Key Points:
- Theophanie, the silver-haired venin, plays a pivotal role as the primary antagonist in Onyx Storm.
- She is revealed to be a Maven, one of the most powerful venin, capable of wielding storm-based powers.
- Theophanie’s backstory connects her to Violet’s past, the goddess Dunne, and a key confrontation that changes the trajectory of the series.
Onyx Storm, the latest installment in the Empyrean Series, introduces readers to Theophanie, a silver-haired venin whose arrival sends shockwaves through the storyline. First teased in an excerpt published by Cosmopolitan, Theophanie’s connection to Violet and her ultimate downfall become focal points of the novel. As a Maven the highest rank among venin, she proves a formidable foe, forcing Violet to confront new truths and challenges.
Who Is Theophanie in Onyx Storm?

Theophanie is introduced early in Onyx Storm, meeting Violet and Garrick under tense circumstances. Despite her menacing presence, she initially chooses dialogue over violence, attempting to lure Violet to her side. This calculated approach sets her apart from other venin, as she relies on manipulation and strategy rather than brute force.
Theophanie’s first interaction with Violet occurs while the latter is vulnerable. She introduces herself confidently, revealing her name and demonstrating restraint by sparing Violet and Garrick. Unlike other venin, Theophanie appears calm and calculated, making her a more engaging and terrifying antagonist. Her motives become clear as she seeks to recruit Violet, believing the young dragon rider holds untapped potential that aligns with the venin’s goals.
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Theophanie’s Power and Status
Theophanie’s rank as a Maven underscores her power. In Iron Flame, venin are divided into four ranks: initiates, asims, sages, and mavens. As a Maven, Theophanie is at the apex of this hierarchy, making her abilities unparalleled among her peers. Her rank also grants her a “signet-like” power, similar to dragon riders, though derived from a more sinister source.
Theophanie’s abilities go beyond controlling lightning—a trait she initially shares with Violet. By the novel’s climax, it is revealed that she is a storm wielder, capable of manipulating weather on a large scale. This power manifests in turbulent conditions that hinder Violet and her companions, including tornadoes and lightning storms that prove nearly fatal. Her command over storms ties her thematically to the chaotic force she represents.
Theophanie and the Goddess Dunne
Theophanie’s connection to the goddess Dunne provides deeper insight into her character. Both Theophanie and Violet share silver hair, a trait linked to the priestesses of Dunne. While Violet’s hair is partially silver, Theophanie’s entire braid signifies her past as a former priestess of the war goddess. This connection adds layers to her backstory, as it is revealed that she turned her back on Dunne to embrace the venin’s power.
Violet’s silver hair stems from her father’s attempt to dedicate her to Dunne as a child. Although the dedication was never completed, the partial connection remains, manifesting in her powers and appearance. This shared history with Theophanie sets the stage for their confrontation, where Violet uses her knowledge of Dunne to gain the upper hand.
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Theophanie’s Role in Onyx Storm
Theophanie’s primary goal is to recruit Violet, believing her powers—and her bond with Andarna, the irid scorpiontail dragon—are key to the venin’s plans. She also aims to outmaneuver Berwyn, another powerful venin who has been manipulating Xaden. This rivalry highlights Theophanie’s ambition and her desire to solidify her place within the venin hierarchy.
Theophanie’s fascination with Andarna stems from the dragon’s unique status as an irid scorpiontail. As the seventh breed of dragon, Andarna holds secrets that could shift the balance of power. Although Onyx Storm doesn’t reveal everything about the scorpiontail breed, Theophanie’s interest suggests that they played a significant role in past battles against the venin.
Theophanie’s Downfall
The Final Confrontation
The climax of Onyx Storm sees Violet and Tairn facing off against Theophanie in a desperate battle. The odds seem stacked against them until Violet recalls Aaric’s cryptic message. Delivered earlier in the novel, the message provides Violet with a shard of Dunne’s temple and instructions to “strike in the dark.” This proves crucial when Xaden envelops the battlefield in darkness, allowing Violet to strike Theophanie with the shard.
Why Theophanie’s Betrayal of Dunne Matters
The shard’s connection to Dunne proves fatal for Theophanie, as her betrayal of the goddess leaves her vulnerable to divine retribution. This poetic justice underscores the novel’s theme of balance, as Theophanie’s defiance of natural order leads to her demise. Her death eliminates a major threat, though the venin’s overarching plans remain unresolved.
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What’s Next for the Empyrean Series?
Although Theophanie’s story concludes in Onyx Storm, her actions leave lasting repercussions. Violet and her friends gain critical knowledge about the venin’s motives, abilities, and weaknesses, setting the stage for future confrontations. Berwyn’s role as a continuing antagonist ensures that the stakes remain high, while Xaden’s evolving arc adds further tension to the series.
Source: Cosmopolitan
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