Dragons, Wards, and Secrets: What Could Be Next in Onyx Storm?

As we eagerly await the release of Onyx Storm, countless theories have emerged about Violet Sorrengail's future, the mysteries surrounding the Venin, and the fate of Navarre. From speculating about Violet's second signet to predicting Xaden's ultimate destiny, we are all diving deep into the story's hidden clues and foreshadowing. In this post, we'll explore some of the most popular and intriguing theories that could shape the future of the series.

Violet's Second Signet: Beyond Mind Reading

One of the most widely speculated second signets for Violet is mind reading, and I agree it seems like a plausible option. However, if we think outside the box and consider Violet's need for information, perhaps her signet won't involve directly extracting thoughts from others. Instead, she might develop the ability to sense where information is stored or how to locate it, rather than pulling it from someone's mind. Mind reading might be too intrusive for Violet's character; after all, she is neither Dain nor Xaden and would never willingly expose someone else's secrets.

The Weapon to Defeat the Venin

I believe Andarna's den is intricately linked to the defeat of the venin, and that she was left behind as a last-resort measure. In Onyx Storm, I suspect Violet will embark on a quest to find more dragons from Andarna's den, hoping to raise the wards at Aretia and strengthen their defenses. This could be a major turning point in the fight against the venin, offering new insights into how to combat them effectively.

Xaden's Venin Status: A Ticking Clock

When it comes to Xaden's potential venin transformation, I see only two possible outcomes: either they find a cure, or he dies by the end of the series. There can't be any half measures here, and Xaden himself wouldn't accept living with the condition indefinitely. In Onyx Storm, I anticipate we'll see him attempt to control his condition through sheer willpower, only to have it backfire—possibly with catastrophic consequences. I sincerely hope he won't turn fully venin and become an enemy; at most, he might go undercover within their ranks. One concern, however, is the possibility of the venin being telepathically linked, which could pose significant challenges.

Violet's personal mission in Onyx Storm will likely center around finding a cure for Xaden. I suspect that by the end of the book, we might uncover what the cure entails, but its application could be reserved for book four.

The Marked Ones and Loyalty

I truly hope that none of the marked ones are working as spies for the venin. The notion of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" might be too much to bear in this already complex narrative. Trust and loyalty will be crucial as the battle intensifies, and any betrayal could shatter their fragile unity.

Aretia's Secrets and Hidden Power Sources

Many speculate that Aretia holds more than just old wards—it could contain lost knowledge, hidden relics, or even dragon-forged weapons that might tip the scales in the fight against the venin. Violet's exploration of Aretia, and the rest of the continent, could reveal game-changing resources critical to the war effort.

Venin Origins and Potential Redemption

There’s speculation that venin were not always evil, and that the series might explore their origins more deeply, potentially introducing a way to reverse their corruption rather than simply destroying them. If so, this could redefine the entire conflict and lead to unexpected alliances.

A Post-Venin Era: The Future of War College

By the end of the series, I believe they'll find a way to erect new wards that allow gryphon riders to channel their magic, or perhaps there will no longer be a need for wards altogether. That pivotal chapter in Iron Flame, where the cadets discuss all that was lost due to the unification of Navarre, feels like a foreshadowing of a future shaped by mutual understanding and cooperation.

In a post-venin era, Basgiath War College might undergo significant changes, resembling the gryphon rider academy with a reduced emphasis on death and survival, and a greater focus on strategic unity and collaboration.