Rebecca Yarros unveiled a new bonus chapter from Xaden’s POV in the latestFourth Wingpaperback edition—and it suggests that there are much darker events to be revealed in the upcoming release ofOnyx Storm. Xaden’s bonus POV (chapter 27) provides insight into the secret workings of the rebellion and has led to manyOnyx Stormtheoriessuggesting Imogen and her signet will play a larger role in future books.
The newFourth Wingbonus chapter takes us back to the second squad’s trip to Montserrat—a military outpost in the Morraine Province of Navarre—where Violet is reunited with her sister and undergoes training at the outpost. From Violet’s POV, Imogen is notably absent throughout their entire trip, but through Xaden’s POV, it is revealed that Imogen was in fact present and used her mind-erasing signet to run a secret mission. This key detail raises suspicion thatthis was not Imogen’s first time using her signet in the series, and calls into question everything we know about theFourth Wingcharacter.
Imogen Uses Her Mind-Erasing Signet During The Events Of Fourth Wing
Imogen’s Signet Will Play A Larger Role In Onyx Storm
Imogen has not been explored in depth throughout the series thus far, and Yarros set up the perfect plot twist to grow her character arc duringOnyx Storm. Very little is known about Imogen aside from her strong personality and lethal abilities, and it’s yet to be revealed just how much her signet has been utilized in the books.The new bonus chapter is the first ever confirmed mention of Imogen using her signet to erase memories—this time of the healer in Montserrat (and most likely those on her team) to successfully deliver alloy to gryphon fliers outside the wards.
Yarros must have consciously chosen to keep Imogen’s signet under wraps to build up a larger plot twist to later be unveiled.
The inclusion of Imogen’s mind-erasing signet in the bonus chapter both confirms Imogen will play a larger role in the coming installment and backs up theories thatImogen must have used her signet on Violet previouslyin the novels. While Violet has briefly mentioned Imogen’s abilities in passing, Yarros must have consciously chosen to keep Imogen’s signet under wraps to build up a larger plot twist to later be unveiled—andafterIron Flame’stwist ending, no character is deemed safe.
Fourth Wing’s Imogen Reveal Hints At A Bigger (& More Sinister) Twist Later On
Imogen Has Been Using Her Signet The Entire Time
Imogen’s use of her signet in Montserrat has led to theories that seem incredibly likely, one being thatImogen has been wielding her powers the entire time. One scene validating this claim is during Chapter 5 ofFourth Wingwhen Imogen and Violet are sparring. At the time, Violet is unaware of what Imogen’s signet is but notices Imogen is impossibly fast, almost like she didn’t see her coming—or was made to forget seconds of the match in real-time. During the fight, both Dain and Professor Emetterio also call for Imogen to stop using her powers.
This scene calls into question every future interaction had between Imogen and Violet throughoutFourth WingandIron Flame—with Violet’s POV potentially missing key information due to Imogen’s signet ability.Imogen and Violet’s unsteady friendshiphas led them to interact quite a bit—including weight training sessions or runs around Basgiath. During the latter, Violet was attempting to discover mysteries about the Ward Stones and Venin inIron Flameand constantly felt like there was something she was missing. This would make sense ifImogen was creating gaps in Violet’s memories, and was tampering with Violet’s search for the truth.
Imogen’s Signet Could Drive A Wedge Between Her & Violet In Onyx Storm
Their Friendship May Have Been An Act All Along
This theory could mean Imogen has been working against Violet for nefarious purposesand will surely cause a major rift in their friendship—if there was even one to begin with. With the series' need for a new antagonist, this could certainly drive Imogen into becoming one ofOnyx Storm’snew villains. After Dain secretly uses his signet against Violet’s will inFourth Wing, she will be devastated to learn that yet another friend has broken and misused her trust.
Onyx Storm’s Biggest Death Theory Makes Way Too Much Sense To Not Be True
Onyx Storm will likely feature many deaths, but readers believe one character must die in the next Fourth Wing sequel — and the theory makes sense.
While both Dain and Cat are not at the top of Violet’s list of friends, both have somewhat resolved their issues with Violet—closing out their character arcs—and will open up more opportunities for Yarros to create tension and problems with another character in the series.Onyx Stormis sure to delve further into Imogen’s character, and I believe that whatever may come to light with Imogen’s signet will further test Violet’s need for the truth in relationships and ultimately call into question everyone she holds dear.
