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Xaden Will Become the Venin Messiah
This is one of the most credible theories about Xaden since Onyx Storm. According to fans, Xaden's transformation into a Venin would not simply be a fall. On the contrary, it could make him the only character capable of understanding the Venin from within.
Rather than becoming a classic villain, Xaden could serve as a bridge between corrupted magic and human will. Fans often refer to this as the “Venin Messiah” theory, as it suggests that Xaden could be the first to survive Venin corruption without completely losing himself.
The main clue is that Xaden does not behave like a Venin who is completely lost. He still loves Violet, continues to make strategic choices, and still seems aware of what he is becoming. Fan discussions also highlight the fact that Xaden might need to stay close to the Venin to understand their way of thinking, their organization, and to determine if their corruption can be reversed. Theories on Reddit frequently associate this idea with the possibility that Xaden is trying to gather information from Berwyn or the Venin hierarchy.
If this theory proves true, the fourth book could make Xaden the most morally complex character in the series: neither entirely a hero nor entirely a monster, but someone who journeys through darkness to find a way out.
Xaden Enters His “Villain Era”
Rebecca Yarros hinted that Xaden might enter a darker phase in the next book, which fueled one of the most popular fan theories: the “villain era” theory. This doesn't necessarily mean Xaden will become evil. Most readers believe he will become more dangerous, colder, and more prone to making morally questionable choices.
The most compelling clues come from Xaden's increasing use of Venin power, his departure at the end of Onyx Storm, and his emotional break with Violet. Business Insider reported that Yarros hinted at a possible “villain era” for Xaden and that the fourth book is expected to address his growing Venin powers as well as the consequences of the twists and turns of Onyx Storm.
Fans believe this darker narrative arc could force Violet to ask herself a painful question: how far can one go in the name of protection before becoming the very threat one was fighting?
Xaden Is Acting as a Double Agent
The double agent theory is very popular because it preserves Xaden's intelligence and strategic nature. According to this hypothesis, Xaden did not simply abandon Violet or surrender to the Venin. He may have chosen to infiltrate them.
Several discussions on Reddit argue that Xaden's departure seems too calculated to be a mere capitulation. Fans note that he might need information from Berwyn or another Venin leader, especially if Berwyn has become his Sage or is linked to Jack's corruption.
This theory also aligns with Xaden's personality. He has always been a strategist, a protector, and someone willing to bear unbearable burdens alone. If he believes that infiltrating the Venin is the only way to save Violet, Tyrrendor, or the riders, he would likely do so without asking permission.
The emotional cost would be enormous: Violet might believe he truly left her, while Xaden would secretly work from enemy territory.
Violet Holds a Part of Xaden's Soul
This is one of the most emotional theories since Onyx Storm. Some fans believe that Xaden literally gave Violet a part of his soul, perhaps through their bond, their marriage, or Violet's ring.
This theory often relies on the language Xaden uses when speaking of Violet and her soul. Fans point to the recurring idea that Xaden's soul belongs to Violet, as well as the mysterious importance of the wedding band. A theory on Reddit suggests that Xaden and Violet's marriage in the temple would have transferred what remained of his soul into the ring, with Imogen erasing Violet's memory to protect the plan.
Another discussion on Reddit also brings up the theory that Violet holds Xaden's soul, while Sgaeyl would understand or support this decision.
If this were true, Violet would become the key to Xaden's survival. He might not be completely lost, because the best part of himself is no longer in his corrupted body.
Xaden Could Lose Sgaeyl
This is one of the most painful theories, as it strikes at the emotional and magical foundations of Xaden's identity as a rider.
According to this theory, Xaden's Venin corruption could damage, or even break, his bond with Sgaeyl. As the bonds between riders and dragons are at the heart of the Empyrean universe, losing Sgaeyl would represent much more than just heartbreak. It could mean the loss of one of the last elements connecting Xaden to who he was.
Fans point to Sgaeyl's suffering and the increasing tension related to Xaden's corruption. Some theories also suggest that Xaden might try to break or weaken the bond between Sgaeyl and Tairn to protect Violet, as her life is linked to the network of dragon bonds. A theory circulating on Reddit posits that Xaden's plan might have been to break the mating bond between Sgaeyl and Tairn to reduce the danger to Violet.
If this happened, Xaden's isolation in the fourth book would become even more tragic. He would not only be separated from Violet, but also from his dragon.
Xaden's Fate Echoes Naolin's Story
The Naolin parallel theory is one of the most interesting, as it links Xaden's future to one of the series' greatest unresolved mysteries.
Fans have long wondered if Naolin truly died saving Brennan. Some believe that Naolin became Venin after drawing too much power, which could parallel Xaden's current situation.
The main parallel lies in the fact that Naolin and Xaden both seem to cross forbidden magical boundaries for someone they love or want to save. The fan community often links Naolin, Brennan, Tairn, and Venin corruption, as Naolin's fate remains strangely vague.
If Naolin became Venin, then Xaden could well follow the same path. But the difference may be that Xaden's story provides readers with the answer that Naolin's never did: can one survive Venin corruption, reverse it, or find redemption?
This theory is particularly relevant for the fourth book, as it connects several mysteries at once: Xaden's future, Brennan's survival, Tairn's past, and the true cost of forbidden magic.
Xaden and Violet Will Be Separated for Most of the Fourth Book
This is not the most spectacular theory, but it is probably one of the most plausible. Many fans believe that the fourth book will keep Xaden and Violet separated for much of the story.
The end of Onyx Storm naturally leads to separation: Xaden leaves, Violet suffers from memory loss, and their relationship has been shaken. Yarros also stated that she doesn't like love triangles, but still intends for Violet and Xaden to "fight for their relationship," according to People.
This suggests that the conflict will remain centered on their bond, and not on replacing it. A long separation would allow Violet to mature politically as the Duchess of Tyrrendor, while Xaden would face the consequences of his Venin transformation.
Dream journeys could become the link between them: not enough to fully reunite them, but enough to keep their emotional connection alive.
Violet Might Have to Kill Xaden
This is the darkest theory, but it remains popular because the series repeatedly explores sacrifice, death, and impossible choices.
According to this theory, Violet might ultimately have to kill Xaden to end his corruption, save his soul, or prevent him from becoming something worse.
Fans often associate this theory with recurring discussions about souls, Venin corruption, Malek, and the idea that Xaden could lose "what makes him who he is." *Empyrean Riders* highlights a key passage where Xaden asks Violet to keep something safe and to raise the alarm if he goes too far.
Some readers see this as a premonition: Xaden already knows that there might come a time when Violet will have to stop him.
This theory can also be linked to the soul ring theory. If Violet holds a part of Xaden's soul, killing his corrupted body would not necessarily mean losing him forever.
Xaden Will Become the Duke or King of Tyrrendor
This theory relies less on magic than on politics. Since it is revealed that Xaden is the Duke of Tyrrendor, fans believe that his journey could lead him to power rather than destruction.
Xaden already possesses the qualities of a ruler: strategic thinking, the loyalty of the "marked," political legitimacy, and a deep connection to Tyrrendor. The revelation of his title makes his marriage to Violet politically explosive. *Empyrean Riders* emphasizes the importance of Xaden revealing to Violet that he is the Duke of Tyrrendor, as well as the implications of what he asks her to protect.
If this theory proves true, Xaden's narrative arc among the Venin could become a test to determine if he is worthy to rule. The fourth book may not just ask if Violet can save him emotionally, but if Tyrrendor can survive with a corrupted duke.
Xaden Could Be the Ultimate Sacrifice of the Empyrean Series
This is the theory that fans dread the most.
According to the ultimate sacrifice theory, Xaden's story could end with him giving his life to save Violet, destroy the Venin, or restore the balance of magic.
Xaden's character has always been defined by sacrifice. He protects the "marked," protects Violet, protects Tyrrendor, and constantly chooses duty over his own peace. His Venin corruption reinforces this pattern: he might eventually decide that the only way to protect everyone is to withdraw completely from the world.
However, this theory is not certain. Rebecca Yarros also emphasized that the series' plot was fully planned and that the romance between Violet and Xaden would face trials rather than necessarily being replaced or dismissed.
The ultimate sacrifice theory remains compelling because it aligns with Xaden's emotional profile, but it could also be a red herring. The true ending might be finding a way to save someone who believes they are beyond redemption.