Warning! Spoilers for The Empyrean Series!

The cover for Onyx Storm makes me hopeful that we will get a POV I have wanted more of since Fourth Wing. The Empyrean Series is largely told through Violet’s perspective. It makes the most sense as she is the protagonist and is learning the ways of the world alongside us throughout. Violet also functions as a great source of information for us as she was trained as a Scribe, allowing us quick glimpses into the world’s history without slowing the plot down. That being said, Onyx Storm‘s cover seems to hint at other characters joining Violet in the top POV spot.

Having multiple POVs would be beneficial for Onyx Storm as so many parts of Navarre’s history and current plots are still unknown to Violet. Andarna’s history, Tairn’s secrets, and many of the schemes of Basigath’s higher-ups could be showcased in POV chapters for dramatic effect. But one particular POV that would truly make the story shine for me could be coming according to the cover.

Onyx Storm’s Cover Promises A Greater Focus On Xaden In The Fourth Wing Sequel

Onyx Storm’s Color Scheme And Talk Of Darkness Could Point To Xaden

The color scheme and several mentions of darkness on the cover of the upcoming book hints at more POV chapters from Xaden in Onyx Storm. Onyx Storm‘s cover is largely monochrome, with most of the cover in darkness. I think this could be a hint at a focus on Xaden due to his shadow manipulation. The silvery mist could also point to Xaden’s signets, as it could symbolize his abilities as an inntinnsic that can literally break through the fog and read someone’s intentions.

The book’s tagline “Brave The Dark” could also refer to Xaden as he braves his newfound venin nature. Xaden turning venin amplified his power and could throw his character further into doubt about his humanity and ability to be kind. Therefore, braving the dark could refer to Xaden’s POV focusing on his inner conflict as the power tries to take over. Not only would Xaden’s POV help answer several burning questions in Onyx Storm, but it would also deliver some of the moments I have been hoping for since Fourth Wing.

I Hope Onyx Storm Delivers The Xaden POV Chapters I’ve Wanted Since Fourth Wing

Xaden’s POV Was Featured In The End Chapters Of Both Empyrean Series Books

If Onyx Storm features Xaden’s POV, I hope it will deliver more of the moments I loved in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. We only get to see Xaden’s POV during Fourth Wing and Iron Flame‘s ending. Though we only see it twice, those moments showcase so much of Xaden’s love of Violet and his softer characteristics, making them some of my favorite chapters. I loved it when Xaden lowered his guard, allowing himself to feel that love and devotion. If Onyx Storm includes his POV, it would be amazing as we get to see more of Xaden’s softer side.

Throughout Fourth Wing, Xaden’s softer side is well hidden beneath his facade, only really being exposed toward the end by Violet’s bedside. Iron Flame gives us a few more moments of peace, but with its ending, that softer side of Xaden may not get shown as often. His POV could let us see it as he clings to his love for Violet to keep his humanity, improving his character further and giving readers some cuter moments. Having his POV would also give readers further insight into his mind, especially as his secrets are no longer just his to hold.

Including Xaden’s POV Makes Sense After His Secrets Come Out In Iron Flame

His POV Would Be Symbolic Of His Growing Trust In Violet

Adding Xaden’s POV to Onyx Storm would make sense considering that his secrets came out in Iron Flame, which would allow his POV to become symbolic. Violet and Xaden in Iron Flame were in a tumultuous place as Xaden’s secrets forced him to keep her at arm’s length. Violet’s discovery of those secrets showcased both her cleverness and his growing trust in her, cementing their connection after Fourth Wing‘s initial spark. Now that his secrets are out, Xaden’s POV could become more prominent to show he has little left to hide from Violet and us readers.

Xaden’s POV would not only work narratively to give the readers more information. It would also let us see Xaden in his more vulnerable moments, much like Violet did in Iron Flame and likely will in future books. That vulnerability and truth could showcase his desire to rely on others and trust more in Onyx Storm, something he struggled with in the first two installments. Xaden’s POV could show that he is learning from those mistakes, especially as he needs Violet’s help to cure him of his venin curse.