As fans of Fourth Wing anxiously await the next chapter in the Empyrean series, a compelling theory may have uncovered what truly lies ahead for Xaden Riorson. While much of the buzz around Fourth Wing revolves around the fiery romance between Violet Sorrengail and the formidable rider Xaden at Basgiath War College, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the subtle hints of foreshadowing Rebecca Yarros has been layering in since the very beginning.
With countless twists already behind us, sharp-eyed readers have been poring over earlier chapters in search of clues about how the war against the sinister Venin might ultimately unfold. Brimming with beloved characters, this romantasy series has already delivered its share of heartbreak, with shocking losses in Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm. But if this latest theory proves true, it could eclipse every twist so far—delivering the most devastating revelation the Empyrean series has seen yet.
Dark Theory Proposes Violet May Be Forced to Kill Xaden in the Empyrean Series
The runaway success of the Empyrean series has sparked a wave of fan theories and predictions, with one particularly compelling take coming from Reddit user u/ksswannn03. Their theory not only predicts Xaden’s death in a future installment—but also proposes that Violet will be the one to kill him. While this twist would starkly contrast with the deep love story between the two characters, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that Rebecca Yarros may have been planting the seeds for such a heartbreaking turn since the very first book.
While Fourth Wing follows the rise of young riders at Basgiath War College, at its heart, it’s also the sweeping love story of Violet and Xaden—making the idea of Violet killing her true love a twist of staggering impact. With Xaden’s transformation into a Venin at the end of Iron Flame and his darker urges intensifying throughout Onyx Storm, the series has steadily laid the foundation for his potential descent into villainy. As Xaden inches closer to fully embracing the darkness, the possibility of Violet being forced to end his life no longer feels far-fetched—it feels chillingly inevitable.
Rebecca Yarros May Be Hinting at This Tragic Twist Through Xaden’s Ominous Dialogue
The theory that Violet might one day kill Xaden isn’t without foundation—recurring lines of dialogue throughout the series lend weight to the idea. Xaden has repeatedly told Violet things along the lines of “You’ll be the death of me.” While this may have seemed flirtatious at first, the fact that Rebecca Yarros has him echo the sentiment in multiple books feels like deliberate foreshadowing. Given the powerful bond between them as riders—and the deep emotional and magical connection they share—Violet may ultimately be the only one strong enough to stop Xaden if he loses control to his Venin side.
Xaden’s Death in Future Fourth Wing Books Might Not Be the End After All
While Xaden’s death may seem inevitable, this dark theory takes it a step further—suggesting that Violet might not only be the one to kill him, but also the one to bring him back. The theory draws attention to an intriguing line from Professor Kaori in Fourth Wing, who remarks, “After all, bonding makes you a rider, but resurrecting someone from the dead? Now that makes you a god.” This quote opens the door to the possibility that Violet’s unique powers could evolve to the point where she’s able to defy death itself—and resurrect Xaden.
Although the Empyrean series has made it clear that no known signet can resurrect the dead, it wouldn’t be the first time Basgiath’s students were misled about the true nature of their world. Whether Violet kills Xaden intentionally or by accident, there’s a lingering possibility she could bring him back—perhaps through a hidden signet, the intervention of the Irids, or even the power of the gods themselves. No matter how the story unfolds, the characters’ journeys appear to be building toward a moment where Violet takes Xaden’s life. For Fourth Wing fans, it’s clear that even more shocking twists lie ahead.
