With the release ofOnyx Stormdrawing ever closer, Rebecca Yarros is teasing more reveals in the upcomingEmpyreannovel, the third in the series. Along with short quote images posted on Yarros’ Instagram, she has revealed even more by providing excerpts in her captions. These revealed several key plot points – for example,Xaden’s biggest challenge inOnyx Storm.
This follows Yarros previously releasing an excerpt of the upcoming release in Cosmopolitan, with one of the reveals being asilver-haired venin inOnyx Storm.However, in a more recently-released excerpt, dialogue from the love-to-hate character Jack Barlowe seems to challenge the most compelling theory about silver hair in the books, particularly aFourth Wingvenin theory.
Violet’s Silver Hair Tips Are The Source Of A Major Fourth Wing Theory
A Major Venin Theory Hinges On The Unnatural Quality Of Her Hair
A detail that is given a lot of attention in the books, especially inFourth Wing,is Violet Sorrengail’s hair, which is brunette turning to silver at the ends. The silver ends are not affected by cutting her hair – the silver ends reappear, even with a shorter length. This stands out as unusual andindicates an unnatural reason for Violet’s striking strands beyond stylistics. It has been the source of a majorEmpyreanseries theory about Violet’s mysterious family history.
Some readers have speculated that Lilith could have been drained by a venin while pregnant…
In a Q&A, Rebecca Yarros stated,“There is a reason for Violet’s hair, it just hasn’t been revealed yet,”(viaTikTok). This has only fuelled rumors about what it could mean for Violet, including severalsilver hair theories on theFourth Wingsubreddit. This is because General Lilith Sorrengail had a mysterious“fever”while pregnant with Violet – some readers have speculated that Lilith could either have been drained by a venin while pregnant or could have been turning venin herself. This could discolor Violet’s hair.
A New Onyx Storm Excerpt Challenges Fourth Wing’s Silver Hair Theory
Jack Barlowe Mentions Both Silver And Gray In His Line
A simple word choice in one of Yarros’ newly-released excerpts throws the silver hair theory into uncertainty. Jack Barlowe made a significant statement:
“Just look at you, freshly fed from the source and already down here, desperate for a cure. You will slip, and afterward… Well, let’s just say that silver hair that has you so besotted will be gray like the rest of her, and those weak-ass initiate rings in your eyes won’t just last a few days…”
viaRebecca Yarros on Instagram
This makes a clear distinction between the supernatural silver coloring of Violet’s ends and the discoloration that comes from being drained by venin. This does not discount the significance of Violet’s hair; it could still be related to Violet’s development during Lilith’s fever, but the distinction complicates the venin theory. This opens up new avenues for speculation aside from the nonetheless well-thought-out reasoning. Historically, Yarros’ word choices have been purposeful and significant.
Onyx Storm Reversing Fourth Wing’s Romance Dynamic Is Probably Inevitable (But I Wish It Wouldn’t)
Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing love-triangle dynamic saw Violet struggle to choose between Dain and Xaden, and it may come back into play in Onyx Storm.
The more prominent reveal in the excerpt is that a key tension inOnyx Stormwill be Xaden resisting developing his venin state beyond being an initiate. He will have to resist the temptation to drain Violet and be permanently venin. However,the idea that Violet may not have been partially drained in utero after all is concerning. Attached to the silver hair theory was the idea that Violet may be immune to venin (viaReddit), so Barlowe’s language here may throw a spanner in the works regarding Violet’s role in the story.
Source:TikTok,Instagram,Reddit
Onyx Storm
Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic.
