Onyx Storm Ending: Full Breakdown

Key Points:

  • The shocking finale of Onyx Storm introduces pivotal twists, including Xaden and Violet’s unexpected marriage and Xaden’s descent into becoming a venin.
  • Violet’s memories are wiped, leaving mysteries about her actions and motives.
  • The new factions and locations like the Order of Shadows and Obsidian Abyss expand the lore of the Empyrean series.
Onyx Storm, the third book in Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Series, delivers an emotional rollercoaster packed with thrilling battles, character transformations, and unexpected twists. Picking up from the events of Iron Flame, the story delves deeper into the lives of its protagonists, Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson, as they face mounting challenges against the venin.
Onyx Storm

Violet and Xaden: Are They Married?

In one of the most surprising twists of Onyx Storm, Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson are revealed to be married. However, the circumstances surrounding their union are far from romantic.

  • The final chapter shows Violet returning to Riorson House, disoriented and wearing a wedding ring.
  • A letter from Dunne confirms that she and Xaden entered a “legal and binding marriage,” though Violet has no memory of this event.
  • It is later revealed that Imogen used her mind-wiping signet to erase Violet’s memories at her own request. This raises questions about Violet’s motives—did she want to protect herself, Xaden, or both?
  • Xaden leaves Violet a cryptic note: “Don’t look for me. It’s yours now.” His departure signals a darker path ahead, with Violet now in charge of Aretia.

Xaden’s Transformation: From Initiate to Asim

Xaden’s arc takes a tragic turn in Onyx Storm, as he fully embraces his transformation into a venin to protect those he loves.

  • Xaden spends much of the novel resisting his venin nature, avoiding drawing from the source for over 70 days.
  • His resolve shatters during a confrontation with Berwyn, the venin Sage who turned him in Iron Flame.
    • Berwyn reveals he has leverage over Xaden: another sibling figure who has also been turned.
    • Desperate to save Sgaeyl, his bonded dragon, from Berwyn’s threats, Xaden unleashes his shadows, blanketing the canyon in darkness. This act cements his transformation into an asim (a higher-tier venin).
  • Physical changes, such as red veins branching from his eyes, reflect his inner turmoil and descent into darkness.

Violet’s New Powers: Dream-Walking

A significant development for Violet is the discovery of her second signet: dream-walking. This ability proves crucial in her battle against the venin and in uncovering hidden truths.

  • Violet’s dream-walking power allows her to enter and manipulate dreams. She first taps into this ability to connect with Andarna during her Dreamless Sleep.
  • This signet explains the shared nightmares between Violet and Xaden in Iron Flame and Onyx Storm. It also enables Violet to communicate with the venin Sage, who reveals Mira’s location.
  • Dream-walking makes Violet a type of Inntinnsic, forcing her to conceal her powers for fear of being targeted by the venin or mistrusted by her allies.

Theophanie’s Defeat: Violet’s Triumph

The climactic battle against Theophanie, a Maven and powerful storm wielder, highlights Violet’s growth as a leader and fighter.

  • Theophanie uses Mira as bait to lure Violet into a confrontation. Despite Theophanie’s overwhelming power, Violet holds her ground with the help of her dragon, Tairn.
  • Violet’s success is largely due to a weapon crafted by Aaric, who had precognition powers. The weapon, forged from the temple of Dunne, proves deadly against Theophanie, a former high priestess.
  • Xaden’s darkness aids Violet, providing the element of surprise needed to strike the fatal blow.

Andarna’s Return

Andarna, Violet’s second dragon, makes a dramatic return during the final battle, despite previously leaving her bond with Violet to join the Irid (scorpiontail dragons).

  • The Irid believe that Andarna was mistreated and offer her a place among their kind. Initially, Andarna agrees, leaving Violet heartbroken.
  • Andarna’s change of heart is evident when she reappears to protect Violet during her fight with Theophanie. Her bond with Violet seems restored, signaling her deep connection to both Violet and Tairn.

Basgiath’s Traitor Revealed

The traitor at Basgiath Military College is revealed to be Commandant Panchek, though the full extent of his betrayal remains unclear.

  • Panchek has been feeding information to Berwyn, jeopardizing the lives of Violet and her allies.
  • Berwyn claims Panchek seeks power, using the Sage’s “son” as leverage. This could refer to Jack Barlowe, but details are scarce.
  • Panchek’s treachery complicates the characters’ efforts to combat the venin and raises the stakes for future conflicts.

READ MORE: How Drolta Returned in Castlevania: Nocturne S2 After Alucard Killed Her

New Factions and Realms in Onyx Storm

Onyx Storm expands the Empyrean series’ world-building by introducing new factions and locations:

1. The Order of Shadows

A secretive group operating behind the scenes, the Order’s motives are shrouded in mystery. Their actions suggest they have their own agenda, adding layers of intrigue to the story.

2. Obsidian Abyss

This dark, dangerous realm is home to ancient artifacts, including the Shard of Equilibrium. Violet and her allies venture into its depths, uncovering secrets that could change the tide of the war.

3. Ashspire

A volcanic region tied to fire elemental forces, Ashspire becomes a key battleground. Its harsh environment mirrors the internal struggles of the characters.

4. The Venin Hierarchy

Onyx Storm delves deeper into the venin’s structure, revealing tiers like initiates and asim. These distinctions highlight the complexities of their powers and the risks of succumbing to darkness.

READ MORE: Bullseye Returns in Daredevil Born Again

What to Expect in the Next Installment

The ending of Onyx Storm sets the stage for even greater conflicts and revelations in the next book:

  • Xaden’s Path: As an asim, Xaden’s journey will likely explore the balance between his humanity and venin nature. Will he succumb entirely, or find a way back to Violet?
  • Violet’s Leadership: With Aretia under her control, Violet must navigate political challenges while preparing for an inevitable clash with Berwyn and the venin.
  • Imogen’s Motives: Imogen’s decision to wipe Violet’s memories remains ambiguous. Future chapters will likely delve into her reasons and the consequences of her actions.
  • Dragons and Prophecies: The significance of Dunne’s prophecy about Violet and Xaden will unfold, as will the evolving roles of Tairn and Andarna in the fight against the venin.

Rebecca Yarros has confirmed a break between Onyx Storm and the next installment.

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