There is a character who has to be a venin afterOnyx Stormrevealed the perfect counter signet to their power, which would set up a major new conflict for the series. While there have been manyOnyx Stormvenin theoriesthat have cropped up ever since the book’s publication, few really dig into how deep within Navarre the venin have gotten to, even now that Navarre is no longer ignoring the threat. The focus, rather, has been on other aspects of the venin, which makes sense considering who is currently or who could be turned.
Most theories about the venin inOnyx Stormconcentrate on the possible cure for being venin because Xaden ends the book as an asim, leaving Violet much less time to discover a cure. However, it’s interesting to investigate who else could be venin and how much power they wield within Navarre’s government, especially as said government has already been a major antagonist for Violet and her friends.Though severalOnyx Stormcharacters couldbe venin, one stands out to me as a likely but underdiscussed choice, especially after reading one key piece of lore: General Melgren.
Melgren Was Always Suspicious, But I’m Convinced He’s A Venin After Reading Onyx Storm
Melgren’s Actions Seem Calculated To Always Create A Disadvantage
Melgren’s behavior and choices were always suspicious, but after readingOnyx Storm,I am convinced he is a venin alongside several other Navarrian higher-ups.Many of Melgren’s actions throughout the series have been fairly dubious,but his specific choices inOnyx Stormconstantly sabotage the protagonists, from forcing Violet to work with a task force team that was clearly poorly chosen to warning Xaden about the Battle of Draithus' outcome in the vaguest terms. This, combined with his absence for the majority of the book, really adds to suspicions that he is secretly venin alongside other Navarrian officials.
Melgren only makes a physical appearance in Chapter 3 ofOnyx Storm.
Onyx Storm’s reveal that Panchek was working with the venin really highlights how far the venin have crept into Navarre, with many others assuming thatColonel Aetos is venin inOnyx Stormdue to his association with Panchek. If Panchek was a venin sympathizer, it would make sense that those higher up the chain of command, like Melgren, were also venin so that Panchek’s actions could go unquestioned and he could get information outside his clearance. What really cemented this idea for me, though, was the piece of signet loreOnyx Stormrevealed through Xaden and Theophanie.
Onyx Storm’s Signet Lore Means That Aaric Might Be The Counter To Melgren’s Power
Aaric’s Precog Signet Surpasses Melgren’s Limits
Aaric might be the counter to Melgren as established byOnyx Storm’s new signet lore, as his signet surpasses many of Melgren’s limits for likely key reasons.Melgren’s signet is one of the most sought-after and trusted in Navarre, his ability to predict battles being considered unfailing by several characters. If the venin were to try to turn someone, Melgren would be the perfect target as he is powerful enough to be useful, but his signet has enough caveats to tempt him with more power to surpass them.
As a result, some audiences onThreadsandRedditthink that Aaric became a perfect precog to counter Melgren, much like Lynx did with Xaden and Lilith did for Theophanie.Aaric’s signet does not come with the same caveats, and, since the magic has balanced each side, it points to Melgren being veninas no one side has the same two rare signets. That being said, the theory has little evidence as Melgren is such a minor character, but even if he is not, it is clear Melgren will have to face Aaric afterOnyx Storm.
A Melgren & Aaric Showdown Seems Inevitable In Future Fourth Wing Sequels
Melgren Would Oppose Aaric’s Inevitable Rise To The Throne
Melgren and Aaric will likely need to face off against each other afterOnyx Storm,as Melgren is part of the corrupt system that the Aretian riders will attempt to take down once the venin are gone.Aaric inOnyx Stormstepped further into the role of king and leader, representing Navarre in Quest Squad despite his lack of desire for the crown.That shift may point to Aaric changing his mind throughout the rest of the series,resulting in him challenging Navarre’s corrupt leadership and his own brother for the throne.
As part of that corrupted system, Melgren is perfectly set to oppose Aaric in a battle of strategy and wills as both use their signets to tilt the odds in their favor. Melgren is a key person to beat within the government, as his abilities have made sure their system of ignorance and censorship remained unchallenged by outside forces. If Aaric does take him on, it would likely end with a huge blow to the old guard, allowing the books afterOnyx Stormto truly build towards a better future once both the venin and that broken system are gone.
Source:Threads,Reddit
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.
