Onyx Stormneeds to solve this long-hinted mystery about Xaden that has nothing to do with his new status as a venin and everything to do with his character arc.Onyx Storm’s excerpthighlighted the newfound dangers that will be present through the third installment ofThe Empyrean Seriesas more mysteries are discovered and solved. However,not much was revealed in the excerpt about Xaden and his current mindset considering these dangers and how his venin status factors in, which is consistent with his secretive characterization.
Xaden’s secrecy has been a driving force of the narrative throughout the first two books, creating conflict between him and Violet. Even with their resolution in the latter half ofIron Flame,there are still a lot of mysteries surrounding Xaden’s life that force him to continue to be withdrawn due to his fear of vulnerability.Onyx Stormwill likely explore Xaden’s venin twistand his thoughts on it, but one of those key personal mysteries also needs time in order to bring that portion of his arc to a close: the question of Xaden’s mother’s whereabouts.
Fourth Wing & Iron Flame Raise Questions About What Happened To Xaden’s Mother
There Are Very Few Details Surrounding Her In The Empyrean Series So Far
The minimal details about Xaden’s mother inFourth WingandIron Flamegives audiences very few clues as to what happened to her, a question thatOnyx Stormmust answer.Xaden’s few mentions of his mother reveal that she and his father, Fen Riorson, had an arranged marriage that allowed her to depart from Tyrrendorwhen Xaden turned ten. She had apparently done so, leaving Xaden to be raised in a foster home with Liam Mairi after his father’s rebellion against Navarre failed and resulted in his death.
11 Times Xaden Secretly Used His Second Signet In Fourth Wing and Iron Flame
After discovering Xaden’s second signet at the end of Iron Flame, it becomes obvious that Yarros left clues to this reveal throughout the series.
Xaden does not mention much else about his mother throughout the first two books, despite the fact that he would likely have many memories of herand has no problem discussing his father. Part of this could be due toFourth Wingfocusing more on his relationship with Violet and that there was little time for Violet to ask more about it in the lead-up toIron Flame’sending. Even so, Xaden did let one detail slip inIron FlamethatOnyx Stormcould use to explore more of Xaden’s mother’s story in the form of a hidden blanket.
Xaden’s Blanket Holds Clues About His Relationship With His Mother (& Her Fate)
The Blanket Could Reveal What Happened To Her After Leaving Xaden
Xaden’s blanket from his mother could be used inOnyx Stormto reveal more about his connection to her as well as confirm one of the theories about what happened to her after her departure.During one of their fights in the latter half ofIron Flame,Xaden mentions that he keeps a blanket his mother made him in their armoire, something Violet never knew. The existence of that blanket could be a clue to the fact that, even after leaving him, Xaden still cares for his mother and would want to reconnect with her.
Xaden mentions his mother’s blanket in Chapter 55 ofIron Flame.
Many theories have been posited about Xaden’s mother, including that she could be a veninand the reason behind the Sage’s interest in Xaden. The blanket, however, disproves this as Xaden would likely remember his mother turning and would not have kept it as a reminder. Considering the fact thatOnyx Storm’s blurbmentions that Violet will be traveling to find allies, it is likely that Xaden’s mother is from the Isle Kingdoms, which the blanket could showcase upon examination by Violet. Either way, the blanket could be a major component forOnyx Stormto put this mystery to bed.
Onyx Storm Must Solve The Mystery Surrounding Xaden’s Mother Once & For All
Finding Xaden’s Mother Would Help Close His Individual Arc
By solving the mystery of Xaden’s mother,Onyx Stormwould be able to take Xaden’s arc regarding his views on vulnerability and love full circle, further improving his relationship with Violet.The book could use the blanket as a way for Xaden to either find details about his mother or the woman herself,allowing him to see her again and reconcile with her. Whether or not that reconciliation goes well, Xaden would be rendered emotionally vulnerable, adding to the pressures of suppressing his newfound venin instincts.
As a result, Xaden’s arc can take a sweeter turn inOnyx Storm, cementing his bond with Violet even as his venin nature tries to overcome him and new secrets are revealed.
Through that vulnerability,Violet and Xaden’s relationship inOnyx Stormcould take a new turn as Violet acts as an anchor point for him over vice versa.That could lead to Xaden realizing that he does not always need to be the one taking care of others and driving home his lesson fromIron Flameabout being open and vulnerablewith the ones he loves. As a result, Xaden’s arc can take a sweeter turn inOnyx Storm,cementing his bond with Violet even as his venin nature tries to overcome him and new secrets are revealed.
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.
