Iron Flame's ending throws another wrench into their romance.

With Violet and Xaden's future still up in the air, I'm worried Onyx Storm will feature a frustrating romance twist. Other moments from Iron Flame back this up, suggesting Yarros could introduce a common obstacle for The Empyrean Series' central couple to overcome. I'd hate to see the author waste time on a predictable love triangle, especially when there are so many other interesting aspects of The Empyrean Series' world to explore. However, after the events of Iron Flame, the story could easily go in that direction.

Iron Flame's Ending Sets Up More Relationship Challenges For Violet & Xaden In Onyx Storm

Xaden Being Venin Will Likely Push Them Further Apart

Iron Flame's ending twist reveals that Xaden is venin, and this is sure to put another wedge between him and Violet in Onyx Storm. There's no telling what Xaden's experience becoming venin will look like, and it could change his personality drastically. But even if Xaden remains mostly the same, it's probably safe to assume he'll push Violet away for her own safety. This could Iron Flame, undoing the strides they made in the second installment.

While it seems likely Violet and Xaden will overcome their challenges later in Yarros' romantasy series, I can see them taking detours before reaching their happy ending.

Onyx Storm's title could even refer to the tempest they'll need to face together. And while it seems likely Violet and Xaden will overcome their challenges later in Yarros' romantasy series, I can see them taking detours before reaching their happy ending. Iron Flame introduces Xaden's ex, and there has been another potential love interest for Violet since the series began. Of course, returning to that possibility in Onyx Storm would be pretty predictable. It would also be unlikely to go anywhere significant, as Violet and Xaden are clearly the series' endgame couple.

I Hope Onyx Storm Doesn't Deliver A Predictable Romance Twist With Violet & Dain

Dain's Redemption Arc Comes At A Convenient Time

With Violet and Xaden likely to have more relationship challenges in Onyx Storm, I'm worried Yarros will revisit Violet and Dain's feelings for one another. When Fourth Wing opens, it seems like Dain could be a love interest for the series' heroine. However, his overbearing behavior quickly rules that out, pushing Violet into Xaden's arms instead. Dain's betrayal at the end of Fourth Wing seemingly puts an end to the possibility of a romance between him and Violet. In Iron Flame, it's dubious that they'll even be friends again — but the sequel eventually reopens that door.

Violet shows Dain what truly happened at Athebyne while she's being tortured, and he turns on Basgiath's vice commandant in order to help her. Dain also agrees to leave with Violet and the others when he learns the truth about Navarre's lies. These moments suggest that Onyx Storm and future sequels. If that happens, he's likely to mend his friendship with Violet. And if Violet and Xaden are struggling, Yarros could also revive the love triangle originally teased in Fourth Wing.

Fourth Wing Already Proved Violet & Dain Shouldn't Be More Than Friends

Rebecca Yarros Would Have A Hard Time Selling This Relationship

With its Xaden twist and Dain's redemption, Iron Flame sets the stage for the return of Fourth Wing's love triangle in the next book. However, I'm really hoping Yarros doesn't go this route with the characters, as Fourth Wing already proved that Violet and Dain shouldn't be more than friends. The first book barely explains why the two of them care about one another, and it sees Dain underestimating her and being a bad friend. Even if he grows throughout Onyx Storm, it will be really hard to sell him as a legitimate love interest.

At this point, it's difficult to imagine Violet ending up with anyone else in The Empyrean Series — and readers certainly won't want her with Dain after everything he's done.

At this point, it's difficult to imagine Violet ending up with anyone else in The Empyrean Series — and readers certainly won't want her with Dain after everything he's done. In addition to being an unpopular pairing, it would also be too predictable. Fourth Wing subverts expectations when Violet barely participates in its blossoming love triangle. Reviving it wouldn't be a smart move, especially when it's unlikely Violet and Dain will actually wind up together in the end. There are better ways Onyx Storm can utilize its pages and main characters.

Onyx Storm will debut on January 21, 2025.