This Onyx Storm Theory Suggests Fourth Wing’s Already Problematic Dynamics Could Get Even Worse

Anticipation for Rebecca Yarros’ upcoming Fourth Wing sequel is creating a swirl of theories online, making the wait for Onyx Storm January release almost unbearable. However, many of these theories are deeply supported by things Yarros has secretly introduced in The Empyrean Series, and if one Onyx Storm theory does end up playing out, it could re-introduce one of the books’ most problematic relationship dynamics.

Fourth Wing quickly kicks off with a classic love triangle scenario—a plot device used frequently by Yarros to create tension between characters and drive the overall story forward. Throughout the books, both Violet and Xaden struggle with this, specifically with Dain and Catriona. Given they no longer feel threatened by either, it would come as no surprise for Yarros to add another avenue of conflict between Violet and Xaden in Onyx Storm—such as bonding Violet to another rider.

If Andarna Finds A Mate, Violet Will Be Bonded To Another Rider

This Could Add A New Love-Triangle Dynamic To The Story

It’s made known throughout both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame that Violet and Xaden’s bond is an incredibly rare occurrence as it’s unlikely for two riders to bond with mated dragons. But as Violet has been set up to be an anomaly throughout the series, it’s not too far-fetched to believe she could bond two sets of mated dragons. If Andarna does find her mate during the events of Onyx Storm, a popular fan theory is that Violet would find herself uniquely bonded to another rider at Basgiath—something that would have never happened before.

Violet and Xaden’s relationship leans heavily on their rare ability to speak mind-to-mind, and adding another character to the mix will likely create problems with their currently troubled communication issues. While it’s doubtful Xaden would feel comfortable with anyone bonding with Violet in this way, readers have speculated that one Fourth Wing character Xaden dislikes has been set up to do so—Cam Tauri, the prince of Navarre.

Xaden and Cam’s Relationship Has Already Hinted To Potential Issues Down The Line

Their Existing Issues Will Amplify In Book Three

The series has already set up conflict between Xaden and Cam—who also goes by the alias Aaric Graycastle—and it’s likely an additional rider’s bond would fold Cam’s character back into the story in a major way. During the events of Iron Flame, Yarros reveals Violet and Cam are childhood friends and briefly touches on the fact that Xaden killed Cam’s brother—something Cam deeply despises him for. However, Yarros does not resolve the plot further, likely leaving their feud to play out in the next Fourth Wing book.

If Yarros implements another rider’s bond with Violet, she could use Cam’s arrogant nature to amplify his conflict with Xaden—as Cam had taunted Xaden with Violet once before. In chapter thirty-three of Iron Flame, Cam pulls Violet through a ward in the archives but purposefully leaves Xaden behind to antagonize him. The tension brewing between their two characters will likely grow in Onyx Storm, and could potentially give readers a better understanding of the Tauri monarchy in books to come.

Onyx Storm

Genre

Fantasy

Publisher

Entangled: Red Tower Books

Publication Date

2025/01/01

ISBN#

1649374186

Author(s)

Rebecca Yarros

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