InIron Flame,the sequel toFourth Wing,Rebecca Yarros hints more at conflict within the most powerful species in the series. The Empyrean, the governing body of dragons, is a complex institution rife with secrets and internal conflict. InIron Flame, theirsuspicious actions and potential alignment with the venin, parasitic dark wielders, raise serious concerns. Especially as the theme of trust is asignificant challenge facing the Empyrean series.
TheEmpyreanbookseries explores themes of betrayal, power dynamics, and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their goals. As the plot progresses, it becomes evident that some dragons may be harboring darker intentions, potentially even collaborating with the venin to gain control. This shocking revelation could have far-reaching consequences for the Empyrean, thecharacters ofFourth Wing,and the fate of Navarre.
The Empyrean Acts Suspiciously (& In The Venin’s Interests) In Iron Flame
The Empyrean Withholding Information From Riders Raises Suspicion
Early inIron Flame,when Violet expresses concern to Tairn that fewer dragons are bonding, and he confirms that it is becausethe Empyrean knows about the venin. It troubles him, and he states,“The Empyrean remains divided on whether or not we should get involved […] Humans aren’t the only ones keeping secrets.”Secrets drive the tension inIron Flame –the secrets Xaden keeps from Violet in theirannoyingIron Flamedynamic, the secrets Violet keeps from her friends, the secrets kept in the infirmary and the archives, and what the Empyrean knows that the humans do not.
Most concerning is the conflict between the dragons. Tairn and Solas have seemingly had a long-term conflict, andSolas seems to be at least working with or leveraging the venin, along with Solas’ rider, Varrish. Solas is part of a pattern inIron Flamethat orange dragons or their riders have nefarious intentions. Claidh is an orange dragon bonded to Amber, who leads the group of unbonded cadets to attempt to murder Violet in her bed. Baide, Jack Barlowe’s dragon, is also orange. This cannot be a coincidence and points to some of the dragons being worse than impartial.
Iron Flame May Be Setting Up A Massive Dragon Betrayal In A Future Fourth Wing Sequel
This Wild Empyrean Theory Is A Deep Dive And Pretty Convincing
The usermamasuebs onReddithas written a deep dive,wild Empyrean theory. According to their theory, there is asecret third faction within the Empyreanwho want to be – or already are – working with the venin. This would be a betrayal of dragonkind and a shocking revelation – especially since Tairn intimates any dragon would view the wyvern as an abomination of the natural order. He strongly believes dragons should not answer to humans, so the complete reversal of power and the rules of the series’ universe in creating wyvern is surely unthinkable to side with.
…when dragons are described as having bad or rotten breath as opposed to their normal sulfurous breath, this is a sign of corruption.
However, this Reddit user’s theory certainly makes a convincing point thatsome of the dragons think siding with the venin is the only way forward, much like Saruman sides with Sauron inThe Lord of the Rings.The mentality of this is that resistance is futile. Part of their theory posits that when dragons are described as having bad or rotten breath as opposed to their normal sulfurous breath, this is a sign of corruption. Most troublingly, they use Dain’s dragon, Cath, as a notable example, hinting at a potential betrayal coming his way in the future.
What Dragon Traitors Could Mean For The Empyrean Series
Dragons Defecting Would Add Even More Of A Power Struggle
A third faction of dragons who have turned traitor would do so believing the venin cannot be resisted. This betrayal would make it more difficult to defeat the enemy. Varrish and Jack Barlowe makecomments relating to feeling entitled to subjugate dragons, resenting they decide humans’ fates. Seeing as Jack says venin have already infiltrated the school and positions of power, these dragons might see venin as too difficult to fight. With the revelation at the end ofIron Flame,it is likely the sequel will delve into their abilities and motives, along withViolet’s second signet inOnyx Storm.
TheEmpyreanseries is plotted for five books. If some of the dragons defect, it is unlikely this will happen in the third book, but it could happen later. Still,worse threats than Varrish are coming inOnyx Storm,which will likely focus on Xaden’s inner turmoil and venin and wyvern lore. The pattern of the way the books develop is thatthe reader only knows as much as Violet knows, so the mystery of the venin is likely to unfold slowly. If this third faction theory is true, more hints will be sprinkled throughout the much-anticipatedOnyx Storm.
