After Onyx Storm, I'm Convinced These Two Characters Will Die By The End Of The Empyrean Series

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.

The next addition to The Empyrean Seriesis looking bleak after Onyx Storm, but I'm convinced that one good thing will come from the final two books — and that means two characters are probably going to die before the story is through. Onyx Storm's ending sees Xaden fully embracing his venin transformation, a worrisome prospect for the next Fourth Wing sequel, even if he has a greater plan. With Violet inheriting his province — which is already at odds with Navarre over how to handle the venin — things promise to get darker before they improve.

While the venin are the biggest threat in Onyx Storm, Navarre also proves a major obstacle for those committed to ridding the Continent of them. The kingdom's leadership is incompetent at best, and most of its leaders actively make decisions that help Fourth Wing's villains. With the revelation that higher-level venin can be lurking anywhere, Navarre will likely see a reckoning before The Empyrean Series is through. And I think the kingdom will crown a new king by the end of Rebecca Yarros' story, but two characters need to die for that to happen.

After Onyx Storm, I'm Convinced King Tauri & Halden Will Die So Aaric Can Be King

He's The Best Person To Lead Navarre, Unless It Totally Changes Its Government

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros against a red background with streaks of fire

King Tauri doesn't appear to be a venin in Onyx Storm — he's too concerned about Aaric's return — but he's not the right person to lead Navarre. This is clear throughout The Empyrean Series, as King Tauri hides the threat outside the kingdom's borders and deceives his own people. He lets Navarre's military handle any problems, suggesting he's not a very active ruler. That's why I believe he'll die at some point, making room for a new king. But with his eldest living son being Onyx Storm's most annoying new character, it's also clear that Halden isn't fit to rule.

Unless Navarre totally changes its leadership structure, this leaves Cam Tauri, who is better known as Aaric after joining the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath. Aaric is introduced in Iron Flame, and he makes it clear that he doesn't agree with his father's approach to the venin. He has no interest in ruling a kingdom, but that's precisely why he's the right person to take over. And Onyx Storm sets the stage for Aaric to become the king of Navarre after all is said and done — though I'm guessing King Tauri and Halden will fall to make that happen.

How The Empyrean Series Is Setting Aaric Up To Take His Father's Throne

Onyx Storm Shows He's A Better Leader & Diplomat

With venin capable of breaching Basgiath's wards — and traitors within Navarre's midst — I wouldn't be shocked to see King Tauri and Halden die in an upcoming Empyrean book. Onyx Storm is already hinting that Aaric could wind up on the throne at the end of the series. Lewellen outright tells Aaric that he's the best Tauri for the job, stating, "Our kingdom would have benefited from you being the firstborn, Your Highness." And the sequel repeatedly comments on the nature of power and those who wield it, suggesting those best suited for it are the people who don't actually want it.

While Halden completely fumbles his negotiations in the Isle Kingdoms, Aaric does an impressive job playing the diplomat.

That makes Aaric's sentiment that he'd "dismantle the family business" before rejoining it more promising, though it does set up the possibility of a democratic government emerging as well. But if Navarre sticks with its monarchy, I think Aaric is the best person to lead it. While Halden completely fumbles his negotiations in the Isle Kingdoms, Aaric does an impressive job playing the diplomat. He's more honest and reasonable than his father, and his time among Navarre's soldiers gives him critical insight into the kingdom and the people he'd be ruling.

Onyx Storm's Final Aaric Reveal Makes Me Even More Certain Of His Fate

Aaric's Signet Confirms He'll Be One Of The Series' Most Important Characters

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros book cover purple background

Onyx Storm provides plenty of evidence that Aaric could become king, but the book's final reveal about his character makes me even more certain of his fate. At the end of Onyx Storm, Sloane gives Violet a gift from Aaric, and what's inside helps her defeat the silver-haired venin, Theophanie. Violet realizes that Aaric knew exactly what she'd need because he could see the future. He's a precog, and this is one of the most powerful signets shown in The Empyrean Series so far. Violet even notes that it could make him stronger than General Melgren, as Aaric has fewer limits.

There's no release timeline for the next Empyrean Series book, but Rebecca Yarros has confirmed that she's taking a break before writing it.

With a signet like this, there's no way that Aaric won't go on to do great things — and he'll likely be pushed into a leadership role, as he'll have an easier time making decisions that help Navarre with his power. In fact, some readers even believe that he's the one who stole the missing dragon eggs at the end of Onyx Storm, knowing that it would change the outcome of the war. Only future Empyrean Series books can confirm if this is true, but I'm hopeful that Aaric will become the leader Navarre deserves. I'm also expecting to bid farewell to King Tauri and Halden after Onyx Storm.