Summary

• Fourth Wing's epigraphs could suggest that Violet & Xaden could be dead by the series' conclusion.
• The epigraphs hint at several chapter events in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame.
• Despite the recovered correspondences, Violet & Xaden's fate remains ambiguous with hopeful possibilities.

Onyx Storm, the series' third installment. Violet's second signet, the secrets of Basigath, and Naolin's potential return are just a few examples of the theories that surround Rebecca Yarros' narrative. However, one Reddit theory posits that the ending of the story might have already been revealed through the series' framing device.

Both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame are meant to be recounted correspondences that are being translated by Jesinia Neilwart, Violet's friend from the Scribe Quadrant. This would make sense, as Jesinia was there for most of the moments she was transcribing, such as the events of Iron Flame's ending. Despite this, a theory points to the use of this framing and other details to tease a dark fate for Violet and Xaden, one that will not be revealed until the end of The Empyrean Series.

Fourth Wing & Iron Flame's Epigraphs May Tease A Dark Fate For Violet & Xaden

Violet & Xaden May Not Make It To The End Of The Series

One Fourth Wing theory posits that Violet and Xaden may be dead by the end of The Empyrean Series, which is why Jesinia is recording their story. According to Reddit, the opening of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, which states that the story is being transcribed and translated by Jesinia rather than Violet, indicates that Violet and Xaden could be dead by the end of the series. The fact that every piece of Xaden's correspondence to Violet is referred to as "recovered" aids this theory, as Xaden and Violet would likely keep their letters private if they were still alive.

If there was no other option, Violet dying to save Xaden and vice versa makes sense for their characters and the series.

Violet and Xaden's story in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame has been riddled with danger, with Iron Flame ending on Xaden becoming a venin. The two of them being dead after the events of the series, then, is not so far-fetched, especially considering Violet's devotion to Xaden. If there was no other option, Violet dying to save Xaden and vice versa makes sense for their characters and the series. That being said, even if this theory is incorrect, these epigraphs in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame must have a larger meaning considering how often they foreshadow events in each chapter.

The Empyrean Series' Chapter Openings Must Have Some Greater Meaning For The Story

Several Of The Epigraphs Predict The Events Of The Chapter

Many of the epigraphs in The Empyrean Series predict the events of the chapter, hinting at a larger meaning for the overall story. Fourth Wing and Iron Flame's epigraphs often hint at aspects of what happens in each chapter, either subtly or overtly. One example is Chapter Three in Fourth Wing, which discusses blue dragons in Navarre and their ruthless nature. That chapter is Sgaeyl's first appearance and showcases Xaden's colder side in his speech to the cadets, demonstrating why he was chosen by Sgaeyl.

Iron Flame's epigraph in Chapter Five discusses Varrish and his role as an interrogator. He is then introduced properly, and his cruel nature is seen through his leave policy for Violet. The epigraph also foreshadows Violet's torture at Varrish's hands. Considering how intertwined these epigraphs are with the narrative, the possibility that the more subtle examples could hint at the outcome of the overall story and answer many questions in The Empyrean Series is quite large. They could also, due to their vague nature, be hiding a more hopeful ending for Violet, Xaden, and the rest of Fourth Wing's characters.

There's Still Hope For Violet & Xaden Despite Their Recovered Correspondence

Violet & Xaden Could Simply Be Busy Ruling Aretia

Violet and Xaden's story, despite the recovered correspondence, could end on a more hopeful note than this Fourth Wing theory suggests. While the possibility of the two being dead is plausible, an equally strong possibility is that the two vanished or fled during the final battle at the end of the series. Perhaps, even after being cured, Xaden was no longer accepted in Navarre, forcing the two to flee despite saving the continent. Jesinia could then be recording their story as the "thank you" they did not receive, or to solidify their "deaths" in battle to the officials at Basigath.

Onyx Storm is set to be released on January 21, 2025.

Another possibility is that, after the high-stakes events of Fourth Wing, Xaden was able to claim his birthright as heir to Aretia. The two could simply be spending their days ruling, with Jesinia's translations being a part of a movement to record history faithfully. History is a big theme of the series, so ending on both a happily ever after for the main characters and a hopeful glimpse at what Violet and Xaden fought for becoming reality would easily fit. As a result, Fourth Wing could, through the epigraphs, bring everything full circle.

Source: Reddit