There is only one proper explanation for the behavior of the worst character inOnyx Storm, and it must confirmed in the next book inThe Empyrean Series. Onyx Stormwas able to expand on many aspects of the world, from showcasing new locations to elaborating on parts of the lore that were previously unexplored. However, expanding on the stories of many of the side characters is what truly made the book shine, giving us more to theorize about as the wait forOnyx Storm’s sequelcontinues.
Some of the characters, such asDain inOnyx 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 inOnyx Stormpoint to him being a possible venin, especially considering the emotional numbness the venin experience.Onyx Stormmade General Aetos worsethan in previous installments, makingthe 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.
Onyx Storm’s Best Berwyn Theory Sets Up A Wild Confrontation Between Violet & The Venin Sage
Berwyn is bound to be far more important in the next Empyrean Series book, and one Onyx Storm theory lays the groundwork for a wild fight with Violet.
While General Aetos' actions could just speak to his cruel nature and his anger at Violet over the past book’s events,Onyx Stormestablishing 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 lustin certain moments. General Aetos could be experiencing something similar, adding to the other pieces of evidence for this theory inThe 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 evidence that General Aetos is actually a venin goes beyond justOnyx Storm,with hints of his venin status appearing throughoutThe Empyrean Series.One of the biggest hints of General Aetos' venin status arrives inFourth Wing,as he knew the venin would be at Athebyneat 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 ofOnyx Storm.
His friendship with Panchek is another major piece of evidence considering how Panchek’s story inOnyx Stormwent. Thevenin inOnyx Stormhad 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 thatOnyx 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’ssequel 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 inbook 4 ofThe Empyrean Serieswould 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 afterOnyx Stormwould only make the next book even more exciting as the story continues to unfold.
Onyx Storm
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.
