It goes without saying that THERE ARE MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. If you haven’t read this chapter of Onyx Storm, please go read it first.
The chapter opens with the phrase “six of us”—yet again, a different six. I feel like Rebecca Yarros is subtly hinting at something here, but she keeps rotating the riders and fliers so we’re left guessing.
This time, the six are Violet, Cat, Trager, Maren, Rhi, and Ridoc. We quickly learn that the front lines are barely holding, and the war is escalating everywhere. Lieutenant Colonel Degrensi is introduced as an integral rider, actively aiding the people of Poromiel in their fight against the venin.
Violet takes her squadmates into Xaden’s old room, which still has his wards intact. During the night, Violet experiences a violent, deeply unsettling nightmare. I read the scene multiple times because it felt oddly familiar—reminiscent of the nightmares she shared with Xaden in Iron Flame—but this one feels distinctly different.
The nightmare includes a four-poster bed and a chest of belongings, and Cat is there, screaming that they have to leave. Then comes this line:
“He’ll choose you. I know he will. You’re the future queen of Tyrrendor, and your people need you.”
Wait—future queen of Tyrrendor, not duchess? Is this a mistake? Or intentional? If you’ve read my previous theories about Violet potentially observing dreams as her second signet, this scene might support it. Was this Violet’s dream? Someone else’s? We don’t know. But one thing’s clear: I don’t like that someone is telling Cat she’ll be the future queen of Tyrrendor.
Let’s unpack this. The use of queen instead of duchess feels deliberate. Could this hint at a future storyline where Cat becomes Aaric’s or Halden’s consort? If so, she’d automatically become Queen of Tyrrendor (assuming the Queen of Navarre would also hold that title). Feelings aside, this raises so many questions.
On a lighter note, this chapter marks the first mention of Violet catching a hint of mint—a scent tied to Xaden. Does he still smell like mint? Or has it changed?
Then comes a chilling realization: Newhall is under attack. But who knew Maren has family in Newhall? Basgiath’s leadership, for one. And who sent Violet’s squad so close to Newhall? General Aetos. How much more obvious can he be about trying to get these cadets killed? He also has ties with venin. He lured them at Resson. He also sent venin after those from Resson. Either Aetos is a giant massive venin or is aiding the dark wielders.
Rhi’s self-doubt also stands out. She questions her leadership skills and admits her worst nightmare is making the wrong call. This makes me wonder—will she eventually make a decision that has catastrophic consequences? Mrs. Yarros, please have mercy on us!
The chapter ends with the “mighty six” voting to head straight into battle.
To use some of Xaden’s words “Why is it always you, Violence…”
Read the Next Chapters:
- Onyx Storm Read Along: Prologue
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 1
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 2
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 3
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 4
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 5
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 6
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 7
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 8
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 9
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 10
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 11
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 12
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 13
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 14
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 15
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 16
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 17
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 18
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 19
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 20
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 21
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 22
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