Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean Series narrative always promises a compelling storyline, but the dialogue throughout popular romantasy novels. Not only does Yarros implement heart-achingly beautiful prose in conjunction with the novel's romance arc, but she makes sure to include several inspirational quotes that readers would find relatable, and funny one-liners to act as comedic relief throughout its high-stakes plot.

While much of Onyx Storm is narrated through its main protagonists' world-view—aside from a handful of chapters from Xaden, Rhiannon, and Imogen's POV—it's through Yarros' dialogue that readers get to know and love Empyrean Series novels. There is an abundance of quotable moments throughout Onyx Storm's narrative, but these twelve quotes are the best representation of the story as a whole—encoming those that had the greatest impact on readers and foreshadowed events that would unfold in the latter novel.

12 "The pain. The mess. Give it to me. I'll hold it."

Violet Sorrengail, Chapter Thirty-Four

Throughout Onyx Storm, Violet is insistent that she can, and will, find a cure for Xaden—although it's clear that he is less convinced. Violet speaks the quote "The Pain. The mess. Give it to me. I'll hold it" to Xaden after he expresses the temptation to let go of his emotions fully, and that the draw to feel nothing sounds inviting and so much easier than dealing with reality. Xaden struggles throughout much of Onyx Storm, and having to deal with becoming venin and the physical distance he is forced to keep between himself and Violet takes a heavy toll.

This is one of many romantic moments between the two characters, but this quote seems to fully encom everything Violet is willing to do to keep him safe.

Violet's response to his vulnerable confession is incredibly sweet and shows just how much the couple's relationship has grown since Fourth Wing. This is one of many romantic moments between the two characters, but this quote seems to fully encom everything Violet is willing to do to keep him safe. The comment may even have been used to foreshadow the events at the end of Onyx Storm—when Xaden not only gives Violet Tyrrendor, but his heart wholly and completely through their marriage.

11 "You named a kitten Broccoli?"

Mira Sorrengail, Chapter Forty

Mira's role throughout Onyx Storm is rather minimal, but as Violet's father hinted that Mira was the only person she should trust, Violet takes her on the quest to explore the isle kingdoms and find the irid dragons. This allows readers to see more of Mira throughout the novel, and one of her more prominent relationships is developed between her and Drake Cordelia, Cat's cousin and fellow flier.

Despite their rocky introduction, the two characters are often seen conversing—or more so, bickering—throughout the quest squad's expedition. The quote "You named a kitten Broccoli?" comes after the squad leaves the isle of Zehyllna—in which they all play a game of gifts, and Drake is given a small orange kitten. It's later revealed he named the kitten Broccoli, claiming his reasoning was that while no one really wants broccoli, it's good for you. The moment brought much-needed levity to the narrative after Trager's unexpected death.

10 "Your wings won’t hold the weight of this ice…and yet yours miraculously carry the burden of your ego.”

Andarna, Chapter One

Since growing into an adolescent in Iron Flame, Andarna has become incredibly sassy, sarcastic, and moody—which adds a lot of entertaining dialogue to the narrative. In this instance, Tairn has just instructed Andarna to stay put in the Vale—refusing to allow her to fly alongside him and Violet on patrols. Due to the weather conditions, the skies are full of blustering snow, fog, and ice—making it difficult even for a seasoned dragon to maneuver.

While Tairn explains Andarna's wings can't hold the weight of the ice, Andarna responds by blatantly mocking and then tries to insult Tairn back. This is the first of many conversations that are conducted in a similar manner, and while Andarna tries her best to get a reaction out of Tairn, he is, as usual, calm and collected. This quote describes their relationship in a nutshell, and while there's a lot of sass from Andarna, readers can tell how much love is held between them.

9 "I don’t like your selection in mates, yet here we are."

Tairn, Chapter Thirty

Throughout Onyx Storm, Tairn does very little to hide his disdain for Xaden now that he's turned venin—often opting to call him "the dark one" instead of using his name. However, the specific language he uses in this instance, calling Xaden Violet's "mate", is a first. Before Xaden was venin, Tairn had never called Xaden her mate, regardless of how serious the two were growing in their relationship.

However, Tairn's comment may be hinting that Violet and Xaden are actually fated mates—introducing the "mates" terminology to hint at the popular trope found in most romantasy novels. The two characters have always been drawn to one another, even before Violet bonded with Tairn—who is Xaden's dragon, Sgaeyl's, mate. While this may be what allows them to communicate, it might not be what forced the two characters together—and it's suspected that fate will play a major role in a future Fourth Wing sequel.

8 “You are fierce, and smart, and brave, and loyal. None of this is your fault. You’re perfect.”

Violet Sorrengail, Chapter Forty-Two

Andarna and Violet's goal during their quest was to locate and speak with the other irid dragons, in the hopes that they would find a cure for Xaden—and to learn more about Andarna's seventh den of dragons. However, the irids end up finding them, and their conversation doesn't go nearly as well as they hoped. Instead of being excited about finding Andarna, the irid dragons are disappointed in the way she was raised and her beliefs.

During this scene, Violet's heart is breaking right alongside Andarna's, as she knows how important it was for her to find her own kind. Andarna takes their rejection to heart and struggles to cope with her disappointment. In an attempt to console her, Violet states how none of this is her fault and that she is perfect as she is. While Andarna takes some time before opening up to Violet, it's clear through this quote how well Violet understands her, and wishes to care and protect her dragon's broken heart.

7 “I’ve noticed. But ‘girlfriend’ is missing that permanent tone.”

Xaden Riorson, Chapter Twenty-Six

Xaden makes several comments throughout Onyx Storm that insinuates he's thought a lot about his and Violet's future together. Not only does he tell the king in Deverelli that Violet is his consort, but on multiple occasions he asks Violet when would be the right time to talk about marriage. After Violet responds to his "consort" comment, and replies stating that she and Xaden are not married, Xaden follows up with this quote—stating that "girlfriend" isn't a strong enough description of their current relationship status.

It's endearing to know that even through all of his struggles and trials, he held onto hope that him and Violet would have a future together.

This comment, and several others throughout the novel, foreshadow Xaden and Violet's marriage at the end of Onyx Storm—but it also lets readers know it was something Xaden was planning all along. Obviously, Xaden eventually transitions fully into a venin asim at the end of the novel. But it's endearing to know that even through all of his struggles and trials, he held onto hope that him and Violet would have a future together.

6 “You have been the gift of my life.”

Violet Sorrengail, Chapter Sixty-Four

Violet and Tairn's relationship has been one of the most compelling throughout the Empyrean Series novels, and it's clear how much the two love each other. There have been several near-death experiences for both Violet and Tairn over the course of three books, and Onyx Storm has a few that seem incredibly bleak. When Violet is fighting Theophanie at the end of Onyx Storm, her and Tairn get trapped in a net when flying through the venin wielder's storm.

It's at this moment that Violet sees a highlight reel flash before her of those she loves and cares about most—practically anticipating her and Tairn's deaths when they plummet to the ground. In an effort to say goodbye should the worst happen, Violet tells Tairn that he has been the gift of her life. This quote is one of many heartbreakingly tender moments shared between the two—but during such a high-stakes, action-packed scene, Yarros makes it incredibly hard to tell if these would in fact be her last words to Tairn.

5 “Why don't you scurry into your little basket?”

Xaden Riorson, Chapter Twenty-Nine

Yarros included several amazing comedic one-liners throughout Onyx Storm's narrative, but one of the best is when Xaden confronts Halden as they prepare to leave on their quest squad mission. In their preliminary travels to the isle of Deverelli, Halden proved to be completely incompetant and more of a liability than an asset in handling political relations—which is something Xaden makes sure to address during this scene.

Xaden already had a dislike of Halden after finding out that Violet had dated him previously in the past, but his stupidity is what really pushes Xaden to confront him. The moment is absolutely hilarious, and to add further insult to injury, Xaden tells Halden to "scurry" back into his basket—referring to his undignified means of travel.

4 “I live by you.”

Xaden Riorson, Chapter Fourteen

Xaden has made it clear several times throughout the series that his entire world revolves around Violet, but this quote from Onyx Storm shows just how far he's willing to go for her. In a scene where Violet is trying to logically explain their circumstances, and the rules they are bound to live by—the rider's codex—Xaden expresses that he only lives for Violet, and is willing to watch everything fall apart if it means her safety.

Brennan also realizes this at the end of Onyx Storm, noting that while Violet would sacrifice herself to save everyone, Xaden would sacrifice everything to save Violet. This quote fully captures this sentiment, and is what marks Xaden as a truly morally gray character. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in future novels, and whether he'll feel the same way now that he's turned completely venin.

3 "We made it a good one."

Quinn, Chapter Sixty-Three

One of the most emotional moments throughout Onyx Storm is when Quinn dies in Imogen's arms. This is the first time readers get to witness the softer side to Imogen and experience the depth of her relationship with Quinn. As Quinn lies dying, she expresses to Imogen that she is afraid, and in response, Imogen encourages her with loving and consoling words—describing how her mom and sister would be waiting for her.

"You do realize we're about to cross the walkway of death."

"Well, then it might be a short friendship, but we'll make it a good one."

- Onyx Storm, Chapter Sixty-Three

Right before she dies, Quinn utters her final words to Imogen—saying to her best friend that they "made it a good one". It's after this that Yarros shares Imogen and Quinn's first meeting at the parapet, where an optimistic Quinn decides the two will be good friends. After Imogen points out the fact that they could die in the next few minutes, Quinn states that while their friendship may be short, they'll have to make it a good one. This moment is incredibly touching, and a great addition by Yarros to allow readers to view the narrative through Imogen's POV.