Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.
After the end ofOnyx Storm, many fans believed Violet would use her broken compass, which wasgifted to her on the island of Zehyllna, to somehow find Xaden in the nextFourth Wingbook. However, I don’t think that the compass will hold any magical power to accomplish such a task. A compass that points to your heart’s greatest desire has been done one too many times in fantasy novels — and aside from the fact that I don’t believe Yarros would replicate that trope, she has never before introduced magical objects to theEmpyrean Seriesbooks.
Magic in the world ofFourth Wingcan only be accessed in only two ways: from the source directly, like the venin do, or safely channeled through a dragon or gryphon. It’s unlikely that Yarros would suddenly introduce a magical object or use the compass in such a way as fans are suggesting. Instead,I believe Yarros made sure to include a more probable opportunity for Violet to find XadeninOnyx Stormthrough one character’s recently unveiled ability:Aaric’s precognition signet.
Violet Could Use Aaric’s Precognition Signet To Learn How & Where She’ll Find Xaden After Onyx Storm
At theend ofOnyx Storm, it’s revealed thatAaric’s signet is precognition, granting him the ability to see into the future. There are several moments throughout the narrative where his signet, in hindsight, is evident — and his seemingly random actions before the book’s conclusion were actually in direct response to events he saw in the future. It’s possible that Violet, now knowing what his signet can do, could use his signet ability to her advantage. She could potentially use it to determine how and where she will be reunited with Xaden afterOnyx Storm.
Aaric’s ability will not only prove helpful in the looming war with the venin, but could be the key to reuniting Violet with Xaden — should he choose to do so.
While Aaric’s signet has yet to be explored in any great detail,it can be assumed that Yarros has plans to expand upon it in the nextFourth Wingnovel. The scope of his abilities and how far he can see into the future is yet unknown. But surely, as he continues to hone his powers, he could use them to peer into Violet and Xaden’s future. Aaric’s ability will not only prove helpful in the looming war with the venin, but it could be the key to reuniting Violet with Xaden — should he choose to do so.
A Popular Aaric Theory Supports Him Being The Key To Violet & Xaden’s Reunion
Many Believe He’s Been Working With Xaden The Whole Time
After the reveal of Aaric’s signet inOnyx Storm, many readers began to theorize thatAaric and Xaden may have been working together the entire time.This theory suggests that both characters could have sensed what was going on with the other — as Xaden has the ability to read minds to an extent, and Aaric could have caught glimpses of Xaden’s future when manifesting — leading to their partnership. And if this proves to be true in the nextEmpyrean Seriesnovel,Aaric may already know where Xaden is.
I Think The Empyrean Series Secretly Introduced Navarre’s Next King In Iron Flame
It’s hard to see King Tauri remaining king at the end of The Empyrean Series, and I think Rebecca Yarros introduced his replacement in Iron Flame.
Aaric’s actions at the end of the novel suggest he knew what was going to happen, soit’s not implausible to believe he anticipated Xaden turning veninand may even have forewarned him. Xaden’s plans to marry Violet and leave her Tyrrendor at the end of the novel also suggest it was no spur-of-the-moment idea. And it’s likely Aaric helped to put all the right pieces in place to ensure it happened according to plan. There are so manymysteries raised byOnyx Storm’s ending, but the idea that Aaric knew what would happen beforehand makes the most sense.
There’s One Obstacle To Violet Learning Xaden’s Whereabouts From Aaric
Aaric May Choose Not To Tell Violet Where He Is
However, while Aaric could potentially be privy to Xaden’s future, it’s possible he wouldn’t reveal any details to Violet about his whereabouts until the time was right. There are many elements that will come into play in thenextFourth Wingbook— including Violet’s new position as Duchess of Tyrrendor, budding tensions with Navarre and Halden, and the looming war with the venin. Andeach could affect how soon Aaric will choose to unveil anything he’s seenabout Violet or Xaden’s future.
After Onyx Storm, I’m Convinced These Two Characters Will Die By The End Of The Empyrean Series
There are two characters who have to die in future Empyrean Series books, as Onyx Storm is setting the stage to replace them with a better leader.
While the two characters have been friends for many years,this sort of scenario could create tension between them. Violet is sure to be reeling after the discovery of her marriage to Xaden, and the loss of her memories in the hours after her battle with Theophanie. She could turn to Aaric in the aftermath of all this. And she probably won’t feel very trusting afterImogen wiped her memories inOnyx Storm, even if she did actually ask her to.
It’s not likely Violet will see reason in the wake of Xaden’s loss.
And if Aaric refuses to divulge any information about Xaden’s whereabouts or how she can find him, their friendship will likely suffer, too — especially as it’s not likely Violet will see reason in the wake of Xaden’s loss. She might become pushy if she learns that Aaric has the information she wants, and he’s unlikely to risk the future of Navarre to appease her. So, while Aaric offers a possible solution to Violet and Xaden’s separation, it may not make it any less frustrating until the end of the next book.
What Else The Compass Could Be Used For In The Empyrean Book 4
There Are Many Theories As To Its True Purpose In The Series
While Violet’s broken compass may not be what ends up leading her to Xaden in the next book, it’s possible Yarros still has plans for the mysterious object. Fans have come up with a multitude of theories as to what the compass may be used for — suggesting that it could ultimately lead Violet to the hidden venin within Navarre’s ranks, or even help her find the cure she was so desperately hoping for inOnyx Storm. However,I’m convinced Yarros plans to reintroduce the compass in a future narrative to symbolize Violet’s sense of feeling lostwithout Xaden.
“Extending his hand silently, he offers me a black compass on a dark chain. I glance down as I take it and notice that the needle doesn’t point anywhere near north. It’s broken.”
—Violet Sorrengail, Onyx Storm
Violet’s broken compass doesn’t point north, and it’s possible that, inbook four ofThe Empyrean Series, Yarros will use that to draw a parallel between Violet’s sense of misdirection and her desire to find Xaden — who is Violet’s"true north." Violet has often stated how impossible it would be to live without Xaden, so this next book will likely see her struggle greatly. Yarros also continuously mentions throughoutOnyx Stormthat Violet’s path is not yet set, and the broken compass would reinforce and symbolize that idea even further.
