Violet and Xaden's romance is easily one of the biggest reasons for the series' continued success, but their relationship comes with a few handicaps.

Some of the biggest Fourth Wing complaints center around the fact that Violet and Xaden get together too early in the narrative, and their subsequent relationship is riddled with communication issues and childish fights. And while Fourth Wing's romance kicks off with the "enemies-to-lovers" trope, it's agreed to have ended too quickly. However, Onyx Storm's ending may help to reintroduce this once again, and Violet and Xaden's separation will only further the series' success — allowing the series to return to its initial romance roots in four great ways.

Onyx Storm's Ending Means The Next Book Can Revive Fourth Wing's Enemies-To-Lovers Dynamic

The Two Characters Will Now Be Fighting On Opposite Sides Of A War

The ending of Onyx Storm held yet again another shocking twist by Yarros, as not only are Violet and Xaden now married, but Xaden has disappeared with the venin — which suggests their relationship in the next Fourth Wing book will be heading back to its roots. The Empyrean Series kicks off with an enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Violet and Xaden, but the two characters end up getting together fairly quickly. The "enemies" part of their arc doesn't last for long, but now that Violet and Xaden are seemingly on opposite sides of a war, that element has been created once again.

Now heading into book four of the Empyrean Series, fans can expect Yarros to reintroduce the stakes and tension Violet and Xaden's relationship carried throughout Fourth Wing. Some of the best parts of Yarros' first book have to do with the growing attraction between the two characters, despite their differences, and it will be interesting to see how this dynamic plays out in the future now that Xaden's humanity is in question. There's no knowing how far he'll be pushed as an Asim, and it's unclear whether his love for Violet will trump his new identity.

Xaden & Violet's Dynamic Shift Is A Great Way To Address The Toxic Parts Of Onyx Storm's Romance

Violet Will Be Forced To Reflect On Their Relationship

Violet and Xaden are understandably obsessed with each other, but their relationship is almost concerning at times — especially when we know Xaden would easily let everyone else die if it meant saving Violet. But now that the two are forced back into the "enemies" dynamic, it will be a great way for Yarros to address some of the toxic parts of their romance, including their continued communication issues and repetitive arguments. And while I don't believe their love for one another will be lessened in any way, their change in dynamics should allow for greater reflection on Violet's part.

"Fine. Hypothetically, he'd have to kill another rider without cause or hurt civilians. Hurt my friends, my dragons. Hurt...me," I end in a whisper. "If he hurts me, then he's not him anymore."

—Onyx Storm, Chapter Forty-Three

The next Fourth Wing sequel could even test whether Violet will stick to her word with Ridoc. Towards the end of Onyx Storm, Ridoc makes Violet draw a line that she wouldn't let Xaden cross, and that was if he ever intentionally hurt someone or herself — which would ultimately signal his humanity was lost. Yarros included this conversation for a reason, which likely means Xaden will harm civilians or those Violet loves in the next book. The real question is whether Violet will stick to her word, or continue believing she can fix him.

Xaden's Absence Means The Next Empyrean Series Sequel Can Refocus On Violet's Friendships

Onyx Storm Had Little Time To Focus On Several Of Violet's Friendships

While I enjoyed Violet and Xaden's relationship arc in Onyx Storm, the narrative did sideline several of Violet's friends — especially Rhi, Sawyer, and Jessinia. But, now that she and Xaden will be separated in the next novel, it's likely Violet's friendships will receive more attention. Some of Yarros' best character dynamics of the entire series come from Violet and her friends, and I'm excited the fourth Empyrean Series novel will get to showcase these in greater detail. This will offer a better balance in storytelling and Violet's character growth, which is something the first book benefits from.

Ridoc's role, while a great choice for comedic relief, was also used to remind Violet that she doesn't have to do everything alone.

While Violet and Xaden's relationship is addicting to read about, Violet's friendships are equally important in advancing the story. This is obvious from how engaging Ridoc's narrative was throughout Onyx Storm, and I'm looking forward to Yarros utilizing her other friends, like Rhi and Sawyer, in similar ways in the next book. This also seems to be something Yarros was preparing for in Onyx Storm, and Ridoc's role, while a great choice for comedic relief, was also used to remind Violet that she doesn't have to do everything alone.

The Next Fourth Wing Book's Big Romance Moments Will Be Satisfying Again With New Obstacles

Violet And Xaden's Romance Will Have More Interesting Elements

Violet and Xaden's relationship dynamics are top-tier in the first Fourth Wing novel, but some of the tensions and challenges between them in Iron Flame feel forced for the sake of conflict, while Onyx Storm is almost too predictable. However, now that Violet and Xaden stand on opposite sides of a war between the Continent and the venin, the stakes are made even higher. These obstacles offer a more convincing and less naive conflict between the two characters, and instead of miscommunicating, they will have to grapple with much heavier issues.

However, their relationship hinges on Xaden's ability to maintain his humanity — and that element alone adds more interest to their dynamic.

Any romance between the two characters in the Onyx Storm sequel will ultimately have a much more satisfying feel, as they are not only physically separated, but set up to fight against the other. While it's unlikely they will meet face to face throughout the next novel, it's possible Yarros will keep their relationship alive through Violet's dream-walking signet ability. This would allow her to enter into Xaden's mind and converse with him regardless of the distance between them. However, their relationship hinges on Xaden's ability to maintain his humanity — and that element alone adds more interest to their dynamic.