For romantasy lovers, diving into fan theories is as essential as breathing. After finishing the cliffhanger that is Onyx Storm, readers are abuzz with speculation: What threads will Book Four pull on? What secrets from Fourth Wing still linger? Let’s unfold the top fan theories swirling across BookTok, Bookstagram, and forums.
Post‑Onyx Storm: fan theories for Book Four
The missing dragon eggs theory
Among the newest theories to emerge after Onyx Storm, one of the most intriguing revolves around the disappearance of several dragon eggs. While the Empyrean series has always emphasized the sacred bond between dragons and riders, readers were left with several unanswered questions regarding missing dragons, hidden hatchlings, and the future of dragonkind itself.
Many fans believe the missing eggs are not random casualties of the war. Instead, they may have been deliberately hidden by dragons who foresaw the coming conflict. Some theories suggest that a secret group of dragons has been protecting a new generation of hatchlings beyond the wards, preparing them for a future battle that could reshape the continent.
Others speculate that these eggs are connected to Andarna's species. Since the Irids appear fundamentally different from other dragons, readers wonder whether entirely new dragon lineages could soon enter the story. If true, Book Four could introduce dragons with powers never before seen in Navarre or Tyrrendor.
For many fans, the missing eggs represent hope. While the war grows darker and more destructive, the future of dragonkind may already be waiting to emerge.
Naolin may not be truly dead
Few mysteries in the Empyrean series generate as much discussion as the fate of Naolin, Tairn's former rider.
Officially, Naolin died while saving Brennan Sorrengail. Yet many readers believe the story we've been told is incomplete. The circumstances surrounding his death remain suspiciously vague, and Rebecca Yarros has repeatedly avoided providing detailed answers.
One increasingly popular theory suggests that Naolin did not die at all. Instead, he may have become Venin while attempting to channel impossible amounts of power in order to save Brennan. Such a revelation would explain why so many characters seem reluctant to discuss what truly happened.
If Naolin is alive, his return could have enormous consequences. Not only would it force Brennan to confront the truth of his survival, but it would also place Tairn in an impossible emotional position. Fans speculate that Naolin may even possess knowledge about the origins of the Venin and the hidden history of magic itself.
Some readers go even further, suggesting that Naolin could become one of the most important figures in the final two books—either as a tragic ally or a powerful antagonist.
Brennan Sorrengail is hiding more than he admits
Although Brennan has become one of the central figures of the resistance, many fans remain convinced that he has not revealed everything he knows.
Throughout the series, Brennan often appears to possess information before anyone else. He understands aspects of the Venin threat, ancient history, and political alliances that remain unclear even to Violet. This has led readers to suspect that his years spent in secret involved far more than simply surviving after his presumed death.
Some theories propose that Brennan has encountered ancient records, forgotten magical traditions, or even powerful individuals operating outside the known kingdoms. Others believe he knows the true fate of Naolin and has deliberately concealed it to protect both Tairn and Violet.
As Book Four approaches, many readers expect Brennan's secrets to become increasingly important. If the series continues to reveal hidden layers of history, he may prove to be one of the characters closest to the truth.
Andarna may hold the greatest secret of the Empyrean world
Since her introduction in Fourth Wing, Andarna has remained one of the most mysterious dragons in the entire series. Even after the revelations surrounding the Irids, fans believe we have only scratched the surface of her importance.
A widespread theory suggests that Andarna's species predates the modern dragon clans and may possess knowledge lost to history. Some readers even speculate that the Irids existed before the creation of the wards and witnessed the earliest conflicts involving magic and the Venin.
This theory has gained momentum because Andarna repeatedly demonstrates abilities and instincts that seem fundamentally different from those of other dragons. Rather than simply being rare, she may represent a forgotten piece of the world's original magical order.
If these theories prove correct, Andarna could become the key to understanding the true origins of dragonkind, the gods, the wards, and perhaps even the ultimate solution to the Venin crisis.
For many fans, the greatest secrets of the Empyrean saga are no longer hidden within human kingdoms—but within the dragons themselves.
Xaden’s fate: vanished or reborn
The "Venin Messiah" theory
One of the most widespread theories suggests that Xaden's Venin corruption is not a death sentence but the beginning of a transformation. Fans believe he could become a unique bridge between humans and Venin, allowing him to understand both sides of the conflict. Rather than being cured immediately, Xaden may become the key to ending the war because of what he learns while corrupted.
The "Villain Era" theory
Following Rebecca Yarros' comments about Xaden's upcoming darker arc, many readers expect him to enter a true "villain era" in Book Four. However, fans do not necessarily believe he will become evil. Instead, they think he will make increasingly dangerous and morally questionable choices in order to protect Violet, Tyrrendor, and the people he loves.
The "Opposite Sides" theory
Many readers believe Violet and Xaden will be forced onto opposite sides of the conflict. As Xaden's Venin powers grow, he may become a threat that Violet is sworn to stop. Fans love this theory because it combines political conflict, romance, and tragedy, creating the possibility of a star-crossed lovers storyline before their eventual reunion.
The "Violet Will Save Him" theory
A popular theory argues that Xaden's corruption is setting up Violet's greatest challenge. Fans speculate that her lightning signet or her second signet will eventually allow her to reverse Venin corruption. If true, the final books may revolve around Violet finding a way to save Xaden before he loses himself completely.
The "Future King of Tyrrendor" theory
Some readers believe Xaden's story is ultimately leading toward leadership rather than destruction. As the heir to Tyrrendor and one of the most powerful riders alive, he may emerge from his struggle with Venin magic stronger than ever and become the ruler who unites the fractured kingdoms against the greater threat.
The "Ultimate Sacrifice" theory
Perhaps the most heartbreaking theory is that Xaden's story ends in sacrifice. Fans point out that many of his choices throughout the series involve putting others before himself. According to this theory, Xaden may ultimately give his life to destroy the Venin threat, save Violet, or restore balance to the world in the final book.
The "Naolin Parallel" theory
Many fans have noticed similarities between Xaden's current situation and the mystery surrounding Naolin, Tairn's former rider. Some believe Rebecca Yarros intentionally created this parallel. If Naolin truly became Venin, Xaden may follow a similar path—but succeed where Naolin failed, revealing that corruption does not have to end in tragedy.
The "Shadow God" theory
One of the more ambitious fan theories suggests that Xaden's shadow powers and Venin transformation are evolving into something entirely new. Rather than becoming fully Venin or remaining fully human, he may become a unique magical being capable of wielding powers unlike anyone else in the Empyrean world. Supporters of this theory often describe him as a future "shadow king" or "shadow god" figure.
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Violet’s missing memories, hidden bride arc, ...
Violet's missing memories and the "Bride of Amnesia" theory
One of the most discussed theories following the ending of Onyx Storm centers on Violet's lost memories. After the shocking revelation that Imogen erased part of Violet's memories and that she is now married to Xaden, many readers believe Book Four will explore the consequences of a heroine trapped between love, power, and identity.
The second signet’s true scale
When Rebecca Yarros finally revealed Violet's second signet, many readers expected a straightforward answer.
While Violet's second signet has been revealed as dream-walking, many fans believe we've only seen a fraction of its true potential. Across BookTok and Reddit, readers speculate that her ability may extend far beyond entering dreams.
One popular theory, known as the "Timeline Theory," suggests that Violet could eventually access alternate possibilities or future outcomes through her dreams. Rather than simply witnessing memories, she may be seeing different paths that reality could take.
Fans point to the recurring themes of fate, choice, and prophecy throughout the Empyrean series, arguing that dream-walking could become a way for Violet to explore what happens if key events unfold differently. Some even believe her connection to Andarna and ancient dragon magic could unlock powers that transcend time itself.
If true, Book Four could transform dream-walking from a communication tool into one of the most powerful signets in the series, forcing Violet to confront a difficult question: can destiny be changed, or is the future already written?
Violet's lightning may heal Venin corruption
For most of the series, Violet's lightning signet has been viewed as a weapon of destruction. However, a growing number of fans believe her power may serve a much greater purpose.
Readers have begun noticing that lightning in the Empyrean universe often represents balance rather than simple violence. Unlike other forms of power, Violet's signet seems closely tied to raw magical energy and the natural forces that sustain the world.
This has led to one of the most fascinating theories in the fandom: Violet may eventually discover that her lightning can heal or even reverse Venin corruption.
Supporters of this theory point to the recurring theme that nature seeks balance. If Venin corruption represents an unnatural theft of power, then Violet's abilities could represent the opposite force—a way to restore what has been broken.
Such a development would completely transform the stakes of the story. Rather than simply defeating the Venin, Violet could become the key to saving those already corrupted, including Xaden himself.
For many readers, this theory offers a rare source of hope in a saga increasingly defined by sacrifice, loss, and impossible choices.
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Thematic fan theory terms romantasy lovers use
“dreamwalk” vs. “shadow tether”
Fans speak in tongues of “dreamwalk” for Violet’s abilities and “shadow tether” for Xaden’s lingering presence. These terms anchor their theories about mind journeys and spiritual bonds in the saga.
“Venin Messiah” and “Bride of Amnesia”
Thearists label Xaden’s role as Venin Messiah—a savior-fallen antihero trope—and Violet as the Bride of Amnesia, trapped in political marriage she cannot recall.
“Timeline braid” and “inkling echo”
BookTok creators often show fan art tagged “#timelinebraid,” imagining tangled temporal threads, while “#inklinge͏cho” refers to Violet’s psychic resonance across dreams.
How fandom translates theories into art and commentary
On Bookstagram, layered graphics show timelines branching between Xaden and Violet. TikTok creators animate memory erasure scenes, with filters replicating “blank eyes” and dream distortion. Commenters overlay fan edits with verse from the books, weaving visual poetry that fuels community excitement.
What these theories say about the storytellers and fans
Narratively, power dynamics shift
The “Bride of Amnesia” arc speaks to power through memory—as a regent, Violet must rule with both love and strategy. It hints at future feminist journeys within the saga, resonating strongly with BookTok’s core audience.
Emotionally, fans crave hope within chaos
Despite high-stakes tragedy, fans cling to Xaden’s survival theories and Violet’s untapped power. This reflects the genre’s appeal: tethering love, trauma, and transformation within a fantasy tapestry that still offers hope.
For fans of Fourth Wing and Onyx Storm, Book Four is more than a sequel—it’s a crucible. Theories of memory, power, and rebirth flourish across BookTok and bookstagram. Violet’s dream-walking power, Xaden’s fate, and the legacy of their bond drive both the lore and emotional heart of the Empyrean saga. Wherever Rebecca Yarros takes us next, romantasy lovers will be there, dissecting each scene, each breath.
