Onyx Storm: Chapter Summary and Spoilers (Chapters 41-50)

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Chapter Summary & Spoilers (Chapters 41-50)

The Bite-Sized Version

The long-awaited meeting with Andarna’s kind turns out to be a total bust when the irid dragons arrive with more attitude than a reality TV villain. These feathertail-sporting snobs are horrified that Andarna chose a scorpiontail and basically read Violet for filth, accusing her of corrupting their precious dragon “criterion.” Even worse, they drop the devastating bomb that there’s no cure for Xaden’s venin situation before dramatically peacing out, but not before their magical mind-meld triggers Xaden’s eyes to go full venin. Talk about the worst family reunion ever!

After returning to Basgiath with their tails between their legs, the squad discovers the war has taken a catastrophic turn – Suniva has fallen, Queen Maraya is dead, and half of Krovla has been conquered by dark wielders in just three weeks. Meanwhile, the personal drama hits peak intensity when Xaden, now 73 days without channeling, pulls the classic “I’m-dangerous-so-I-must-push-you-away” routine before surprising everyone by showing up at Violet’s door after flying nine hours through a storm (romance isn’t dead, folks!). Their steamy reunion comes complete with strategic weapon placement around the room because nothing says “I love you” like “here’s a dagger in case I try to kill you!”

The book reaches its climax with a mind-blowing revelation – Violet’s second signet power is dream walking! Those creepy nightmares about the Sage force-choking her? Actually Xaden’s dreams that she’s been crashing like an uninvited party guest! Before they can process this bombshell, attack bells ring because apparently Rebecca Yarros doesn’t believe anyone in this series deserves a full night’s sleep. Oh, and Sawyer finally gets back on his dragon with a cool prosthetic hook, Andarna starts speaking to Violet again after her identity crisis, and Lynx manifests shadow powers (which is definitely not making Xaden’s venin situation any less stressful).

The Bit-Sized Version

Chapter 41

• So picture this: Violet Sorrengail and Ridoc Gamlyn are just chilling on their little beach expedition in the Southern Isles when suddenly – PLOT TWIST – new characters alert! Six massive irid dragons, part of the elusive seventh dragon breed, appear out of nowhere! And get this – they can TALK to humans they’re not even bonded with through this weird whistle-telepathy thing that makes Ridoc want to clamp his hands over his ears. 
• The irid dragons are… how do we put this nicely… kind of snobby? They’re giving major “we don’t even go here” vibes, especially when they start questioning dragon Andarna’s life choices. The real tea spills when they discover Andarna has a scorpiontail instead of their fancy feathertails – cue the dramatic gasps! 
• Turns out, in the ways of the irids, giving up your feathertail is basically like showing up to the Met Gala in your pajamas – absolutely SCANDALOUS. They’re horrified that Andarna chose to change her tail during her transition from juvenile to adolescent dragon, viewing it as yet another sign of human corruption.
• This turns into dragon story time as Andarna recounts her whole life story (think “how I met your human” but with more fire-breathing). The other irid dragons are SHOOK when they learn about things like Presentation and Threshing, acting like these are completely foreign concepts. Side note: apparently Andarna’s kind doesn’t do the whole human-bonding thing, which explains… a lot.
• But here’s where it gets SPICY – turns out this whole meet-and-greet wasn’t about testing Andarna at all. Plot twist: they were actually testing Violet! And spoiler alert: she failed. Big time. 
• The irid dragons basically read Violet for filth, accusing her of:
  • Taking advantage of baby Andarna
  • Turning her into a weapon
  • Generally being the worst influence ever
• The cherry on top? Apparently Andarna was left behind as some sort of “criterion” (fancy word for test subject) to see if humans had evolved past using magic as weapons. Narrator voice: They had not.
• The chapter ends on this absolutely ominous note about Andarna giving Violet “something far more dangerous to wield” and honestly? We have questions. 
• Also, can we talk about how Tairn showed up ready to throw hands (claws?) to protect his humans? That’s the kind of energy we love to see in this third book!

Chapter 42

• Picking up with the irid dragons basically dragging everyone. They’re out here calling dragon Andarna a “horror they fled from” (rude) because she dared to *checks notes* use her magic to defend people? Make it make sense! 
• Violet Sorrengail is not having ANY of this slander and steps up to defend her dragon bestie, but Andarna’s kind are like “actually YOU’RE the horror, she’s just your creation” which… ouch. When Andarna begs them to help with the failing Aretian ward stone situation, they hit her with the fantasy equivalent of “new phone, who dis?” 
• But here’s where it gets DARK dark:
  • They literally suggest letting dark wielders do their thing until humans either die off or “confront the evil they’ve become” (what kind of survival of the fittest nonsense?!)
  • Drop the bomb that there’s NO cure for Xaden’s venin situation because their souls literally die piece by piece (excuse me while we go cry in a corner)
  • Refuse to share how dark wielders were defeated in the last battle of the Great War (seriously, would it kill you to share your homework?)
• Then Xaden Riorson and our distance wielder Garrick show up just in time for the grand finale where things go from bad to worse. See, irid dragons communicate by basically beaming magical dragon thoughts directly into everyone’s heads (rude to not ask for consent, btw). But here’s the kicker – just being exposed to that magical mind-meld is enough to trigger Xaden’s venin vibes, causing red rings to appear in Xaden’s eyes. Cue the irids:
  • Basically disown Andarna from their whole species (WHO HURT YOU?!)
  • Spot the Duke of Tyrrendor’s forced venin-mode and call him an “abomination” (you are speaking to a DUKE)
  • Peace out faster than our dad when someone mentions feelings
• The aftermath is just… *chef’s kiss* devastating:
  • Xaden slams his mental shields down
  • Andarna retreats into the jungle having an identity crisis
  • Tairn goes after her (bless him)
  • And Ridoc’s over here like “So… nobody was gonna tell me that Xaden’s venin?!” 
• The chapter ends with Ridoc demanding answers from Violet and honestly? We’d say this is about as bad as a family reunion could go, but that would be underselling just how spectacularly everything went wrong in this third book! 
• P.S. Can we talk about how these irid dragons really said “we choose violence” while preaching about peace? The irony is not lost on us!

Chapter 43

• First up, our boy Ridoc Gamlyn gets the CliffsNotes version of Operation: My-Boyfriend’s-Turning-Evil (because timing is everything when you’ve got a whole quest squad about to land). But the real drama starts when everyone’s trying to process their massive L with the irid dragons. Violet Sorrengail is like “welp, time to go back to Basgiath War College and face the music!” while everyone’s pretending not to notice the Arctic-level cold shoulder between her and Xaden Riorson.
• BUT WAIT, because here comes the meat of the chapter – Ridoc and our favorite dragon rider have THE TALK™️ in the woods (with a magical sound-shield because nobody needs to hear this tea being spilled). And boy oh boy, does it get spicy! We’re talking:
  • Ridoc calling Violet out on her “save the boy at all costs” mentality
  • Violet accidentally BBQ-ing a tree with her lightning because FEELINGS
  • Ridoc making her set actual boundaries for when Xaden’s venin sitch goes full dark wielder (spoiler: she picks “if he hurts me or my friends” as the line)
• Then who should appear but the Duke of Tyrrendor himself! Cue the most awkward three-way conversation where:
  • Ridoc demands Violet tell their best friends Rhi, Sawyer, and Jesinia about Xaden’s condition
  • Xaden’s actually COOL with it (plot twist!)
  • Everyone acknowledges the elephant in the room: Violet Sorrengail = easiest way to kill Xaden Riorson if anyone else finds out Xaden’s venin
• Fast forward through TEN DAYS of the most uncomfortable road trip ever in the Southern Isles (feat. brooding Xaden, silent dragon Andarna, and devastated Cat), and they finally make it back to Basgiath War College where everything goes from bad to CATASTROPHIC:
  • Squad reunion! (Cue the group hugs!)
  • General Aetos shows up to rain on their parade
  • MASSIVE plot twist: Suniva has fallen to the dark wielders and Queen Maraya is DEAD. While they were off getting rejected by Andarna’s kind, they lost one of their strongest allies and a major strategic stronghold to the venin. Talk about your terrible vacation souvenirs! 
• Oh, and cherry on top? That creepy note from Theophanie basically saying “loved your vacation pics, bestie! BTW I’ve been stalking you and have something you want xoxo” 
• P.S. Pour one out for our girl Cat who thought her sister was dead for a hot minute there. General Aetos really needs to work on his delivery in this third book.

Chapter 44

• So, our quest squad is back at Basgiath War College and whew, are they in for a fun time (and by fun, we mean 12-hour interrogations). The good news? King Tauri is so thrilled to have his son Aaric back that everyone’s getting a “get out of jail free” card for their little unauthorized field trip in this third book. Small wins, right?
• The chapter gives us a serious mood whiplash when we get to Battle Brief class and see just how much went down while they were away playing Indiana Jones in the Southern Isles. The map of Krovla is basically looking like someone went crazy with a red marker – half of it has fallen to dark wielders in just THREE WEEKS!
• But the real gut punch? We finally get the full story of Suniva’s fall in this huge battle vs. the dark weilders:
  • Only TWELVE venin and twelve wyvern took out the entire city
  • They pulled off this GENIUS but terrifying strategy using a thunderstorm as cover
  • 25,000 people died, mostly from fires that spread through the textile district
  • Oh, and they stole SIX CRATES of those special alloy daggers that were supposed to be distributed the next day
• During class, Violet Sorrengail has this “hold up, wait a minute” revelation about HOW the venin got through the storm. See, normally flying in a thunderstorm is basically asking to become dragon barbecue, but Violet realizes that since SHE can control lightning within storm clouds (like she did at that last battle), Theophanie must have guided the whole venin squad through the storm! The scary part:
  • Violet estimates it would take TWENTY YEARS of practice to pull that off
  • Which means Theophanie isn’t just powerful, she’s probably a Maven (aka the PhD of magic wielders). 
  • Our dragon rider is over here like “cool cool cool, I just spent three weeks island hopping instead of practicing my lightning skills.” 
• But the real drama kicks in when Ridoc Gamlyn practically drags Violet’s squad to the Archives after class. And our guy is STRESSED. See, Ridoc’s thinking three steps ahead here:
  • He knows Xaden’s slowly turning into one of the dark weilders
  • They’re running out of time to find a solution
  • AND he’s worried the bad guys will target Violet because she’s basically the Duke of Tyrrendor’s kryptonite (killing her would be the easiest way to push him to the dark side). 
• So even though they JUST finished 12 hours of interrogation, Ridoc’s like “Sorry fam, research time!” 

Chapter 45

• We start with Violet Sorrengail having the mother of all nightmares, and when we say nightmare, we mean NIGHTMARE. Picture this: she’s being force-choked Darth Vader style by the Sage while dragon Andarna is screaming and blue fire is consuming civilians near Draithus. The Sage is giving her the full “join the dark side, we have cookies” pitch, and just when you think it can’t get worse, he tries to stab her with the sword of TYRRENDOR. 
  • The triumvirate trio: Nairi, Roslyn, and Faris (wearing knockoff scribe robes)
  • Team Good Guys: Violet Sorrengail, Xaden Riorson, Violet’s sister Mira, Cat, our distance wielder Garrick, and Aaric
  • And of course, Xaden’s mother, Talia, and her new hubby Faris (awkward!)
• Thankfully, she wakes up (phew!) and opens up her package from Xaden Riorson – a fancy Deverelli silk nightgown he noticed her eyeing during their trip to the Southern Isles. So sweet, but we all know this mans ulterior motive with that one *wink wink*
• Then we pivot big time to flight training, where they’re learning something called a “battle-mount” which is basically parkour but with dragons at Basgiath War College (what could possibly go wrong?). The technique involves:
  • Running landing (already hard)
  • Fight the **dark wielders**
  • Do some wild acrobatics to get back on your dragon
  • Try not to die in the process!
• The training session is pure chaos in the best way possible:
  • Bodhi being annoyingly perfect at everything (he’s Xaden’s point of reference for excellence, apparently that’s genetic)
  • Multiple people breaking various bones (ouch!)
  • The Duke of Tyrrendor and Violet having this adorable flirty banter across the training field
  • Andarna’s still having her identity crisis and literally goes “nope!” and flies away
  • Ridoc Gamlyn doing a whole UNNECESSARY somersault because he’s extra like that
• But the real meat of the chapter comes when Felix (our favorite silver-bearded Basgiath War College hater) shows up with some seriously concerning news. Those protective ward stone defenses they’re all relying on in Aretia? Yeah, they’re failing faster than expected. We’re talking wyverns getting through and lasting longer each time, and they might not even have a MONTH before things get really bad. Talk about a mood killer!
• The chapter wraps up with this bittersweet moment where our dragon rider gives Xaden this incredibly thoughtful birthday gift – a wrist cuff made from a piece of Riorson House with an onyx stone. But because Xaden’s still in peak brooding mode, he’s all “you should run away from me” (sir, have you MET Violet?). At least he drops that he’s gone 47 days without channeling, so… baby steps?

Chapter 46

• We start three weeks after that wild battle-mount training, and poor Violet Sorrengail is basically one giant walking muscle ache. Between Carr’s classes, Felix’s mountain-top training sessions, and Imogen’s point of view about proper workouts, our girl’s living that “everything hurts and I’m dying” life. But that’s not even the worst part – the Duke of Tyrrendor is still doing his brooding-from-afar thing, the western battle line is crumbling faster than a cookie in milk, and our dragon Andarna’s pulling a full ghost mode. Cool cool cool, everything’s fine.
• But hold onto your dragon saddles because things are about to get WILD! Picture this: Violet’s squad is walking back from class at Basgiath War College when they stumble into some aggressive political conflict. We’ve got:
  • The Duke of Calldyr getting yeeted through a door (literally!)
  • Lewellen serving looks AND serving as Xaden Riorson’s proxy
  • Prince Halden showing up like the drama queen he is
  • And the Duke of Tyrrendor walking in looking like a whole SNACK (Violet quickly notes Xaden’s eyes are still amber-flecked)
• The tea? Xaden’s decided to open Tyrrendor’s borders to take in Poromiel civilians (we love a humanitarian king), and honey, some people are NOT happy about it. We’re talking:
  • Prince Halden threatening to bring troops into Tyrrendor (sir, read the room)
  • Xaden basically telling Halden “try me, and your new brother Aaric gets your crown”
  • Aaric backing Xaden like the absolute chad he is
• But wait, because this chapter of the third book has one more plot twist up its sleeve that hits harder than a dragon’s tail – LYNX MANIFESTS SHADOW POWERS! Like, excuse us, WHAT? Turns out our dark wielder isn’t the only shadow wielder anymore, which… definitely explains why his “I’m totally fine” act is starting to crack.
• The chapter ends with this absolutely HEARTBREAKING scene where Violet is basically begging Xaden Riorson to stay and fight (66 days sober from earth-channeling, but who’s counting?). But our man’s out here dropping bombs like “the man you love no longer fully belongs to himself” before peace-ing out to Lewellen. 
• Then Lewellen (the human) gives this whole speech about duty. According to him, the balance for the Duke of Tyrrendor should look something like:
  • Tyrrendor (always first, honey)
  • Xaden’s duties (but like, as a concept)
  • Their relationship (maybe, if there’s time)
  • Violet’s needs (lol what needs?)
• Our dragon rider claps back with this absolutely iconic response about how she’ll never stop being herself to become whatever doormat they think the Duke of Tyrrendor needs. Their relationship works BECAUSE they’re both strong individually AND together. The final gut punch? Xaden flies out two hours later without saying goodbye. Because apparently we needed one more reason to cry today.

Chapter 47

• We start at the crack of dawn (4:30 AM to be exact, because apparently sleep is optional at Basgiath War College) with Violet Sorrengail helping Sawyer attempt something MAJOR – attempting to prove he’s still a dragon rider. See, our boy from Violet’s squad has been working on this super cool prosthetic modification with a hook mechanism to help him climb Sliseag’s scales. 
• The dragon-mounting drama unfolds like a reality TV show in this third book:
  • Sliseag throwing a whole dragon tantrum, complete with steam-breathing (diva much?)
  • Sawyer and Sliseag having this heated argument about worth and blame (someone get these two a therapy session)
  • Finally, this beautiful moment where Sliseag’s like “fine, here’s a ramp, you stubborn human” 
• Meanwhile, we get some progress with our dragon Andarna (who’s been giving everyone the cold shoulder since that whole irid dragons drama). She actually offers to help Sawyer – first positive thing she’s said since returning from the Southern Isles! Though when Violet tries to talk about grief, Andarna hits her with the fact that no one’s fessing up about their grief Violet’s mother either, and honestly? The dragon’s got receipts!
• The whole quest squad shows up for Operation Get Sawyer Back In The Saddle, and it turns into this adorable celebration with Ridoc Gamlyn trying to hug EVERYONE (including Dain Aetos, which is about as awkward as you’d expect). Even Imogen gets soft for a second, which is like seeing a unicorn in the wild!
• Then they head to Aretia and… no Xaden Riorson. BUT WAIT! Because this is where things get INTERESTING. One of Violet’s siblings shows up at her door (well, technically the Duke of Tyrrendor’s door, but our girl’s using lesser magic to unlock it like a boss). After the typical sibling “are you dying this time?” check, Brennan drops some MAJOR tea about Xaden’s venin progression:
• He’s been trying to help Xaden find a cure for becoming a dark wielder, and honey, they’ve tried EVERYTHING:
  • Religious Route: They’ve been making silent offerings at local temples
  • Magical Rebalancing: Attempting to push magic back into the earth
  • Hatching Ground Therapy: Spending time with dragon eggs
  • Medical Approach: Daily mending sessions with Brennan
• The scary part? Brennan thinks Xaden might be further along than Jack Barlowe was when Nolon started working with him (excuse me while we hyperventilate). BUT there’s hope! Xaden sent a letter YESTERDAY about wanting to try mending something at the the area he first channeled at Basgiath War College. When Violet starts grinning at this news, Brennan’s like “why are you smiling about this crisis?” But our girl knows – if Xaden’s still trying to fix things, he hasn’t given up!

Chapter 48

• We start with Violet Sorrengail having a cozy study session during a thunderstorm at Riorson House, reading some books sent from Viscount Tecarus (keeping up his end of their deal even as king, we love a man who honors his commitments!). She’s also struggling with some delayed-activation rune homework because apparently EVERYONE else in Violet’s squad can do it except her. Even Prince Halden’s brother Aaric, who hasn’t even manifested powers yet, is showing her up! But our dragon rider’s like “whatever, that’s why we work in squads” and honestly? Growth.
• But the real action starts when there’s a knock at her door around 10 PM. Violet’s expecting her best friend Rhiannon or Brennan, so she’s just chilling in this nearly see-through Deverelli silk nightgown from the Southern Isles (you know, the one Xaden Riorson had made for her). But plot twist – it’s the Duke of Tyrrendor himself, soaking wet from flying through the storm!
• And honey, this reunion? STEAMY (and not just because of his wet clothes). We learn some important things between all their reunion kissing:
  • Xaden’s been counting days since his last brush with becoming a dark wielder (73 to be exact)
  • He’s aiming for 76 days because that’s twice as long as Jack Barlowe went without channeling
  • He managed to keep control in Lewellen even when he was angry and was beyond the ward stone coverage
  • He flew NINE HOURS in the wrong direction just to see Violet
• Then things get… spicier when Xaden realizes Violet’s in that nightgown from the Southern Isles. There’s this whole conversation about control and circumstances that leads to some creative use of shadow powers (if you know what I mean). We’re talking:
  • Shadow restraints, in the sexy not scary way (very different from dark wielder restraints!)
  • Some very strategic alloy dagger placement around the room just in case
  • Lots of “I love you but I might kill you” banter (their love language is so unique!)
• The chapter ends with the Duke of Tyrrendor finally letting himself be with Violet after weeks apart at Basgiath War College, but with some very specific safety precautions in place. Because nothing says romance like “here’s a weapon in case I try to murder you!” But hey, when you’re dating someone who’s slowly turning into a dark wielder, you take what you can get in this third book!
• P.S. Can we talk about how this is probably the most uniquely chaperoned date in the history of the fourth wing series? Most people just have a parent in the next room, not a collection of strategically placed magical weapons.

Chapter 49

• So… remember how in the previous chapter Xaden Riorson showed up at Violet Sorrengail’s door after flying NINE HOURS in a storm just to see her? Well, this chapter of the third book picks up right where we left off and let’s just say they make good use of that sound-shielded room at Riorson House!
• The key sexy take aways from our favorite dragon rider and the Duke of Tyrrendor:
  • Xaden demonstrates impressive control over his shadow powers, using them strategically throughout their ahem reunion
  • There’s a sweet moment in between frantic kissing and a race to see who can undress each other fastest, where Violet admits she’s still in awe that they’re together
  • There’s an armchair, we all KNOW what happened in Aretia last time there was a chair in sight. And it’s no different this time, Xaden tells Vi to “Grab hold, love.” while he worships her
  • Most importantly: Xaden shows remarkable control over his dark wielder tendencies. Unlike previous encounters where he had to completely hold back, he’s able to let go a bit while still maintaining control. He gives it ALLLL to Violet, saying “My power, my body, my soul—it’s all yours.” QUEUE the lightning strikes. We get it girl.
  • The furniture survives! No marks or fingerprints left behind, which is HUGE progress in terms of Xaden managing his powers
• The chapter ends with plans to continue their evening in the bath, then dresser, then bed – because apparently one piece of furniture isn’t enough for these two in this third book!
• P.S. Can we talk about how this might be the first time in the entirety of the fourth wing series where furniture actually survived their… um… training session?

Chapter 50

• First up: SHARED NIGHTMARE TIME
  • Violet Sorrengail has this super creepy recurring dream where she’s in a meadow near Draithus (fancy city with spiral towers, very aesthetic)
  • The Sage (aka Mr. Dark Wielder Supreme) shows up doing his best Darth Vader force-choke impression
  • Plot twist #1: Our dragon rider notices she has a relic on her wrist that looks suspiciously like Xaden Riorson’s
  • Plot twist #2: When she wakes up, guess who ALSO had the exact same nightmare? The Duke of Tyrrendor!
• But wait, there’s more! After some late-night detective work (at this point, who even needs sleep at Riorson House?), they realize:
  • These aren’t just similar dreams – they’re THE SAME DREAMS
  • They’re actually XADEN’S nightmares that Violet’s been crashing like an uninvited party guest
  • The Sage wants the Duke of Tyrrendor to deliver Violet to him (um, rude?)
  • Then Violet has her “OH SNAP” moment when she remembers another dream where she was… wait for it… IN MAREN’S DREAM! 
• The big reveal? Turns out Violet’s second signet power is courtesy of our dragon Andarna (sneaky girl kept that one quiet) – she’s a dream walker! Like, she can literally walk into other people’s dreams. Talk about boundary issues.
• They confirm this by waking up poor Maren (at what we assume is an ungodly hour) to ask about a family portrait from the dream, and… yep, it’s real!
• But before anyone can process this dream walker bombshell (or, you know, maybe get some actual sleep), the chapter ends with classic Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series chaos – ATTACK BELLS! Because apparently this series doesn’t believe in letting anyone have a moment of peace at as we approach the end of Onyx Storm!
• P.S. Can we talk about how our dragon Andarna’s defense was basically “well Tairn didn’t tell her about lightning right away!” Dragons and their secrets in this fourth wing series, we swear.