Warning: This article contains spoilers about Onyx Storm.

The fiery chemistry that ignited Violet and Xaden's relationship in Fourth Wing flickers precariously in biggest problems in Onyx Storm.

While the narrative acknowledges the extraordinary pressures they face, the repeated patterns of behavior and the erosion of trust raise critical questions about the long-term viability of their bond. This is arguably not the best romance in Onyx Storm.

Violet & Xaden's Relationship Is Unhealthily Codependent

The Addiction Allegory Seems To Trauma Bond Them

Whereas Violet and Xaden’s chemistry was palpable in Fourth Wing, it seems less believable in Onyx Storm. This is partly because of pacing. Violet and Xaden have a not-quite-enemies-to-lovers dynamic in the first book and the “will they, won’t they” of their romance plot was a page-turner. While Fourth Wing’s platonic connections are also compelling, the opening to the series was probably Violet and Xaden at their most readable. That’s not to say that’s the same as at their best - the point of the following novels is for them to develop the foundation of a strong couple after the attraction.

While romantic, it becomes unhealthy and endangers others.

This, and Yarros’ need to reintroduce tension to the pair after they got together so early, works in theory. However, by Onyx Storm, they seem unhealthily codependent. It is understandable why they are like this. Not only are they still young, but Xaden has also turned venin. Because this would be inflammatory to reveal to the whole group, they are largely isolated to deal with this between themselves. Xaden’s descent and Violet’s denial, paired with their mental bond, make both of their priorities askew so that they are each number one. While romantic, it becomes unhealthy and endangers others.

Violet Ignores So Many Red Flags In Onyx Storm

Xaden Himself Tries To Warn Her About Things She Would Rather Ignore

The form of tension shifts in Onyx Storm. This is a welcome shift from Iron Flame, in which Violet and Xaden worked through a lot of frustrating trust issues. They have clearly progressed in the way they communicate in Onyx Storm. However, Xaden is still arguably not honest with Violet, one of the key red flags being the double standard in Onyx Storm about reading her mind without her consent. There are a couple of occasions when he seems to mentally finish her sentences, despite her being convinced she didn’t send the thought down the bond.

This may be unintentional with Xaden not knowing his own strength as a venin Initiate, but Violet allows interruption and brushes it off every time without questioning it later. This being said, Xaden is self-aware of his deteriorating condition in general, and he warns Violet of it many times, urging her to make a contingency plan in the event of his loss. Unwisely, Violet seems to stick her head in the sand. Despite their evolved communication skills, Violet doesn’t recognize that Xaden’s desire to protect her from himself is an act of love.

Ridoc gives Violet a major reality check in Onyx Storm...

If Violet and Xaden’s dynamic is difficult to bear in Onyx Storm, the relief comes from Violet’s interactions with her friends. Just as Rhiannon confronts her about her secrecy in Iron Flame, Ridoc gives Violet a major reality check in Onyx Storm. He handles this situation extraordinarily well for a friend who has just found out he has been lied to about a member of the Quest Squad being venin, putting them all in danger. Rather than outright telling Violet what to do about her relationship with him, he prompts her to state what her limits are regarding him.

Xaden's Possessive Streak Gets Even Worse In Onyx Storm

Xaden Even Aggressively Questions Her Past Relationships

Xaden's behavior in Onyx Storm takes a decidedly darker turn, marked by an intensified possessiveness that strains his already complex relationship. This is particularly evident in his confrontation with Violet about her being in love before meeting him, which seems bizarre and out of character. Even acknowledging his encroaching venin transformation, these actions paint him in an unsavory light.

Violet deals with this situation well, being honest about being in love as far as she understood love at the time. At other points in the book, her handling of his venin-influenced rages comes across as unhealthy. For example, she brings him back to earth with phrases like “come back to me”, and “get off the ice”, and prefaces instructions with “I love you, and…” which reads like tiptoeing around an abusive partner. Still, Yarros does not explicitly romanticize this, and it is not meant to be didactic, with many readers picking out these dynamics for themselves.

Compounding this issue is the narrative's limited access to Xaden's perspective. Coupled with a significant reduction in meaningful dialogue between him and Violet, the reader is left with a sense of detachment, struggling to reconcile his actions with his established character. This scarcity of communication and internal monologue amplifies the perception of his possessiveness, leaving many questioning the trajectory of their relationship.

Violet & Xaden Have Been Having The Same Fight For Three Books

They Have Developed But Even Their Friends Are Tired

Violet and Xaden have progressed in some ways, and besides their sexual attraction, there are some truly tender moments, like Xaden bathing Violet after a period of bedrotting after Andarna left. On the other hand, some things about the couple have not changed. Ridoc astutely points this out:

"Agreed," Ridoc says. "And it's always the same fight." He lifts his hand to his chest. "I'll trust you if you stop keeping secrets!" He drops the hand and scowls. "It's my secretive nature that attracted you, and why can't you just stay out of harm's way for five fucking minutes?"

This is a brilliant wink from Yarros to the reader, which she does at several points in Onyx Storm. It is great that she can make fun of herself, but hopefully this cycle is finally broken in the next book. It most likely will because the stakes are higher. Whether Violet scours the world to find Fourth Wing’s Xaden or focuses on her role in Tyrrendor, the next book will be a steep learning curve for Violet.

It is frustrating that their growth seems stunted in Onyx Storm, but in their defense, the couple is in a highly unusual situation, with both of them being tested individually as well as romantically. While Yarros should be celebrated for including controversial toxic dynamics and making the characters flawed, romance is arguably the main draw of the Empyrean series, so hopefully, the future payoff will be immense, even though the plot may be even more devastating than Onyx Storm.