Ahead Of Onyx Storm's Release, I'm Very Confident In This Theory About Violet's Second Signet & Hope It Proves Me Right

Iron Flame‘s ending was a pivotal moment for several romantasy readers, and not only did Rebecca Yarros leave us on a massive cliffhanger while waiting for Onyx Storm—but several questions in the series remain unanswered. Aside from pondering the fate of Xaden becoming venin at the end of the Fourth Wing sequel, many fans have spent the last year debating what Violet’s second signet will turn out to be. This topic has been covered high and low, with several interesting theories emerging online since—but I’m convinced I already know what Violet’s second signet will become.

Yarros has shared very little about what readers can expect with Violet’s second signet, and the growing suspense and high-anticipation have prompted readers to get really creative with their theories. While some believe Violet will be gifted with the signet ability to speak to the dead, to amplify other signets, or distance wield—I’m positive her second signet ability won’t be a world-shattering revelation. Based on Yarros’ previous comments, Violet’s second signet is said to have manifested during the events of Iron Flame—and from my reread of the series, it looks like it might be more straightforward than I previously believed.

Rebecca Yarros Confirmed Violet’s Second Signet Isn’t All That Exciting

Her Second Signet Likely Already Exists In Fourth Wing’s Magic System

Custom Image by Yeider Chacon. 

There are several exciting second signet theories that have emerged while we wait for Onyx Storm‘s release. But when Yarros herself was asked about Violet’s second signet in a previous interview, she confirmed that it wouldn’t be anything all that wild—claiming readers were likely to be “underwhelmed“. While I myself was on board with some of the more out-there theories, especially Violet’s potential to manipulate gravity or time, Yarros’ comment made me reconsider.

The only signet more terrifying than an inntinnsic is a truth-sayer. And yet we let them live.

— Major Afendra’s Guide To The Riders Quadrant (Unathorized Edition)

Knowing this, I believe Violet’s second signet won’t be another all-powerful ability, but instead offer Violet a more practical gift. Yarros’ comment also alludes to the fact that Violet’s second signet has already been introduced to the series, and her “underwhelming” comment is likely a clue that it already exists in Fourth Wing‘s magic system. And throughout Iron Flame‘s narrative, there’s only one new signet that was mentioned—a Truth-Sayer. First seen in Iron Flame‘s chapter 35 epigraph, I believe the brief introduction to the signet was a clever way for Yarros to foreshadow Violet’s future manifestation.

Yarros Indicates Violet’s Signet Manifests In Iron Flame

One Line In Iron Flame Specifically Alludes To This

In Yarros’ interview with Variety, she also reveals Violet’s signet manifests throughout Iron Flame—and has later stated that one line from the entire book clues readers in to what it is. This is what initially started the mass influx of theories, as readers have begun to dissect every minute detail to solve Violet’s second signet mystery. However, I think readers, myself included, have been looking way too hard—and the answer is relatively simple.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros Book Cover

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10 Final Onyx Storm Predictions That I’m Officially Locking In, One Week Before The Next Fourth Wing Book Releases

There are several convincing theories as to what will happen next in Yarros’ Onyx Storm, but I think my predictions are most likely to come true.

There’s one line in chapter 58 of Iron Flame that I’m convinced is Yarros’ clue to readers of what Violet’s second signet will be—one in which Violet states, “I am a person who needs information to center myself“. This conversation comes on the heels of Violet and Xaden’s sparring match, where they attempt to fix their massive communications issues. Violet insists that Xaden stop getting her to ask the right questions, and instead explains her innate need for the truth.

Signets Are Based On A Riders Deepest Need

They Represent Who A Rider Is At Their Core

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros Book Cover
Custom image by Kiersten Hall

The Empyrean Series has continuously reminded readers that a rider’s signet manifests based on a few factors—the strength of the bond with their dragons, who the rider is at their core, and their deepest needs. Violet’s quest for knowledge is a major theme throughout Iron Flame, and she is constantly searching for the truth about Navarre’s history, the venin, or even Xaden. This was a key trait to her character in Fourth Wing, as Violet has always been someone whose foundations were built on knowing the truth.

Keeping this thought in mind, there’s really only one thing Violet has said she absolutely needs throughout the entire book; the need for information.

However, everything she thought she knew came crumbling down at the end of Fourth Wing—and Violet’s need for the truth has never been greater. Keeping this thought in mind, there’s really only one thing Violet has said she absolutely needs throughout the entire book; the need for information—as seen in chapter 58 of Iron Flame. And if her most basic need is based on the desire for knowledge and understanding, what better signet to manifest than a Truth-Sayer.

I’m Sure Violet’s Second Signet Is A Truth-Sayer

This Signet Ability Aligns With Her Innate Desire For Knowledge

Onyx Storm book cover on smokey background
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

Yarros has yet to really explain what a Truth-Sayer can do, but from Iron Flame‘s chapter 35 epigraph, it’s clearly seen as a signet ability even more frightening than an Inntinnsic. The signet is briefly showcased through Nora’s character when Violet is being tortured at Basgiath. But I don’t believe Yarros would put such emphasis on the Truth-Sayer signet, only to kill off the only character with it a few pages later. Instead, I’m certain this introduction was to familiarize readers with the Truth-Sayer signet ability in order to prepare readers for Violet’s second signet in Onyx Storm.

I’m certain this introduction was to familiarize readers with the Truth-Sayer signet ability in order to prepare readers for Violet’s second signet.

Much of Iron Flame also shows Xaden trying to train Violet to ask the right questions, and while this does apply to their personal relationship, I believe Xaden knows this will be her second signet ability. Yarros has already shown his character to prepare Violet in this manner—as he had her practicing weaving runes before she ever knew why the skill was necessary. Xaden has also mentioned on multiple occasions that he is incapable of lying to Violet—and if she would only ask the right questions, she could discover anything she’d like.

Onyx Storm will be released on January 21, 2025.

Similarly to how Xaden is a “type” of Inntinnsic, I believe Violet will be a “type” of Truth-Sayer. Her unique bond to her dragons will ultimately lend more power to her signets, and it’s likely her Truth-Sayer abilities will surpass what the signet has been capable of before. I don’t believe Yarros has plans for Violet to be a glorified lie detector, but instead will expand upon the concept, and gift Violet with a powerful signet ability that will help her discover multiple truths throughout Onyx Storm‘s narrative—including discovering the seventh den of dragons, and the venin cure for Xaden.