fans. While the conclusion of this novel left several intriguing questions unanswered, it also validated a long-pondered theory that traces back to the earlier book, Fourth Wing. The narrative raises significant queries, including Xaden’s mysterious venin transformation and Violet’s quest for Andarna’s seventh dragon breed. However, a primary topic of speculation has been centered on the concept of second signets and whether other characters, besides Violet and Xaden, possess them. This debate was initially sparked by an unusual scene in the conclusion of Fourth Wing, where Liam is depicted wielding ice, despite his established signet being farsight.

Initially, readers speculated that Liam’s ice manipulation was merely a slip in continuity during editing. Nonetheless, the subsequent revelation in Iron Flame regarding Xaden’s possession of a second signet prompted fans to revisit the theory suggesting that the marked ones—children of the Tyrrish Rebellion—could potentially access an additional signet through their rebellion relics. Finally, in Onyx Storm, Yarros confirms this insightful theory, elucidating that multiple marked individuals indeed possess a second signet.

Clarifying Liam’s Ice-Wielding Scene in Fourth Wing

Xaden Validates Liam’s Ice-Wielding Ability

Upon discovering Garrick’s second signet in Samara, Violet connects his ability to wield a second signet to the marked ones’ rebellion relics. In a revealing conversation with Xaden, she recalls her earlier belief that she witnessed Liam wielding ice—a moment that has perplexed readers since Fourth Wing. Xaden’s response provides clarity, affirming that many riders with rebellion relics possess the capability to wield a second signet, although this is not universally applicable.

I shake my head.“You don’t owe me your friends’ secrets.”My brow knits.“But twenty hours of flying game me some time to think. You. Garrick.”I tilt my head.“And I once thought I saw Liam…”

“Wield ice, ”Xaden says, stroking his thumb along my chin.

—Onyx Storm, Chapter 12

While readers were already aware of Xaden’s second signet, Violet is one of the few characters to know this detail. Xaden elaborates that since not every marked one is known to develop a second signet, his singular signet went unnoticed. This notion is reinforced later when Violet inquires with Bodhi about his signet, to which he responds, “Don’t have one. Just like Xaden.”However, Yarros’ confirmation regarding Liam’s second signet introduces an exciting new layer to the narrative. Even though Bodhi has not manifested a second signet, Imogen’s ability to wield rock is later unveiled.

Liam’s Ice Power: A Hint of Broader Signets Among the Marked Ones

Marked Ones: A Heightened Power Level

Fourth Wing, Onyx Storm, Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros — Custom Image by Yailin Chacon

Rebecca Yarros has long hinted at the likelihood of second signets among the marked ones. Revisiting Violet’s observations in Fourth Wing adds significant weight to the revelations presented in Onyx Storm. However, Liam’s ice manipulation wasn’t the sole indication prompting readers to theorize about the presence of additional signets within this group. The marked ones found themselves uniquely positioned within the narrative, forcibly integrated into the quadrant. Unlike others, riders with rebellion relics did not repeat their first year if they failed to bond during threshing, highlighting their distinctive nature.

Yarros skillfully foreshadowed these dynamics, leaving readers to sense that the marked ones hold deeper significance. Their consistent ability to bond while also manifesting notably powerful signets—such as Imogen’s mind-erasing talent or Bodhi’s counter-signet—has hinted at their unique attributes compared to other characters. The parallels drawn between their rebellion relics and the dragon relics bestowed upon riders post-threshing suggest that these relics may grant them additional powers. Confirmations made in Onyx Storm solidify the idea that the marked ones’ abilities transcend those of their peers.

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