The next Fourth Wing book has the potential to revive a key element of Violet and Xaden’s romance—one that would confront the most painful truth at the heart of The Empyrean series’ central relationship. The ending of Onyx Storm left the couple in a state of emotional turmoil, a separation seemingly orchestrated by their own choices. Imogen’s final words hint that Violet had a plan in motion between the climactic battle and the closing chapter. Yet, as new twists loom on the horizon, Violet and Xaden are now poised to face their most difficult battle yet—apart.
With the mystery of the missing twelve hours and lingering unanswered questions, it’s no surprise that fans are buzzing with theories about what the next Fourth Wing book might reveal—including which overlooked characters could finally step into the spotlight. While most agree that Violet and Xaden’s planned separation will bring emotional turbulence, it also opens the door for a long-anticipated storyline from the first book to resurface—this time, in a completely new light.
The Next Fourth Wing Sequel Will Reignite Violet and Xaden’s Enemies-to-Lovers Tension After Onyx Storm
Now that Violet and Xaden are on opposing sides of the war, their relationship may once again fall into the familiar—and volatile—enemies-to-lovers dynamic in the next Fourth Wing book. The first two installments of The Empyrean series kept their romance on unstable ground, with poor communication fueling a string of emotional misunderstandings. While Onyx Storm offered a brief reprieve as the two began to reconcile and focus on Xaden’s venin transformation, the calm may not last. The growing divide between them sets the stage for old tensions to resurface—this time with even higher stakes.
As a result, Onyx Storm allowed Violet and Xaden to settle more deeply into their relationship, offering rare moments of tenderness amid the chaos—like the intimate birthday scene for Xaden. But since this is only the third installment in a planned five-book series, those sweet moments felt laced with unease, hinting that their romantic arc—seemingly resolved since Fourth Wing—might not be as stable as it appeared. That uncertainty was answered clearly by the book’s ending, which delivered a powerful shift: their separation and Xaden’s transformation into an asim.
Forcing Violet and Xaden apart may reignite the enemies-to-lovers spark that first defined their relationship in Fourth Wing. While Xaden’s love for Violet still burns beneath the surface, his growing dependence on the earth’s power could begin to bury it—pushing him back into the distant, guarded version of himself. And even if his feelings remain intact, circumstances may force the two to pretend they’re on opposite sides to protect their secret plan and keep both factions unaware. Either way, this separation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of a crucial truth about their relationship—one that’s long overdue.
Book 4 of The Empyrean Series Could Finally Confront the Toxic Side of Violet and Xaden’s Relationship
The next Fourth Wing book has the opportunity to finally address the lingering toxic elements in Violet and Xaden’s relationship—and allow Violet the space to confront them on her own. While earlier books in The Empyrean series acknowledged and even occasionally poked fun at some of their more dysfunctional dynamics, others were left unresolved, particularly due to the narrative focus on Xaden’s transformation. One of the most prominent issues—their mutual emotional dependency—remains a key concern. In that light, their separation may be less of a heartbreak and more a necessary turning point, setting the stage for personal growth and a more meaningful reunion.
With Xaden out of the picture—for now—Violet has the chance to grow beyond her reliance on him and herself, learning to lean on others and embrace vulnerability as a form of strength. Onyx Storm marked the beginning of that journey, but the next installment needs to bring it full circle, showing Violet truly stepping into her power by trusting in the support, loyalty, and abilities of those around her. This evolution won’t just make her a stronger leader—it will also better equip her to support Xaden when they reunite, even if that moment lies beyond the pages of the upcoming book.
