I have hope for Violet and Xaden's story in theory about Violet and Xaden's ending after Iron Flame. Between Xaden turning venin and their arguments over trust, I am not surprised most of them are a bit bleak, as the series needs to keep that enemies-to-lovers tension going alongside of the plot. That, of course, does not make it any easier to not be worried about my two favorite characters as Onyx Storm approaches.

Though these theories make me nervous for my favorite Fourth Wing characters, I keep reminding myself that this is part of the trope. However, as I was rereading Iron Flame in preparation for Onyx Storm, I came across a line during one of Violet and Xaden's many conversations on trust. This line not only gave me hope for my favorite fictional couple, but also reignited the debate for me about just what Onyx Storm could mean for the rest of The Empyrean Series.

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Violet & Xaden's Iron Flame Story Highlights 1 Challenge Facing The Empyrean Series

Violet and Xaden face trust and communication issues in Iron Flame, and their story highlights a challenge future Empyrean books will face.

This Iron Flame Line Makes Me Think Violet & Xaden Will Come Out Of Onyx Storm Stronger

The Line Hints That The Two Will Work Out Their Trust Issues

A custom image of the Iron Flame coover on a background of flames
Custom image by Simone Ashmoore

I think that Violet and Xaden's relationship will become stronger after Onyx Storm after rereading the line Xaden said during one of their last discussions. Iron Flame was simultaneously frustrating and understandable for me. While I appreciated the on-page talks of trust, boundaries, and communication, I felt like they were constantly having the same conversation. That was until Xaden talked about how both of them were not "easy people." Xaden highlighted how both of them were stubborn and committed, how no matter the challenge they would rise above because they had to, especially now.

But they are also talking about it, confronting it as a unit and individually, making me think that this conflict will lead to them being stronger than ever as they learn to be vulnerable and accept the other's secrets.

Xaden's line about how they need to be "strong enough to withstand a storm" shows that Xaden is willing to put in the work to build up his relationship with Violet. He knows that things are only getting worse and that they are already on rocky ground. But they are also talking about it, confronting it as a unit and individually, making me think that this conflict will lead to them being stronger than ever as they learn to be vulnerable and accept the other's secrets. This could also be yet another hint at what Onyx Storm could mean.

What Storm Could Be Coming For Violet & Xaden In The Next Fourth Wing Sequel

Onyx Storm Could Refer To The Characters Or An Event

Onyx Storm could be referring to Violet and Xaden, but I think it is more likely it is referring to an event the two must face or stop. Many theories have come up about the meaning of Onyx Storm's title. The most prominent is that it could refer to Xaden betraying the group as he is now venin and his eyes are consistently referred to as onyx. Others posit it may be about Violet due to her lightning signet having to fight or stop Xaden from harming himself or others.

Due to Yarros' titling theme, I think the third book may focus on an event over a set of people. The first book's title referred to Violet's unit and the second to the wardstones. Onyx Storm could refer to an event the venin are planning around or an object they want, forcing Violet, Xaden, and their friends to act. The Iron Flame line only strengthens this theory to me, as Xaden's words could hint at them being on the same side as whatever Onyx Storm throws at them arrives, truly showcasing their devotion to each other after so much doubt.

Onyx Storm Book Cover

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Genre
Fantasy
Publisher
Entangled: Red Tower Books
Publication Date
2025/01/01
ISBN#
1649374186
Author(s)
Rebecca Yarros

Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic​.