This Wild Empyrean Series Theory Makes Me Question Everything I Know About Ridoc

I’m severely doubting everything I know about Ridoc from The Empyrean Series because of a Reddit idea about him. My favorite characters from the Fourth Wing have been giving me anxiety ever before the cover of Onyx Storm was revealed. Darkening the tone, many of the previously protected secondary characters in The Empyrean Series may find themselves on the cutting block as the stakes mount. Violet and her friends have grown to be extremely important to me, and Rebecca Yarrows has already demonstrated that she is not afraid to shatter our hearts. This makes me concerned about Violet and her friends.

One of my favorite aspects of Fourth Wing is Violet’s friendships. In particular, I always smile at her connection with Ridoc—perhaps because of his fantastic portrayal in The Empyrean Series. Ridoc is not only funny but also loyal, tough, and a surprisingly knowledgeable member of The Iron Squad, which is showcased especially in Iron Flame. Therefore, when I stumbled upon one wild Empyrean Series theory about Ridoc, I was both shocked and intrigued by – if it is proven true – what it could mean for Onyx Storm and beyond.

Summary

• One Reddit theory suggests Ridoc bonded with a second dragon, potentially retroactively changing The Empyrean Series’ storyline.
• Ridoc’s actions and new tattoo in The Empyrean Series could support the theory of a double dragon bond.
• If true, Ridoc’s double bond could expand on dragon law and give him a bigger role in future books.

This Wild Empyrean Series Theory Reveals Ridoc Secretly Bonded a Second Dragon

Dragon Law In the Empyrean Series Makes This Theory Plausible

This Reddit hypothesis suggests that Ridoc may have mated with more than one dragon in addition to Aotrom, with elements from both books supporting this theory. Since Violet is supposed to be the first rider to unite two dragons, if this is true, it would significantly alter the plot of Violet’s current journey. Nevertheless, I think this argument would also hold up in light of The Empyrean Series’ depiction of dragon rules.

Dragons in Fourth Wing are formidable animals with independent laws unaffected by human influence. In Fourth Wing, for instance, the riders accept Tairn and Andarna’s decision to bond Violet since there is no draconic law prohibiting two dragons from bonding with a single rider. If The Empyrean were lying about how many had done this before or after Fourth Wing’s Threshing, it would not surprise me. This fact, however, is not the theory’s only piece of evidence, as many details in the first two books of The Empyrean Series could point to Ridoc’s double bond.

Fourth Wing & Iron Flame Feature Plenty of Evidence for This Unbelievable Twist

Ridoc’s Tattoo and Word Choices Could Point to This Theory Being True

This notion is supported by Ridoc’s tattoo and several pivotal moments in The Empyrean Series, which help to contextualize some of these lesser scenes. One significant piece of evidence supporting this notion is Ridoc’s tattoo. Considering how little attention is given to many of Fourth Wing’s characters, the fact that Ridoc’s new tattoo is mentioned numerous times in Iron Flame may have more significance. The Reddit hypothesis continues by saying that it would be strange to put the dragon tattoo so close to Aotrom’s relic since he would probably take offense.

This hypothesis is reinforced by certain responses and wording that Ridoc uses in Iron Flame. Ridoc’s defensiveness after he shares his fear of snakes, his response in chapter 30 that “The dragons know” and Violet and Ridoc’s quick exchange on the mountain could all point to him bonding with two dragons. Furthermore, the theory claims that, if he bonded two dragons, Ridoc may also be a distance wielder, as he mentions in chapter 49 that he “woke up somewhere I hadn’t expected.” It may also explain his shock after Violet landed on Aotrom as she mimicked his second signet using her own.

What This Ridoc Theory Would Mean for Onyx Storm & Future Empyrean Books

This Ridoc Theory Could Give Us More Information About the Empyrean

Should this theory about Ridoc prove to be accurate, it would enable The Empyrean Series to provide us with further details and modify Ridoc’s persona in Onyx Storm. Having two dragons would allow Ridoc to elaborate on the Empyrean and dragon law, particularly if the second dragon is also a feathertail as we haven’t seen them. Since the Empyreans would undoubtedly be aware of the relationship, their explanation might provide light on their reasoning and signal a change in the dynamic between the two groups as they became more receptive to one another.

If Ridoc possesses a second dragon, he and Violet might work together to refine the second signet, which would strengthen him and provide him with more exciting moments to use in combat.

Having a second dragon would also enable Ridoc to concentrate and take on greater responsibility in upcoming volumes. Ridoc serving as comic relief only would not fit the tone of Onyx Storm, as the cover suggests a darker turn for the series. If Ridoc possesses a second dragon, he and Violet might work together to refine the second signet, which would strengthen him and provide him with more exciting moments to use in combat. It might also offer his well-worn humorous storyline a novel twist, keeping us guessing right up to the very end of The Empyrean Series.

The release date of Onyx Storm is scheduled for January 21, 2025.

I’m Nervous for My Favorite Fourth Wing Characters After Seeing Onyx Storm’s Cover

Upon viewing Onyx Storm’s cover, I find myself feeling uneasy about some of my favorite Fourth Wing characters. I was really excited about Rebecca Yarrows’ cover reveal on TODAY.com, especially because the artwork offered so many amusing clues about the direction the tale was taking. It is great to have a cover to examine for hints before the book is out, as I have been waiting a long time for any fresh information. But the longer I stared at Onyx Storm’s cover, the more anxious I became.

Following the events of Iron Flame, Onyx Storm is expected to be just as exciting and action-packed as The Empyrean Series’ first two novels. But I also worry that the story is going to take a dark turn as Violet and many of my other favorite characters struggle to protect Basi Gath from internal and external threats. Onyx Storm’s cover and tagline seem to suggest that darker times are on the horizon as the stakes only get higher, leaving me at the edge of my seat.

Onyx Storm’s Cover & Tagline Tease Higher Stakes Than Ever Before

Those Higher Stakes Will Likely Lead to More Twists Before the Final Battle

I’m curious to see what will happen to these adored characters in Onyx Storm because both the cover and tagline hint at bigger stakes. One thing about Fourth Wing that I really admire is how high stakes it is. Unlike some romance stories, this one doesn’t hesitate to kill or wound characters in order to highlight how scary the world really is. I’m both nervous and delighted about Onyx Storm’s motto and color palette, which seem to suggest that this trend will continue.

The first two novels’ bright yellow and red covers contrast with the monochromatic style of Onyx Storm. I can only assume that this will show how, as Xaden struggles with his vengeful nature, Onyx Storm will delve into the deeper depths of Basi Gath that Violet has only begun to explore. The slogan “Brave the Dark” implies the same thing. It might also be a clue that, just before the big fight with the venin, Yarrows would probably add a few more twists to the story. This might not only increase the stakes but also directly target a number of my favorite characters.

I’m Worried About My Favorite Fourth Wing Characters After Seeing Onyx Storm’s Cover

Violet & Xaden Could Slip Further into Despair as The Stakes Rise

For Violet, my worries lie more with her mental health. Throughout Iron Flame, Violet feels she must do everything alone. She constantly shoves her feelings into a mental box rather than confront them, making each failure even more impactful on her. I worry that, with Xaden becoming venin, Violet will continue this repressive pattern as she hunts for a cure, leading to her burning out. That burnout could result in severe self-destruction, which could be added to by the rising stakes that might claim some of her friends in Onyx Storm.

Several people in Onyx Storm have me concerned, especially the two main characters, Violet and Xaden. The Empyrean Series’ tale of Violet and Xaden has already been turbulent due to the repeated falsehoods and secrets that separate them. Since Xaden has turned venin, I’m afraid he’ll use the tired “avoid me, I’m too dangerous to be around you” plot device that many other male characters do. This may lead to him caving in to his venal nature more without Violet, which would cause further problems, not to mention that it would make his arc too predictable.

I’m concerned that Violet may continue this oppressive cycle in her search for a solution when Xaden becomes venin, which could eventually cause her to burn out.

Predicting Which Fourth Wing Characters Will Die in The Upcoming Sequel

Ridoc And Catriona Could Die in Onyx Storm

Based on way their storylines ended in Iron Flame, I believe Ridoc and Catriona may perish in Onyx Storm. Several characters from the Fourth Wing may suffer serious injuries or perhaps lose their lives; Sawyer’s wound from the Battle of Basi Gath indicates that Yarrows is not hesitant to target The Iron Squad. Ridoc might be the final member of The Iron Squad to perish as a result of this and the rule of three. In the previous book, Ridoc escaped twice. That means that after the third time, he might not survive. That seems awful to me because he is such a funny and well-developed character.

Catriona would be another possible casualty. In the second half of Iron Flame, her arc changed from being Violet’s opponent to ally. In my opinion, this would make her and her death a great mirror to Jack Barlowe’s storyline. Jack was also an enemy whose hatred of Violet’s power led to his self-destruction. Catriona, meanwhile, grew to respect Violet, saving her during the Battle of Basi Gath. Her death would allow Onyx Storm to keep the series stakes high while adding a great parallel to characters who took two different paths from the same hateful beginning.

Onyx Storm will be released on January 21, 2025.