Rebecca Yarros recently unveiled a new blurb from the back cover ofOnyx Storm,and theories are swirling as to what the excerpt could mean for Violet and Xaden’s future. AfterIron Flame’stwist ending, the couple is left with an all-new threat to their relationship: Xaden turning venin. Nearly a year since its release, readers have been left to question Xaden’s fate. However,Yarros’Instagramteaser gives audiences a glimpse at what’s in store for him.
The decision to share anotherOnyx Stormrevealahead of its January 2025 release confirms Yarros is preparing readers fora major Xaden plot to come in book three of theEmpyrean Series.While the passage is relatively short, the new blurb gives readers a sneak peek into what is seemingly a training demonstration between Xaden, Violet, and the other cadets at Basgiath. The revealed interaction between Violet and Xaden hints at a few possibleOnyx Stormtheoriesthat could change the course of their relationship and ultimately affect the overall tone of the series.
Rebeca Yarros' New Onyx Storm Blurb Reveals Violet and Xaden’s Bond Is Still Intact
The Excerpt Proves Violet And Xaden Can Still Speak Mind To Mind
The passage shared by Yarros clues readers in to the state ofViolet and Xaden’s relationship inOnyx Storm, giving a major hint that their rider’s bond is still intact. Given they are bonded to mated dragons, Violet and Xaden have the ability to speak telepathically. With Xaden turning venin at the end ofIron Flame, many theories suggest Sgaeyl would terminate their bond. However, the fact thatthe passage is written in italics signals to readers they are speaking mind-to-mind, a clear sign that Sgaeyl and Xaden are still bonded — and therefore, so are Violet and Xaden.
The temptation of raw power could escalate Xaden’s transformation into venin and add another layer of conflict to their relationship.
While this could be an indicator that all is well in their relationship,their telepathic conversation also reveals a rather troubling comment from Xaden— one that states Violet is the only one capable of killing him. It is likely this is setting the stage for a turning point in the books should Xaden feel further tempted to draw magic from the source, rather than channel magic through Sgaeyl. The temptation of raw power could escalate Xaden’s transformation into venin and add another layer of conflict to their relationship.
What This Means For Xaden’s Story In The Upcoming Fourth Wing Sequel
Will Xaden Become A Villain In Onyx Storm?
The fact that Xaden feels the need to train Violet to kill him can only mean one thing: Xaden knows he won’t be able to resist drawing power from the source again. InIron Flame’slast chapter, Xaden’s confrontation with Jack Barlowe in the dungeons of Basgiath proves he won’t be able to resist. Xaden even admits he has a craving to sate the need for more power. If this theory proves to be the case, Xaden could slowly lose his grip on his identity and find himself falling into dangerous venin territory.
Onyx Storm’s release date is July 09, 2025.
With these fears in mind, it makes sense for Xaden to entrust Violet with the task of killing him should things go south. The real question is whether Violet will do it. Given the amount of love she has for Xaden,it’s highly unlikely she’ll be able to follow through on Xaden’s request. Her addendum to the Book of Brennan confirms she’ll try to save him instead. If Xaden does complete the transformation to venin, his character could grow intoOnyx Storm’snew villainand build out a new plot dynamic for Violet and Xaden to overcome in future books.
