I was one among many Fourth Wing readers left shocked by the developments of Rebecca Yarros’ comments on Xaden’s “shadow” - and not the ones he wields.

From subtle hints in earlier books to the wild twists in Onyx Storm, certain characters have emerged as prime suspects for this Yarros’ romantasy series.

5 Colonel Aetos

His Alliance Has Been Hinted At

Long before the events of Onyx Storm, subtle clues hinted at Colonel Aetos's potential alliance with the venin. His calculated decision to send the marked ones to the vulnerable outpost at Resson, under the guise of War Games, suggests prior knowledge of the impending venin attack. The deliberate emptying of the outpost, concealed from other leadership, points to a clandestine operation. Further suspicion arises from his disregard for the Codex by sending an excessive number of marked ones, effectively blocking magical surveillance and allowing the venin to eliminate them.

The timing of these actions, coupled with the venin's seemingly targeted activation of wyvern during the War Games, indicates a coordinated effort. This carefully planned series of events, including the attempt to revive Jack Barlowe, strongly suggests that Aetos was either a venin himself or a key collaborator, acting to facilitate their goals and undermine the kingdom's defenses. Further, Lilith Sorrengail's regret in Iron Flame, where she laments her inability to prevent Liam's death due to her aide's treachery, hints at Aetos's deceptive influence.

This pattern of betrayal culminates in Onyx Storm, where Aetos sends Violet's squad to Samara, a calculated trap that Violet herself recognizes, solidifying his role as a key antagonist facilitating venin objectives. Whether Aetos is venin himself or simply a pawn remains unclear, and Yarros may be intentionally playing with readers’ expectations.

4 Bodhi

Who Is Xaden's "New Brother"?

Like many readers, I lost my mind at Onyx Storm’s ending and the question of who Xaden’s “new brother” is. The reason Bodhi is a strong contender is because of the wild twist that Xaden and Violet got married, making Tyrrendor hers. The question of why it would not simply go to Bodhi has led many readers to believe he has turned venin - although Bodhi does say throughout the book he has no desire to be an heir, and Violet shows more and more diplomatic skills with each book, naturally making her a better candidate.

I think it is more the urgency of the marriage that points to Bodhi being compromised...

Because of this, it cannot stand alone as evidence for Bodhi being the new venin brother. I think it is more the urgency of the marriage that points to Bodhi being compromised. Despite Bodhi’s reluctance to ever take the throne, Xaden would have left it to his cousin in an emergency if he had been in any condition to do so. In addition, Imogen sees Bodhi’s green dragon Cuir injured, and Bodhi is seen throwing up on all fours. This raises the possibility that Cuir was fatally injured and Bodhi turned venin to survive.

3 Garrick

Is Garrick Still Sure Of His Abilities?

I know the new brother cannot be both Bodhi and Garrick, but the evidence for both is so well written by Yarros that, like many readers, I am conflicted. Like Bodhi, Garrick would have seen Xaden struggle over the previous five months, making it equally surprising for him to turn. Lieutenant Tavis is stated “among the missing” at the end, raising suspicion. Yarros has also advised readers to “pay attention to who is missing” at the end (per Yarros’ ominous promise that a beloved character won’t make it.

The symbolism of the gifts the Quest Squad receive in Zehyllna also provides vital clues. Onyx Storm’s Garrick receives a rusted, empty bucket - later, in the climactic battle, Garrick is quickly draining himself. However, he is somehow able to distance walk Imogen to safety. Like Xaden, Garrick could have reached for more power for the sake of the people he loved. Before this, Garrick had been sure of himself and his abilities, which would feed into the surprise and to Garrick being the “last person” Xaden expected, given the struggles he has witnessed working closely with Xaden.

2 Markham

Potential For The Professor

Outside of the new brother dilemma, Markham being venin is a convincing Onyx Storm theory. Central to this theory is the reveal in Onyx Storm that venin have infiltrated the Scribe Quadrant, and Rebecca Yarros’ comments that this predates Onyx Storm. Unlike the overtly antagonistic General Aetos, Markham's quieter, more unassuming role offers an ideal vantage point for intelligence gathering. Moreover, his potential venin status could illuminate the previously opaque actions of Lilith and Asher Sorrengail. Their growing distrust of those around them, as revealed in their letters and journals, suggests they suspected a deeper infiltration within Basgiath.

Professor Markham’s strategic position within the Scribe Quadrant therefore makes him suspicious. Lilith's abrupt decision to remove Violet from the Scribe Quadrant in Fourth Wing, despite her prior training, and the Sorrengails' emphasis on Violet staying close to Mira, point to a perceived threat within the institution. To effectively deliver a compelling venin reveal, however, Markham's role must be amplified. A repeat of Panchek's anticlimactic exposure would undermine the narrative's impact, demanding a more substantial and emotionally resonant portrayal of Markham in future books in the Empyrean series.

1 Naolin

Naolin Could Be The Venin Sage

I am fully convinced by the theory that Fourth Wing’s Naolin is venin. Not only this, but he could be the venin Sage. Tairn refers to his previous rider as “the one who came before”, a strange phrasing that suggests Naolin may not necessarily be dead. In Onyx Storm, it is revealed that dragons can break bonds with their humans, so Naolin may have turned venin rather than died, and that is why Tairn does not speak about him.

This revelation would drastically alter the Empyrean series' trajectory. This idea gains credibility due to the Sage's ability to infiltrate Violet and Xaden's minds, potentially linked to a previous connection with Tairn. It is also ed by Naolin's supposed sacrifice to save Brennan Sorrengail, which hints at a profound and potentially corrupting use of power.

Brennan's presumed death in Fourth Wing, coupled with the mysterious rune on his hand, fuels speculation that Naolin may have performed a reanimation similar to the method the venin use to create wyverns. Their close bond, which some fans interpret as romantic, underscores the lengths Naolin might have gone to in order to save Brennan. Notably, Brennan himself acknowledges the immense cost of his survival, implying a profound sacrifice without explicitly stating Naolin's demise.

Source: Business Insider