Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.new Fourth Wing sequel boasts an ending that's just as shocking and emotional as those of the previous two books. Like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, Onyx Storm concludes with a confrontation between the series' heroes and the venin. Things look bleaker than ever as they attempt to save the people of Draithus — and Violet's sister, Mira — from falling prey to the enemy. While they do manage to take down Onyx Storm's new villain, Theophanie, and save lives, doing so comes at a huge cost.

The final chapters of the book jump from perspective to perspective, showing what Rhiannon, Imogen, Violet, and Xaden are doing during the battle. As one might expect from The Empyrean Series, there are deaths and heart-wrenching choices — but none of these prove as surprising as the last few pages. Violet's return to Aretia brings about several huge twists, including the fact that she and Xaden are now married. Paired with his sudden disappearance, this sets up an even darker and sadder story in Onyx Storm's sequel.

Are Xaden & Violet Married? Onyx Storm's Ending Explained

Xaden Married Violet & Left Her Tyrrendor, But Imogen Wiped Her Memory

Onyx Storm's final chapter picks up 12 hours after the book's ending battle, and it sees Violet returning to Riorson House with no recollection of where she's been. Prior to this, we see her take down Theophanie and reunite with Andarna, but then the book jumps to Xaden. A lot has happened when we return to Violet's POV, and it's clear something is off as soon as Andarna notes that she "will not let them burn her." One of Brennan's guards soon clarifies why she's concerned: multiple people and dragons were killed, eggs were stolen, and they believe Xaden is responsible.

Xaden is also missing, and while Violet doesn't seeing him, it's clear that they've been together during the past 12 hours. Violet wears a wedding ring on her finger, and a missive from Dunne confirms they've entered a "legal and binding marriage." Brennan also gives Violet a note that Xaden left, which reads, "Don't look for me. It's yours now." With Xaden fully giving into the darkness, it's clear that he can't remain with Violet any longer. And it seems he's leaving her Tyrrendor — and the responsibilities that come with it.

There are a few reasons Violet may have requested to have her memories wiped.

The final lines of Onyx Storm explain why Violet doesn't recall any of this happening: because Imogen used her mind-wiping signet on her. When Violet questions what her friend did, Imogen replies, "What you asked me to." This doesn't get further explanation, but there are a few reasons Violet may have requested to have her memories wiped. The first is that she knows where Xaden is going and doesn't want it used against them. She also may not want the memories because they're too painful.

Of course, Imogen could also be referencing the beginning of the book, when Violet requests her help keeping Xaden safe, even though he's a venin. Violet may not have actually asked to have her memories taken away, but Imogen could have done so for Xaden's sake. We'll have to wait until the next Empyrean book to learn more about Imogen's motives, but it's nice to see one of Fourth Wing's most powerful signets being put to use.

Is Xaden Now An Asim? Why He Gives Into The Venin

He Gives In To Save Sgaeyl

The reason Xaden leaves at the end of Onyx Storm is because he fully gives into his venin transformation at the end of the book. Xaden spends most of the novel as an initiate, which is the lowest level of the venin hierarchy. He does draw from the source several times, but he more often resists doing so. He goes more than 70 days at one point, hoping to prolong the process and enjoy his time with Violet for as long as he can. The end of Onyx Storm gives him no option but to embrace the darkness, however, when he comes face to face with Berwyn again.

Berwyn is the venin Sage who turned Xaden during Iron Flame's ending, and he reveals new leverage over Xaden: another "sibling." While Onyx Storm doesn't tell us who the Sage turned this time, it's clearly someone Xaden cares about. He even notes that the Sage could use his new brother against him, and he seems shocked that this person would draw from the source after seeing everything he's gone through.

It pushes Xaden further towards being a full-fledged venin, transforming him from an initiate into an asim.

Of course, the bigger reason Xaden gives in is because Sgaeyl is in trouble, with Berwyn threatening to kill her. Xaden's chapter reveals he's incapable of lifting his blade against Berwyn because Berwyn turned him. So, Xaden realizes that there's only one way to keep Sgaeyl safe, and he takes it, covering the canyon with his shadows. This winds up helping Violet during her fight against Theophanie. However, it pushes Xaden further towards being a full-fledged venin, transforming him from an initiate into an asim. Sgaeyl even notes the "red veins branching from his eyes."

The two also have a cryptic conversation at the end of his chapter, which sees Xaden setting his mind on a certain course of action. He and Sgaeyl agree to ask Violet for her help, and given the wedding ring, it's likely she agrees. It's not clear what Xaden is planning to do, but it probably involves ing the venin.

Who Was Basgiath's Traitor & Who Else Did Berwyn Turn

Commandant Panchek Gave Away Their Location

Xaden's encounter with Berwyn also reveals the traitor at Basgiath is Commandant Panchek, though it's unclear if he's the only one. Panchek is there when Xaden faces the Sage at the end of Onyx Storm, and Xaden realizes he's been giving away their whereabouts throughout the book. The Sage claims that Panchek wants power, and it seems Panchek is using the Sage's "son" as leverage. This could be Jack Barlowe, but Panchek doesn't clarify.

The final chapter of Onyx Storm confirms that Garrick is among the missing riders, and the book makes a point of fleshing out their friendship.

As for who Berwyn turned, it has to be someone close to Xaden — and the two most likely candidates are Garrick and Bohdi. The final chapter of Onyx Storm confirms that Garrick is among the missing riders, and the book makes a point of fleshing out their friendship. However, Bohdi is supposed to take over Tyrrendor in Xaden's absence. The fact that Violet is now in charge instead suggests that Bohdi could be the dark wielder with the Sage.

How Violet Defeats Theophanie At The End Of Onyx Storm

A Gift From Aaric Helps Violet Defeat The Maven

The Sage isn't the only major threat in Onyx Storm, and the book's ending sees Violet taking out the other one: Theophanie. Theophanie is a Maven — the highest level of venin — and she's an incredibly powerful storm wielder. The silver-haired venin is interested in Violet and Xaden, and she uses Mira to draw Violet to her. She nearly kills Mira, but Violet manages to keep her occupied while the others get her to safety. Violet and Tairn struggle to hold their own against Theophanie, however, and it's mostly thanks to a gift from Aaric that Violet gets the upper hand.

Aaric leaves Violet a weapon made from the temple of Dunne, along with a note that says, "For when you lose yours. Strike in the dark, Violet." Violet realizes he has a precognition signet, allowing him to see into the future and help her. Because Theophanie was once a high priestess of Dunne, stabbing her with a weapon from the goddess' temple kills her. And Xaden's darkness gives Violet the element of surprise, allowing her to land her killing blow.

Rebecca Yarros told Elle she intends to take a break between Onyx Storm and the next book.

Violet knows a bit about the priestesses of Dunne by the end of Onyx Storm, as she learns that her father attempted to dedicate her to the goddess in the hopes of helping her condition. It's something that created friction between her parents, and they ultimately didn't complete it, as the priestesses foresaw "the heart that beats for her" turning venin. This, of course, is about Xaden. It's not clear how this prophecy may factor into future Fourth Wing sequels, but the knowledge of Dunne and her priestesses helps Violet in Onyx Storm.

Why Andarna Came Back After Leaving Violet & Tairn

It Seems She Changes Her Mind About Living With The Irid

Andarna shows up during Violet's fight with Theophanie, but the dragon doesn't give an explanation for her return. Andarna leaves Violet towards the end of Onyx Storm, choosing to break her bond to be with her kind: the irids. These dragons are peaceful creatures who don't believe Andarna has been raised properly. They left her behind as "the criterion," hoping to judge whether humans had changed through their treatment of her. The fact that dragons are still used for war is inexcusable to them, and one offers Andarna a place among their family if she lives among them.

Desperate for acceptance from her kind, Andarna agrees, leaving Violet and Tairn alone and grieving. However, it seems Andarna changes her mind by the end of Onyx Storm, as she shows up to protect Violet — and she accompanies her back to Aretia. The fact that she can communicate with Violet again also suggests their bond is back in place. The fourth Empyrean book will need to dig deeper into their reunion, but the best explanation for Andarna's decision is that she cares too much about Violet and Tairn to stay away.

What Is Violet's Second Signet? Her Dream-Walking Power Explained

She's A Type Of Inntinnsic, Too

In the midst of all the chaos unfolding during Onyx Storm's ending, Violet also realizes her second signet. In fact, it's through this signet that she's able to communicate with the venin Sage and learn that Mira is in trouble. Violet turns out to be a dream walker, a power that initially stems from her need to know that Andarna is okay during her Dreamless Sleep. This explains why Violet and Xaden are seemingly having the same nightmares in Iron Flame and Onyx Storm: she's simply been experiencing his.

Violet is able to tamper with dreams as well, making her gift from Andarna a particularly powerful one.

Violet is able to "meddle" with dreams as well, making her gift from Andarna a particularly powerful one. Being a dream-walker also makes Violet a type of Inntinnsic, so she'll have to keep her signet a secret for the time being. With Xaden leaving Aretia, it's possible she'll be able to communicate with him through dreams going forward. Onyx Storm sets up some interesting possibilities through this new power, while simultaneously answering some of Iron Flame's biggest questions.