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Andarna’s sudden return inOnyx Stormmakes a lot more sense if a certain theory is right.Onyx Stormboth created anddebunked many aFourth Wingtheory, with the third installment giving us more of the world’s lore by exploring the Isle Kingdoms while shrouding various other details in mystery.
However, Andarna’s arc was one of the most fascinating and baffling in my mind, especially since her choices and story beats towards the end of the book broke from some aspects of her character.
Andarna’s presence inOnyx Storm’s endingwas one of its most confusing elements, as Violet learns of Xaden’s departure and the chaos left behind in Aretia after the Battle of Draithus.
AfterAndarna departed back to the Irids, I was convinced that she would remain away for the rest of the book despite her love and loyalty to Violet and Tairn, so for her to come back so fast was odd.
One theory, though, suggests that she was not as far as we thought, setting up a strong potential storyline while also countering yet anotherFourth Wingtheory.
Fourth Wing Theory Posits That Andarna Never Left The Continent After Leaving Violet
Andarna & Leothan May Have Stayed To Train Before Rejoining The Irids
Andarna may have never left the Continent inOnyx Stormwith Leothan, according to this Fantasy Fangirls theory.
As mentioned,Andarna’s choice to leave Violet and Tairnonly to return so quickly was confusing, especially asAndarna left to learn more about the Irids and her abilities but returned after only a few weeks.Various theories on what she may have learned or why she returned have been presented, but this one from the popular podcastFantasy Fangirlsis one of the most convincing to me regarding Andarna’s speedy return.
The Fantasy Fangirls theorize that Andarna and Leothan never left the Continent after Andarna broke her bond with Violet, as Leothan was training her in their ways before rejoining their den properly.
Andarna’s bond to Violet could have been reforming for that time, explaining the return of Violet’s dreamwalking signet and how Andarna knew where she was at the Battle of Draithus.
The theory does not just explain those in-text details, though; it also makes more sense forOnyx Storm’s lore and Andarna’s character arc.
Why Andarna & Leothan Remaining On The Continent In Onyx Storm Makes Sense
Leothan Could Have Held Andarna Back So She Would Not Be Rejected Again
Andarna and Leothan could have remained on the Continent inOnyx Stormto ensure that the Irids accepted Andarna, inadvertently making it easier for her to return to Violet in the process.
Andarna was firmly rejected by the Irids withinOnyx Storm,Leothan’s later offer to teach her clearly going against the den’s wishes.It would make sense then for Leothan to want to teach her some of their ways beforehand on the Continent, as it would showcase to the den that Andarna was worthy of their wisdom because she was used to the Continent’s magic.
Custom Image by Yailin Chacon.
The Empyrean Series isnt shy about killing characters, but after re-reading Onyx Storm, I think these eight are safe in the next Fourth Wing book.
As a result,Onyx Stormreversing Andarna’s decisionwould work logistically, as she would not have to fly over the vast distances from the Irids' isle to get to Violet.It would also compensate for Andarna’s canonically damaged wing, which limits the distances she can flywithout assistance.
If Andarna were on the Continent, she could cover the distance with no breaks, making her later appearance make sense chronologically.
Custom image by Yailin Chacon
In a similar vein, it would also set up several other plot points afterOnyx Stormin ways that the other popular explanation for her return does not.
This Is Better Than The Other Common Explanation For Onyx Storm’s Andarna Return
Irids Having Time Manipulation Would Not Work For The Magic System
This theory for Andarna’s story inOnyx Stormworks much better than the popular idea that Andarna has time-traveled or manipulated time to get back to Violet, as it sets up more possibilities for the next book’s narrative.
While thisOnyx Stormtime travel theoryis fascinating and has some strong roots, it also clashes with the established magic system of the series, which has been largely more grounded.Giving the Irids the ability to manipulate time disturbs that and takes away from the unique momentsFourth Wingcreated with Andarnawhen she was a feathertail.
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon
By contrast, Andarna training nearby adds to her arc because she can explain to and show Leothan the horrors humans have witnessed due to the venin.
Not only would this strengthen her already loyal and kind characterization, but it would also lead to Leothan reporting these sightings back to the Irids, forcing them to change their minds and help after one of their own witnessed the venin’s devastating effects.
Irids' possible arrival in the next book would make sense after their refusal inOnyx Storm,giving the characters hope and firmly turning the tide of the war.
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.
Source:Fantasy Fangirls Podcast
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.
