Warning! This article contains spoilers for Onyx Storm.The implications of Sloane’s growing role in the Empyrean series’ narrative, as shown in Fourth Wing's Dain Aetos - seems significant, particularly given Violet's confusion and Dain's distinction between "transferring" and "imbuing."

This subtle yet significant difference, coupled with Sloane's fear of becoming Venin, hints at a fundamental divergence between her life-giving ability and the Venin's life-draining corruption. The potential for Sloane's signet to be a key figure in the fight against the Venin grows, merging with other compelling theories surrounding Naolin and Brennan, and Fourth Wing.

Sloane Siphoning From Dain Into Brennan Had A Big Clue In Onyx Storm

Sloane's Siphon Power Could Be Even More Important In The Next Book

When Sloane siphons from Dain to save Mira’s life in Onyx Storm, there are no marks left when she is done. Violet remarks on it, so it seems that Rebecca Yarros is being very pointed about it because it will be important in books 4 and 5. In the same section is an Onyx Storm quote from Dain that “transferring is different from imbuing.” Sloane’s hesitancy in using her signet stems from her being afraid to become Venin, but Dain’s reassurance sets up the key difference between siphoning and draining.

This could be a very big clue about the implications of Sloane’s signet, opening up big Venin theories - whereas the Venin are death and draining life, Dain emphasizes that Sloane is life. Her signet is special because she can move power around and be a vessel, as opposed to reaching for it and draining it with dire consequences. Her power does not leave a mark because Yarros is differentiating her signet and the Venin’s draining abilities, which discolor their source, leaving a grey mark.

Sloane's Signet Could Be The Key To Curing Venin

A Siphon Could Be Key In Redistributing Power, Redressing Nature's Balance

I am glad I’m not alone in suspecting Sloane holds the key to reversing the Venin's corruption - there are several theories on Reddit along the same lines. With her unique ability to siphon magic, the potential is palpable. She could draw the stolen power directly from the Venin and return it to the earth, restoring balance. Onyx Storm seems to hint at this. It is hard to dismiss the idea that her power, showcased so vividly, could be the very solution that is right in front of them as they scour the Isles for answers.

However, there are other possibilities to consider. Perhaps Sloane's siphon alone isn't enough. It might require a combination of her ability and a mender's touch to fully restore the earth. Or, given Sloane's status as a marked one, the potential for a second, hidden signet is there, too. If this manifests, it could be the key to a complete cure when combined with her siphoning.

If siphoning and mending are the key combination, Sloane could be instrumental in curing Xaden. She could siphon Violet’s “pure power” drawn from the sky to counter his corrupt Venin power drawn from the earth and use her mending ability to heal him, as he has a single thread of humanity left.

Sloane Being The Cure For Venin Would Be Very Fitting

Liam's Absence Is Perhaps The Most Poignant In The Series

It would be poetic for Sloane to be the key to the cure. Liam was one of the first losses in the books, and certainly the first big loss to the Venin. Liam’s death undoubtedly has weight - his presence is still felt long after, via his letters written to Sloane and in other contexts, such as Violet hallucinating his ghost to get through the experience of being tortured by Varrish in Iron Flame. His sister being the cure would save Xaden. This would be very touching, considering how much Xaden did to help the marked ones after the rebellion.

There are other ways Liam’s protective legacy could inform the cure. Liam and Sloane’s mother was gifted with runes, which has opened up speculation about how much about runes Liam and Sloane know. Violet is pointedly not gifted with runes compared to her other talents and expertise, so it seems likely she will need to lean on this knowledge.

It is also possible Liam could be helping from beyond the grave via runes - for example, he could have woven runes into the dragons he was carving during Fourth Wing. Although Sloane’s signet is important, the power of runes should not be underestimated and could be significant, too.

Sloane's Siphoning May Be Connected To Another Fourth Wing Theory

Theories Abound About What Happened Between Brennan And Naolin

The mystery surrounding Naolin, Tairn's previous rider, has sparked a compelling theory within the "Fourth Wing" fandom: that he became Venin. This interpretation, fueled by Brennan's ambiguous statement in the Empyrean series' Iron Flame - that Naolin's sacrifice "cost him everything," rather than confirming his death - suggests Naolin's transformation could be a key to finding a Venin cure. This theory directly connects to Sloane's unique siphoning signet, as her ability to draw magic from corrupted sources could be crucial in extracting the Venin's tainted power, potentially offering a path to healing Naolin and others.

However, a counter-theory emerges, suggesting Brennan himself might be affected by Venin. Violet's confusion regarding the absence of siphoning marks on Brennan, contrasting with his marked hand, raises questions. Given the Venin's method of drawing power from the earth, it's possible Brennan attempted to mend a severe injury by channeling magic, leading Naolin to burn out while trying to siphon the corrupted energy.

Sloane's signet is not just a power, but a critical tool in understanding the Venin...

Regardless of whether Naolin or Brennan is Venin, Sloane's role as a siphon in Onyx Storm becomes increasingly significant. Her abilities, mirroring Naolin's, position her as a pivotal character in unraveling the Venin's secrets, while her knowledge of runes could facilitate Liam's indirect return to the narrative. This reinforces the idea that Sloane's signet is not just a power, but a critical tool in understanding the Venin and potentially reversing their dark influence.

Source: Reddit