Fourth Wing: 10 Details You Might’ve Missed In The Empyrean Series Books That Could Be Important In Onyx Storm

Rebecca Yarros’ long-awaited Onyx Storm is releasing in just a few weeks, and ahead of the next installment, many are re-reading the beloved Empyrean Series to best prepare. It’s a commonly known fact that Yarros has subtly foreshadowed several big moments throughout the series thus far. Knowing this, it’s more than likely that seemingly minor details from both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame will actually become important plot points in the later series.

While several Onyx Storm reveals have provided glimpses into what the next book will hold, it’s through the series’ first two novels that readers can glean the most vital information. Rereads of a book or series will often provide readers with greater insight, as the book’s later plot twists and main narratives are often foreshadowed far before they are revealed. And there are several details that may have been meticulously placed by Yarros in the early books that will play an important role throughout Onyx Storm.

10

Fourth Wing Is Transcribed By Jessinia

Jessinia Becomes Curator Of The Scribe Quadrant At Basgiath

The epigraph right before the first novel begins states that the text has been faithfully transcribed from Navarrian into the modern language. This statement alone is perplexing, as readers would have expected the modern tongue to be Navarrian itself. However, this may be a clue to readers that something changes across the continent further into the series—and some central language must arrive, or return, to unite the many peoples.

Additionally, this signifies that Jessinia survived long enough not only to translate a series of events into a historical text, but to become the Curator of the Scribe Quadrant. Knowing the scribe quadrant currently has some questionable ties to the venin, it’s safe to assume the scribe quadrant as readers know it will be vastly different later on—and all for the better. There are some who believe this epigraph in Fourth Wing hints at both Violet and Xaden’s deaths, as the epigraphs before each chapter are at times sourced as recovered correspondence between the two riders.

9

Andarna’s Feathertail Gift May Not Have Disappeared

Violet May Still Have The Gift Of Time

In Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, it’s greatly discussed that feathertails, or adolescent dragons, hold unique powers and gifts before they fully mature. This is confirmed when Andarna stops time through Violet in Fourth Wing, but, when Iron Flame picks up, Andarna’s gift is said to have disappeared. However, there’s one statement from Tairn in Fourth Wing that might contradict this belief. When Andarna explains her gift to Violet in the first novel, it’s stated that feathertails can gift their power to their rider, but Tairn mentions that “most feathertail gifts disappear with maturity when they begin to channel”.

While Yarros has mentioned that Violet’s second signet is present throughout Iron Flame, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that Andarna’s power has been channeled just yet.

While Yarros has mentioned that Violet’s second signet is present throughout Iron Flame, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that Andarna’s power has been channeled just yet. This could mean Andarna potentially still has the gift of time—as she has not begun to channel. And this fact could also provide further clarity to Iron Flame‘s subtle dialogue surrounding time measured in heartbeats. This is especially suspicious, as through Violet’s POV, it almost seems she’s slowing time to better analyze specific situations.

8

Naolin May Still Be Alive

Brennan Says “It Cost Him Everything” To Save Him

Tairn’s previous, and only rider before Violet, Naolin was said to have died attempting to resurrect Brennan from his death. The Navarrian government claims that this has to do with his siphoning signet, and that he reached burnout and killed himself in the process. However, the Navarrian government was not even aware of Brennan’s survival, leading to questions regarding Naolin’s actual fate.

This is not something Tairn likes to reminisce about, and is often evasive when it comes to speaking about his previous rider. But Brennan has also been rather aloof when speaking about the experience, stating that it cost Naolin everything in order to save him—never actually stating he was dead. Fourth Wing theories instead speculate that Naolin, willingly or not, siphoned power from the earth and became venin in his attempts to resurrect Brennan.

7

Brennan Has A Rune On His Hand

Runes Are Typically Placed On Weapons

In Iron Flame, Yarros discreetly mentions a unique rune on Violet’s brother’s hand—but never further discloses its meaning. However, Yarros did make sure to explain the significance of runes throughout the narrative, and it’s known they are often strands of a rider’s power to be woven for a specific use. These are typically used to forge weapons, making Brennan’s need for one on his person so perplexing.

Aside from learning rune magic in Iron Flame, it was also revealed that the venin created wyverns through runes—operating as some sort of life source for the creatures. However, when the venin who created them dies, so does the wyvern. This has caused a lot of speculation around Brennan’s character, and whether the rune on his hand is a similar mark to those of the wyvern. If Naolin did become venin to save Brennan’s life, it’s highly possible the rune on his hand is what’s keeping him alive.

6

Violet Had Two Exes Before Xaden

One May Be The Crown Prince, Halden

In Fourth Wing, Violet mentions she has had two previous relationships, but has not yet disclosed who she was with. As Iron Flame explored Xaden’s past with Catriona, it’s likely Onyx Storm could introduce one of Violet’s exes to the storyline as well. And as fan theories have been exploring the idea, one character in particular stands out above the rest—The Crown Prince of Navarre, Halden.

Halden is briefly mentioned in Iron Flame, as Aaric (or Cam Tauri) is revealed to be the Crown Prince’s younger brother. Yarros had previously explained that Violet grew up close to the royal family, as General Sorrengail often worked closely with the king. Knowing this, it’s highly possible Violet had previously dated or had relations with Halden—at least until he became Crown Prince after his elder brother’s death in the rider’s quadrant.

5

Jack Became Venin In Fourth Wing

He Pushes His Stolen Power Into Violet During Their Training

When re-reading Fourth Wing, it becomes glaringly obvious that Jack became venin well before his fall during the war games. In a training session in which Violet and Jack are paired to spar, Violet describes an excruciating pain being pushed into her body—and even Professor Emetterio and Dain feel the effects when they attempt to pull Jack off of her. This scene also describes his eyes as being red in hue—a tell-tale sign of becoming venin.

However, it’s unknown how he discovered the ability to draw power from the source, especially so early into the school year. While Yarros has yet to fully disclose Jack’s history of becoming venin, it’s apparent he knows more than he’s let on. Markham’s investment in Jack’s return to Basgiath in Iron Flame is also incredibly suspicious. Based on the Onyx Storm excerpt, it’s known the scribes are somehow involved with the venin—and Markham may very well have been responsible for Jack’s transition.

4

Violet’s Father’s Full Name Is Never Mentioned

The Secrets Surrounding Violet’s Father Feel Intentional

Violet’s father is still a complete mystery, and Yarros has yet to disclose any information regarding his character’s research throughout the Empyrean Series. But perhaps the most unusual detail of all is the omission of his name throughout Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. Yarros explains that General Sorrengail kept her own maiden name—leading to several unanswered questions regarding the true identity of Violet’s father.

No character has yet to reference him by name, often referring to him as Violet’s father when he comes up in conversation. It’s an odd choice by Yarros to keep this detail a secret, but perhaps Yarros has been purposefully obscure in order to create a greater reveal later in the narrative. Hopefully Onyx Storm will explore his character in more depth, as his research, as well as his identity, has long been in question.

3

Imogen Has Used Her Mind-Erasing Signet In Fourth Wing & Iron Flame

Several Scenes Could Have Been Erased From Violet’s POV

When Fourth Wing’s paperback was released in September 2024, Yarros unveiled an all-new bonus chapter from Xaden’s POV. This came with several revelations, but one of the biggest was learning that Imogen secretly used her signet in Fourth Wing. Imogen’s memory-erasing signet has yet to be explored in major detail, and little is known as to how often she’s used her powers. This has caused a lot of speculation regarding Imogen, and the fact that she may have used her powers several times throughout the series thus far.

Imogen’s memory-erasing signet has yet to be explored in major detail, and little is known as to how often she’s used her powers.

The bonus chapter is the first-ever confirmation of Imogen’s use of her signet, and it calls into question several other scenarios in which it may have been used—including her and Violet’s first sparring match. During this scene, Professor Emetterio and Dain both call for Imogen to stop using her signet, but at this time readers are unaware of what her signet could be. However, it is later revealed that she can erase memories—but how many of Violet’s she has meddled with is yet to be seen.

2

The Colors Of Dragons Seem To Follow A Similar Pattern To Their Riders

Specifically In The Case Of Orange And Blue Dragons

Throughout Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, the different breeds of dragons have often been categorized by their color—but based on an Empyrean Series trend, their unique traits may also manifest in the type of rider they choose. So far, there have been several patterns with regard to both blue and orange dragons—one breed often choosing those of royal blood, while the other has a tendency to select riders with evil natures. This is seen in both Xaden and Aaric’s blue dragons, as well as Jack and Varrish’s orange dragons.

The Empyrean has six different breeds of dragon. However, it’s revealed in Iron Flame that Andarna is secretly from a seventh den.

It’s unlikely this pattern is a coincidence, as Yarros has stated on several occasions that she plans out even the most minute details. Both Xaden and Aaric come from a line of royalty; Xaden to Aretia, and Aaric to Navarre. Whereas riders with orange dragons such as Jack and Varrish have proven to be villains to Fourth Wing‘s narrative. However, there’s one other rider that does not yet fit the description of an orange dragon rider—Brennan, Violet’s brother. Whether Yarros has plans to villainize Brennan’s character or not, the patterns seen in dragon selection can’t be by mere chance.

1

The Isle Kingdoms Have Been Mentioned In Several Scenes

Yarros’ Consistent Referencing Can’t Be Coincidental

Based on the French Onyx Storm cover blurb, it’s apparent that Violet will be traveling across the continent in search of the seventh den of dragons—in addition to finding a cure for Xaden and his transition into venin. And from the repeated mention of the Isle Kingdoms throughout both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, it’s likely Yarros is foreshadowing its importance. These subtle clues make it highly possible Violet’s journey will bring her to the elusive country in Onyx Storm.

Yarros also discloses that the Isle Kingdoms were one of Navarre’s allies in the great war—and they may hold previous knowledge of the venin that Navarre’s government had destroyed. There are far too many mentions of the Isle Kingdoms to be coincidental, and hopefully their importance to the narrative will be revealed in Yarros’ Onyx Storm.