There is only one proper explanation for the behavior of the worst character in Onyx Storm's sequel continues.

Some of the characters, such as Dain in Onyx Storm, were able to get more time to grow and show their better qualities, making them more compelling. Others, though, showcased their worst sides, including moments that made audiences wish for the character to experience one of the swift and brutal deaths Rebecca Yarros is known for and implements often. One of these characters was Dain's father, General Aetos, whose behavior not only points to his despicable nature but suggests that he may be on the side of the venin.

General Aetos Has To Be A Venin After His Behavior In Onyx Storm

Aetos' Dismissal Of Dain Could Be A Major Hint For This Theory

General Aetos' easy dismissal of Dain and his cruelty towards most of the characters in Onyx Storm point to him being a possible venin, especially considering the emotional numbness the venin experience. Onyx Storm made General Aetos worse than in previous installments, making the General treat Dain with disdain, stating at one point that he no longer sees Dain as his son and otherwise not giving him the time of day. This, combined with his extreme hatred towards Violet and The Iron Squad, only cements his status as a venin as they experience positive emotional repression.

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While General Aetos' actions could just speak to his cruel nature and his anger at Violet over the past book's events, Onyx Storm establishing the emotional repression of the venin is too much of a coincidence. Audiences saw how Xaden experienced this, feeling as if his positive emotions were being frozen, leaving him to only feel rage or cold battle lust in certain moments. General Aetos could be experiencing something similar, adding to the other pieces of evidence for this theory in The Empyrean Series.

All The Empyrean Series' Evidence That General Aetos Is Actually A Venin

His Foreknowledge Of Athebyne And Allegiance To Panchek Hint Towards Aetos' Status

The covers of Onyx Storm and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros with a fiery background
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

The evidence that General Aetos is actually a venin goes beyond just Onyx Storm, with hints of his venin status appearing throughout The Empyrean Series. One of the biggest hints of General Aetos' venin status arrives in Fourth Wing, as he knew the venin would be at Athebyne at the same time as the protagonists. There was no other way for him to know that the venin would attack the outpost other than him being a venin himself, allowing him to either stage the attack or simply be told about it by one of the venin that had infiltrated Basgiath.

Panchek's betrayal was revealed in Chapter 65 of Onyx Storm.

His friendship with Panchek is another major piece of evidence considering how Panchek's story in Onyx Storm went. The venin in Onyx Storm had been one step ahead of the protagonists throughout the book due to Panchek's betrayal, the book's ending revealing that Panchek had been giving the venin information in exchange for power. General Aetos' close relationship with a known traitor only amplifies this theory, as he would be a convenient point person for Panchek and the venin. Therefore, it seems inevitable that Onyx Storm's sequel will confirm this theory to be true.

Onyx Storm's Sequel Needs To Finally Confirm The Real Reason Dain's Father Is So Terrible

Revealing This Would Add Even More To Dain's Redemption Arc

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros book cover
Custom image by Yailin Chacon

Onyx Storm's sequel needs to confirm this theory as the real reason General Aetos is so terrible because it would explain quite a bit and add to Dain's redemption arc. Panchek's betrayal does explain some of how the venin were able to infiltrate Basgiath and be a step ahead, but having General Aetos be a venin would explain more of how they remained hidden and knew details Panchek did not. General Aetos has been a lower authority figure throughout the series, so his involvement and allegiance to the venin would make sense due to his desire for more power.

They could also outright attempt to destroy him, creating a cathartic and emotional moment for Dain and cementing his allegiance further.

Having this reveal in book 4 of The Empyrean Series would also add to Dain's arc, as discovering his father's venin status could give him more opportunities for redemption. Upon discovering his father's betrayal, Dain could tell the group and perhaps use it to their advantage, giving the venin false information. They could also outright attempt to destroy him, creating a cathartic and emotional moment for Dain and cementing his allegiance further. Either way, having this reveal after Onyx Storm would only make the next book even more exciting as the story continues to unfold.

Onyx Storm Book Cover

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Genre
Fantasy
Publisher
Entangled: Red Tower Books
ISBN#
1649374186
Author(s)
Rebecca Yarros

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​.