Summary
Fourth Wingcould be teasing a tragic end for Violet and Xaden through the chapter openings and introduction.The Empyrean Serieshas several theories surrounding it, especiallytheories aboutOnyx Storm,the series' third installment. Violet’s second signet, the secrets of Basigath, and Naolin’s potential return are just a few examples of the theories that surround Rebecca Yarros' narrative. However, one Reddit theory posits that the ending of the story might have already been revealed through the series' framing device.
BothFourth WingandIron Flameare meant to be recounted correspondences that are being translated by Jesinia Neilwart, Violet’s friend from the Scribe Quadrant. This would make sense, as Jesinia was there for most of the moments she was transcribing, such as the events ofIron Flame’sending. Despite this, a theory points to the use of this framing and other details to tease a dark fate for Violet and Xaden, one that will not be revealed until the end ofThe Empyrean Series.
Iron Flame Killing 1 Of Its Best Villains Makes Me Think Worse Is Coming In Onyx Storm
Iron Flame killing off one of The Empyrean Series’ best villains so early makes me believe that Onyx Storm will feature even worse threats.
Fourth Wing & Iron Flame’s Epigraphs May Tease A Dark Fate For Violet & Xaden
Violet & Xaden May Not Make It To The End Of The Series
OneFourth Wingtheory posits that Violet and Xaden may be dead by the end ofThe Empyrean Series,which is why Jesinia is recording their story. According toReddit,the opening ofFourth WingandIron Flame,which states that the story is being transcribed and translated by Jesinia rather than Violet,indicates that Violet and Xaden could be dead by the end of the series. The fact that every piece of Xaden’s correspondence to Violet is referred to as “recovered” aids this theory, as Xaden and Violet would likely keep their letters private if they were still alive.
If there was no other option, Violet dying to save Xaden and vice versa makes sense for their characters and the series.
Violet and Xaden’s storyinFourth WingandIron Flamehas been riddled with danger, withIron Flameending on Xaden becoming a venin.The two of them being dead after the events of the series, then, is not so far-fetched, especially considering Violet’s devotion to Xaden. If there was no other option, Violet dying to save Xaden and vice versa makes sense for their characters and the series. That being said, even if this theory is incorrect, these epigraphs inFourth WingandIron Flamemust have a larger meaning considering how often they foreshadow events in each chapter.
The Empyrean Series' Chapter Openings Must Have Some Greater Meaning For The Story
Several Of The Epigraphs Predict The Events Of The Chapter
Many of the epigraphs inThe Empyrean Seriespredict the events of the chapter, hinting at a larger meaning for the overall story.Fourth WingandIron Flame’s epigraphs often hint at aspects of what happens in each chapter, either subtly or overtly. One example is Chapter Three inFourth Wing,which discusses blue dragons in Navarre and their ruthless nature. That chapter is Sgaeyl’s first appearance and showcases Xaden’s colder side in his speech to the cadets, demonstrating why he was chosen by Sgaeyl.
Iron Flame’s epigraph in Chapter Five discusses Varrish and his role as an interrogator. He is then introduced properly, and his cruel nature is seen through his leave policy for Violet.The epigraph also foreshadows Violet’s torture at Varrish’s hands.Considering how intertwined these epigraphs are with the narrative, the possibility that the more subtle examples could hint at the outcome of the overall story and answer manyquestions inThe Empyrean Seriesis quite large. They could also, due to their vague nature, be hiding a more hopeful ending for Violet, Xaden, and the rest ofFourth Wing’s characters.
There’s Still Hope For Violet & Xaden Despite Their Recovered Correspondence
Violet & Xaden Could Simply Be Busy Ruling Aretia
Violet and Xaden’s story, despite the recovered correspondence, could end on a more hopeful note than thisFourth Wingtheory suggests. While the possibility of the two being dead is plausible,an equally strong possibility is that the two vanished or fled during the final battle at the end of the series.Perhaps, even after being cured, Xaden was no longer accepted in Navarre, forcing the two to flee despite saving the continent. Jesinia could then be recording their story as the “thank you” they did not receive, or to solidify their “deaths” in battle to the officials at Basigath.
Onyx Stormis set to be released on July 23, 2025.
Another possibility is that, after thehigh-stakes events ofFourth Wing,Xaden was able to claim his birthright as heir to Aretia.The two could simply be spending their days ruling, with Jesinia’s translations being a part of a movement to record history faithfully. History is a big theme of the series, so ending on both a happily ever after for the main characters and a hopeful glimpse at what Violet and Xaden fought for becoming reality would easily fit. As a result,Fourth Wingcould, through the epigraphs, bring everything full circle.
