If the next book afterOnyx Stormrevealed that the worst character of the novel is a venin, it would be devastating to me since it would rob us of one emotional moment I have been waiting for sinceFourth Wing. Onyx Stormrevealed quite a bit about the venin threat, highlighting the intricate power structure and capabilities of Navarre’s enemies through characters like Theophanie. However, even thoughOnyx Stormexplored the venin’s powers, the more shocking revelation was just how deeply the venin had penetrated the apparent safety of the wards.
Onyx Stormmade it clear that the venin have ties to some very powerful figures in Navarre and Basgiath through Panchek’s betrayal, his lack of venin power making the discovery no less jarring for audiences. As a result, many have begun to theorize on whichOnyx Stormcharacters are venin, scouring each moment and explaining how they have been hiding in plain sight in detail. While that theorizing has been fun, if one character is revealed to be a venin, it would negatively impact an emotional resolution for a major character that I still really want to see: Colonel Aetos.
Colonel Aetos Being A Venin Would Rob Us Of An Emotional Conflict Between Him & Dain
Onyx Storm Minimized The Conflict Between The Two Already
Colonel Aetos being venin would make sense considering his arc inOnyx Storm,but it would also undercut the already minimal emotional conflict between him and Dain.Colonel Aetos has distinguished himself as a persistent secondary antagonist sinceFourth Wing,wanting to undercut Violet after his scheme in Athebyne failed, causing his demotion.Onyx Stormgave him even more opportunities to antagonize her, his role as head of Basgiath letting him limit her movements and interactions with Xaden and punish her for any indiscretion for the sake of that revenge.
Due to his actions, it is no surprise that thetheory that Colonel Aetos is veninis a popular one, especially as his attitudes towards Dain shift. Colonel Aetos' stringent rules are why Dain betrayed Violet inFourth Wing,and Dain switching sides was never really touched upon between father and son inOnyx Stormdespite their handful of interactions throughout. If Colonel Aetos is or is not venin, then we will likely see it in book 4, which will hopefully lead to the confrontation Dain’s arc has really needed since the first book’s twist ending.
I’ve Been Waiting For Dain To Confront His Father Since The End Of Fourth Wing
Dain Needs To Drive Home How Devastated He Is At Navarre’s Betrayal
After the ending ofFourth Wing,I have been waiting to see Dain have a moment to confront his father and, in a larger sense, Navarre, whichOnyx Stormsadly did not deliver on. Dain’s betrayal of Violet inFourth Wingwas one of the more devastating parts of the book to me, as despite their growing tension, I had hoped that Dain would respect at least some part of Violet’s autonomy. That being said,I also know part of the reason for that betrayal was due to Dain’s trust in the only system he has ever known.
Dain’s betrayal was revealed in Chapter 35 ofFourth Wing.
Rebecca Yarros herself has mentioned this several times, andDain’s arc inOnyx Stormdid lightly cover it due to his clear allegiance to the Aretian riders and his cold demeanor towards his father. Yet those small moments were not enough for me. Dain spent his whole life striving for one major goal,so his discovery that it was all a lie should have been given a bigger moment, especially as his father was the main catalyst to seeing that truth. If Colonel Aetos was revealed to be venin, though, that already minimized arc would be destroyed.
Dain’s Father’s Betrayal Doesn’t Land As Hard If He’s Already Transformed Into A Venin
It Would Lessen The Impact Of Dain’s Arc Overall
If Colonel Aetos is revealed to be a venin afterOnyx Storm, it would make Dain’s arc of trying not to reflect his father not land as hard as it makes his father’s cruel choices more convenient. Though it would make a lot of sense,Colonel Aetos being venin would be disappointingas it would explain his rage and cruelty too neatly, especially his coldness towards Dain. Conversely, Colonel Aetos remaining human would lead to more opportunities for nuance anddrive home the series' secondary and more grounded points about government corruption over its more standard fantasy narrative.
By making him venin, Colonel Aetos' derision would become ironic and take away from the fact that Dain is trying to unlearn his habitual obedience to authority, which he got from his father.
Not only that, butColonel Aetos remaining human would add so much to Dain’s arc, as their confrontation would fully close out Dain’s transformation.Dain and Colonel Aetos started off with similar ideals, but Dain has strayed away from them, causing that rift. By making him venin, Colonel Aetos' derision would become ironic and take away from the fact that Dain is trying to unlearn his habitual obedience to authority, which he got from his father. That poignant and complex arc between the two would be taken away, leaving any possibilities for them afterOnyx Stormto crumble to dust.
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.
