The ending of Onyx Storm's ending left several questions for readers to theorize over as the wait for book 4 of The Empyrean Series continues, but it was not the only section to set up major possibilities for the future. The third installment had various moments that could shift the balance of the narrative and placed characters with both major and minor roles in fascinating positions to facilitate those changes.
While the ending does create some great opportunities, such as the reappearance of the enemies-to-lovers romance arc from Fourth Wing, what I found most intriguing was the growing roles of so many characters, including Aaric Greycastle. A minor character back in Iron Flame, Aaric's role in Onyx Storm showcased more of his skill, as well as revealed some of the many secrets Navarre's second prince held close to the vest. One major Aaric reveal, though, caught me by surprise, but it is all the more compelling for what it sets up for the series' future.
Onyx Storm's Ending Set Up A Looming Confrontation Between Aaric And General Melgren
Aaric's Signet Is Melgren's Counter
Onyx Storm gave Aaric a signet that is the perfect counterpoint to Melgren's, hinting that a confrontation between the two will likely take place in The Empyrean Series. The reveal that Aaric was a perfect precog was already a tense scene, as Violet put it together right before defeating Theophanie in the Battle of Draithus thanks to Aaric's aid. However, the discussion Violet and Theophanie had before that point makes this reveal even more important as it sets Aaric up in firm opposition to his own kingdom's Commander.
Aaric's signet is revealed in Chapter 64 of Onyx Storm.
Theophanie's mention of counter-signets developing in response to certain venin is a major clue to the latter's arc, as Aaric's signet in Onyx Storm counters Melgren. That piece of worldbuilding not only hints at Melgren being a possible venin, but also that the two will likely clash as their similar signets create an organic battle of wits over another physical confrontation. The prospect of such a battle is incredibly thrilling, though it was not high on my predictions list before I initially read Onyx Storm.
Aaric's Inevitable Clash With Melgren Is A Battle Of The Minds I Wasn't Expecting
Both Aaric And Melgren Had Too Little Screentime To Predict Anything
Aaric's clash with Melgren is inevitable, but I will not lie and say I originally saw this strategy war coming before Onyx Storm. Due to his minimal involvement in Iron Flame, I was unable to really see a distinct direction for Aaric in the series beyond him taking over as King of Navarre somehow by the series' end. That being said, his signet reveal made sense to me based on the fleshed-out characterization we got from him in the third book, making his story all the more exciting alongside of his part in Melgren's arc in the story.
I'm Convinced These 2 Onyx Storm Characters Were Secretly Working Together The Entire Book
I’m convinced that two characters were working together for most of Onyx Storm, as it would explain some of the Fourth Wing sequel’s big mysteries.
In a similar vein, while I did suspect Melgren of being one of Fourth Wing's characters who turned venin, his lack of appearances gave that theory little evidence to grow. Aaric's signet reveal made that idea more concrete and fascinating, as Melgren's position could lead the protagonists to disaster if he is working with the venin in some way. It also makes Aaric's battle for the throne all the more exciting, even if Melgren is not venin, as their clash would highlight their specific skill sets over ones we have seen extensively in Onyx Storm.
Aaric vs. Melgren Could Be One Of The Best Showdowns Of Future Fourth Wing Books
Aaric vs. Melgren Could Counter And Mirror Other Big Confrontations
Aaric and Melgren's fight could be one of the best showdowns after Onyx Storm as it can both complement and contrast the major confrontations of the narrative. As mentioned, Aaric's and Melgen's signets would allow their encounter to be a battle of wits and wills over physical blows as they both strategically attempt to shift the future in their favor. That would clearly contrast with the other major battle set up between Violet and Berwyn in Onyx Storm as Violet tries to track down and rescue Xaden from his clutches.
If Aaric and Melgren's back-and-forth race takes place around the same time, Violet and Aaric could trade ways to mentally best opponents, creating a fun new layer of confrontation that keeps the series interesting after Onyx Storm and beyond.
Violet and Berwyn's signets, though, would also allow Aaric and Melgren's battle to complement theirs, with Violet and Aaric bonding further through shared strategy. Before they can come to physical blows, Violet will likely need to use her dreamwalking to track Berwyn, leading to a possible psychic battle. If Aaric and Melgren's back-and-forth race takes place around the same time, Violet and Aaric could trade ways to mentally best opponents, creating a fun new layer of confrontation that keeps the series interesting after Onyx Storm and beyond.
- Genre
- Fantasy
- Publisher
- Entangled: Red Tower Books
- Franchise
- The Empyrean Series
- ISBN#
- 1649374186
- Author(s)
- Rebecca Yarros
- Publication Date
- 2025/01/01
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.
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