OneFourth Wingtheory about the venin Sage is incredibly convincing, butI still hopeOnyx Stormdebunks it and proves me wrong. The stakes ofThe Empyrean Seriesare higher than ever heading intoOnyx Storm,andthe nextFourth Wingsequelpromises to answer some of our biggest questions about the venin and their motives. The venin Sage who seems so interested in Violet will likely be expanded on, and there are manyOnyx Stormtheoriesabout whom the villain could be. Knowing that Xaden and Jack are now venin, it’s possible the Sage also has a surprising identity.
The venin Sage first makes an appearance at the end ofFourth Wing,butIron Flameexpands on the character a bit more. That said,the Sage’s identity, intentions for Violet, and greater role inThe Empyrean Seriesremain shrouded in mysteryahead ofOnyx Storm.With so much more to learn about the character,Onyx Stormhas the opportunity to throw a truly shocking twist our way. And one theory about the venin Sage makes a lot of sense, but I’m hoping it doesn’t happen for multiple reasons.
What’s Been Revealed About The Venin Sage So Far
He’s Interested In Violet’s Powers & Incredibly Powerful
Fourth WingandIron Flamekeep the venin Sage a mysterious character, but the books do reveal clues about the villain that could contribute to a greater reveal later on.Fourth Wingsees him entering the battlefield wielding a tall staff, and he immediately showcases enormous strength upon his arrival. He evades attacks from Sgaeyl and Garrick and is the only one to walk away from the confrontation at Resson.The female venin that Violet fights suggests he’s interested in her lightning-wielding signet, andIron Flameconfirms her ominous words.
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Violet’s interaction with the female wielder also reveals that the Sage is a teacher of sorts, a scary prospect considering his own lethal abilities. While the other venin don’t seem to be at the same level of power as the Sage, they’re clearly learning from and training with him. Violet’s encounter with another dark wielder inIron Flameconfirms that the venin Sage who wants Violet’s power isn’t the only teacher, either, as the venin responds to Violet’s question about him by asking, “Which Sage?”
During his nightmare interactions with Violet, he reveals that he’s interested in her joining him and turning venin — and he even commands his followers not to kill her.
The venin Sage also begins appearing to Violet in her dreams in book two, andIron Flame’s endingreveals he’s doing the same to Xaden. It’s not clear how he’s capable of this.However, during his nightmare interactions with Violet, he reveals that he’s interested in her joining him and turning venin — and he even commands his followers not to kill her. Violet notes multiple times that he seems disappointed by her refusal, suggesting he has high hopes for her cooperation. If nothing else, this suggests a deeper connection between the two characters.
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The Sage also tells Violet he’s “waited centuries” for someone with her power, suggesting he’s old. That would explain his massive strength, which he showcases again duringIron Flame’s final battle. He’s even able to overtake Xaden and push him to turn into a venin, another outcome he seems eerily invested in. He tells Xaden that he’s a general, not a Sage, raising questions about where he falls in the enemy’s hierarchy. But regardless of his rank,I’m convinced his true identity is important — and one theory suggests he could be a character we know of.
Naolin, Tairn’s Previous Rider, Is The Venin Sage - Theory Explained
Saving Brennan Could Have Turned Naolin
There are numerous possibilities for whom the venin Sage could be, from Violet’s father to General Daramor. However,one convincingFourth Wingtheory suggests that he could be Tairn’s former rider, Naolin. While this doesn’t add up with his “centuries” comment, it makes a surprising amount of sense otherwise. For one, there’s no explanation given for why the venin Sage is able to get inside Violet’s and Xaden’s heads throughoutIron Flame.Having a connection to Tairn might grant him the ability to utilize the mental bond that Violet and Xaden share.
Whatever their relationship, it’s obvious that Naolin drew upon a great deal of power to keep Brennan alive.
Additionally, we know that Naolin supposedly perished while saving Brennan Sorrengail during the Tyrrish Rebellion. The fact that Brennan is believed to be dead throughoutFourth Wing— and has a mysterious rune on his hand — suggests thatNaolin may have gone so far as to resurrect him. They were clearly close, and some readers even theorize they were lovers. Whatever their relationship, it’s obvious that Naolin drew upon a great deal of power to keep Brennan alive. And Brennan notably says that it “cost him everything,” but not that it killed him.
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Asthe venin Sage is incredibly interested in Xaden turning venin for love inIron Flame,it would make sense if he had a similar backstory. He also tells Xaden, “It hurts, doesn’t it? Nearing burnout?,” suggesting he’s experienced the same before. This turn of events would also add layers to Tairn’s concerns about Violet wielding too much power. And it explains the dragon’s outright refusal to discuss his former rider. It’s not clear how becoming venin affects the dragon-rider bond, but Sgaeyl’s response to Xaden and Jack’s comments about Baide hint that it changes — and could eventually be severed.
What Naolin Being The Venin Sage Would Mean
This Would Have Huge Implications For Onyx Storm
I’m not totally convinced that Naolin is the venin Sage inThe Empyrean Series,but there is solid evidence for this theory. And Naolin being theFourth Wingvillain would have huge implications forOnyx Storm,starting with Brennan’s character arc. There are theories that Brennan Sorrengail could be a traitor, and that devastating twist is more likely if this Naolin theory is confirmed. But even if Brennan isn’t helping the Sage, the revelation that the villain is Naolin will have a huge impact on him.Defeating the Sage could also mean removing Brennan’s tether to the living world.
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There is one huge Xaden mystery that Onyx Storm must solve even though it has nothing to do with his new status as a venin or his struggles with it.
If Naolin is the venin Sage,it also means that Xaden’s bond with Sgaeyl could be permanently destroyed at some point inOnxy Stormor its sequels. Naolin’s fate paints a picture of what will become of characters like Jack Barlowe and Xaden if they give into the darkness. Given that Tairn is able to bond with Violet, it’s safe to assume Naolin’s connection to Tairn is pretty much gone. This happening to Xaden and Sgaeyl is unthinkable, but Yarros is known for tragic twists. As oneRedditornotes, this could also set the stage for Xaden’s dragon to die, even if he doesn’t.
Why I Hope Naolin Isn’t The Venin Sage In Onyx Storm
While Naolin being the venin Sage is believable,I really hopeOnyx Stormdoesn’t confirm thisFourth Wingtheory— and not just because of all the devastating implications that would accompany it. ThisNaolin theory would also repeata twist thatThe Empyrean Serieshas already done twice before: a death fakeout. Brennan’s demise is assumed for all ofFourth Wing,then upended during the final moments of the book. Jack Barlowe also supposedly dies inFourth Wing,butIron Flameundoes that satisfying moment.
Onyx Stormdebuts on August 22, 2025.
Needless to say,Onyx Stormfeaturing another huge death fakeout would feel a bit repetitive, even if Naolin is nevertechnicallyconfirmed to be dead. This would weaken the finality of death in a series that’s been good at depicting the brutal and permanent consequences of war. It would also just be unspeakably devastating, makingOnyx Storman even bleaker addition toThe Empyrean Series.
Source:Reddit
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.
