I don’t know about you, but I’m so excited we finally have a date for Onyx Storm, I can barely contain my excitement.

And before we can even begin to fantasize about the time when we’ll hold the book in our hands, we can start thinking about new theories, cover reveal (COVER REVEAL!!) and more fun clues Rebecca Yarros is going to drop on her Instagram.

But for now, I want to talk to you about another Onyx Storm theory. This was hinted to me by one of our readers and fellow fans in regards to the connection between Violet, Xaden, Tairn and Sgaeyl.

Now, I covered this previously in my Onyx Storm Title Meaning article but not to this (new) extent. Hear me out!

To recap in Iron Flame, Violet describes her connection with Xaden as shimmering onyx.

“Shimmering onyx wraps around my mind and everything intensifies.” (Chapter 48)

Could this storm symbolize the complicated relationship between Violet, Xaden, and their dragons?

Maybe, but there is more. If you go to Fourth Wing Xaden POV bonus chapters you will notice something very interesting indeed.

“I lower my shields just enough to feel for the bond. The hard sapphire one I share with Sgaeyl is locked into place as always, but now there are two more. The onyx I recognize as Tairn, and the other, a glimmering strand of…silver, like the ends of her hair. F*ck. He really did bond her. Only a mating bond like Sgaeyl and Tairn’s could link me to another rider, whether or not I want it.”

Are you with me? Xaden refers to Tairn as an onyx connection. But not Violet…

Let’s go back to Fourth Wing now.

“Bright orange, crackling energy streams in from the door behind me, and there’s a golden light that shines from the window I created just for Andarna. I take a deep breath and turn slowly.
And there, swirling along the edge of the roofline, is a shadow of sparkling night. Xaden.“

Nope, Violet refers to Tairn’s bond as bright orange. I assume because it’s pure energy somehow.

My theory is, what if (and this is a big IF) the whole idea of Onyx Storm is between Tairn and Xaden. And yes I will elaborate.

Tairn and Xaden – The Onyx Storm

There are many theories that will be helpful here, so I will quote them as I go for you to be able to read them.

First of all, I have a theory that Tairn and Sgaeyl have had hatchlings. I’m 1000% sure this theory will come true in the next book, but of course, there is still a gamble.

And I’ve already told you that I don’t think Naolin died the way we initially thought. I actually think Naolin living his best live as venin and I think Tairn severed the connection between him and Naolin.

Can you imagine? It would explain why Tairn almost died.

Ok so why am I telling you all this? Because I think Xaden has a direct path to Sgaeyl and Tairn and Violet. Woaaaah, now that is recipe for disaster.

Do you remember how I said to you that Varrish is literally controlling his dragon? Yup, I think the smell and bad eyes will happen to Sgaeyl too, and soon potentially to Tairn and Violet by extension.

Imagine for a second that Tairn has had hatchlings. And the mother of his baby dragons is being controlled by no other than venin Xaden. WOAH. Can you seriously imagine Tairn being all chilled about it? Nope, no! I imagine that Tairn will go WILD.

Which means the Onyx Storm might very well be an internal struggle but it might be between Tairn and Xaden. A mental war, a connection that could almost be severed.

And the discussion from the teasers?

“She needs to prepare herself.
And so do you.
There’s every chance this mission will kill us.”

Yeah, what if Tairn is talking to Xaden here? About Sgaeyl…or even about Violet. Maybe there is a hint that this very book might be from Xaden’s POV.

Who knows? Well, Rebecca Yarros and her lucky editors know. And I’m pretty sure we will know more as the clues drop.

For now, let’s come up with awesome theories and read the books again because hey, why not.

Also, don’t forget to submit your own theory if you haven’t already!

More Onyx Storm Theories

• Book 3 release date, Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros
• Predictions for Book 3 Empyrean Series
• Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm January 21st, 2025
• Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm Title Meaning
• Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm Teasers
• Onyx Storm
• Onyx Storm Theories – A complete collection
• Onyx Storm Theory – Tairn is the Onyx, not Xaden
• Iron Flame Theory – Violet’s second signet is dream-sight
• Fourth Wing and Iron Flame Theory: Dain is neurodivergent
• Onyx Storm Theory: Garrick Tavis’ signet is map/compass
• Onyx Storm Theory: Violet’s second signet is distance wielder
• Onyx Storm Theory: Xaden’s control will snap
• Onyx Storm Theory: Is Violet’s second signet to do with control?
• Onyx Storm Theory: Dragons’ hatching grounds connected to royal and heir eyes
• Onyx Storm Theory: There is a connection between Orange dragons and feathertails
• Iron Flame Theory: Violet’s second signet could be storm wielder
• Iron Flame Unhinged Theory: Those who do not burn for Malek, get their loved ones back