5 Shocking Theories On How Xaden Riorson Can Be Cured Of The Venin Transformation In Onyx Storm

The question dominating the Empyrean series fandom right now is a matter of life, death, and love: Will Xaden Riorson be cured of the venin transformation? The jaw-dropping cliffhanger at the end of Iron Flame saw the beloved rebel leader make the ultimate sacrifice, pulling power from the ground to save Violet Sorrengail from a venin general, forever altering his path and leaving his fate—and the future of the entire world—hanging in the balance. As of December 14, 2025, with the third book, Onyx Storm, now released, the urgency to find a solution is Violet's "singular motivation," according to author Rebecca Yarros, yet the answer remains elusive, fueling a massive debate across the fandom.

This situation is far more complex than a simple magical ailment; becoming venin is described by some as an "evolution" rather than a curable disease, meaning the path back for Xaden Riorson will require a monumental, perhaps unprecedented, act of power or a profound emotional sacrifice. We dive deep into the lore, the author's subtle hints, and the most compelling theories emerging from the pages of Onyx Storm to determine if there is any hope for Xaden.

Xaden Riorson: Profile and Venin Transformation Timeline

To understand the stakes of Xaden's condition, it is crucial to review his background and the events that led to his venin transformation. Xaden Riorson is one of the most powerful and principled characters in the Empyrean series, making his fall to the dark side all the more tragic.

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• Full Name: Xaden Riorson
• Affiliation: Rebel Group Leader; Dragon Rider of Sgaeyl (Black Dragon) and Tairn (via Violet)
• Signet: Shadow Manipulation (Shadow-wielder)
• Family: Son of Fen Riorson, the last Great Seeker and leader of the secessionist rebellion. His father was executed by General Sorrengail.
• Rebel Scars: Branded with a relic from his father’s rebellion, marking him as a child of traitors and a political hostage.
• Key Role: Initially a bitter enemy and then the primary love interest of Violet Sorrengail. He is instrumental in revealing the venin threat to Navarre.
• The Sacrifice (Iron Flame Ending): To prevent General Venin from killing Violet, Xaden drew power from the earth, transforming him into a venin himself. His eyes now possess the tell-tale red rings.
• Current Status: Partially venin, struggling to control the urge to drain more power, and now a source of immense conflict for Violet and the entire war effort.

The Venin Transformation: Why a Cure Seems Impossible (The Lore of the Empyrean Series)

The core problem in the "will Xaden be cured" debate lies in the nature of venin in the Empyrean series. This is not a common cold or a simple curse; it is a fundamental change in the way a person accesses magic, described by the venin themselves as an "evolution."

A key venin figure argues that there is "nothing to cure," as the transformation is a choice, not a disease. This perspective suggests that Xaden's venin state is a permanent, self-inflicted alteration of his being. The power of venin comes from draining life force—from the earth, from other living beings, and even from dragons—which is an addictive and destructive act.

The Addiction Parallel and the Cost of Power

Rebecca Yarros’s world-building often draws parallels between the venin’s power-pulling and real-world struggles. Many fans and reviewers have noted the strong thematic link between being venin and battling an addiction. If this parallel holds true, a "cure" might not be a magical potion or a single spell, but a long, agonizing process of self-control, withdrawal, and redemption. This would make the road to saving Xaden a deeply personal and difficult journey, likely requiring him to "hit the bottom rock to cure himself," as some theories suggest.

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Furthermore, the venin transformation is directly tied to the corruption of the land and the weakening of the wards. Reversing Xaden’s condition would likely require more than just saving him; it would need to address the very source of the venin's power and the damage they inflict on the world's magic.

The Top 5 Fan Theories for Xaden's Cure in Onyx Storm

Despite the grim outlook, the fact that Rebecca Yarros has hinted that Violet and Xaden are "endgame" gives readers a strong reason to believe a cure exists. Violet's new, singular focus in Onyx Storm is to save him, and the book's plot is expected to revolve around this quest. Here are the five most compelling and fresh fan theories on how Xaden can be cured of the venin transformation.

1. Violet's Unique Signet Power is the Key

This is the most popular theory. Violet Sorrengail's signet is incredibly rare and powerful: a lightning wielder. However, some believe her true, second signet or a deeper aspect of her power will be the solution. Theories suggest she is a "soul walker" or that her lightning power can be used to "re-wire" Xaden’s connection to the earth, severing the venin link without killing him. Given that Xaden turned venin for Violet, it would be poetically fitting for her power to be the only thing that can save him.

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2. The Power of Andarna and the Seventh Dragon

Andarna, Violet's second dragon, is a unique, seven-tailed dragon who was dormant for centuries. Her age and connection to ancient magic suggest she holds knowledge about the venin that has been lost to Navarre. One theory posits that Andarna’s unique gold fire or her ancient knowledge will reveal a forgotten ritual or a specific weakness of the venin that can be exploited to reverse the transformation. Since Xaden’s dragon, Sgaeyl, is also bonded to Andarna, the combined power of the two dragons and Violet might be the magical key.

3. The 'Horcrux' Parallel and the Need for a Sacrifice

A darker, yet highly plausible, theory draws parallels to the Harry Potter series. The idea is that Xaden's venin transformation has somehow tethered a part of his soul or a piece of the venin’s power to him, much like a Horcrux. To be cured, this corrupted piece must be destroyed, which might require Xaden to die and be brought back, or for a piece of his venin-self to be permanently sacrificed. This would be a devastating but potentially necessary step for a full cure.

4. The Herbal/Natural Cure from the Wyvern's Domain

Some theories suggest that the cure is not magical but natural. The venin draw power from the earth, and it is possible that the earth itself holds the remedy. If the venin’s power is an addiction, perhaps a specific, rare herbal mixture or a component found only in the most remote, corrupted lands—the Wyvern's domain, which Onyx Storm explores—could detoxify Xaden’s system. This would turn the quest for a cure into a desperate, dangerous expedition for a physical remedy.

5. Love as the Ultimate Counter-Force

Given that the Empyrean series is a romantasy, the power of love cannot be dismissed. Xaden's venin transformation was an act of profound love and sacrifice to save Violet. The theory suggests that the only thing strong enough to counteract the addictive, selfish nature of the venin's power is the selfless, pure power of their bond. While this might sound too simple, the emotional core of the series could mean that Violet's unwavering love and their emotional connection will be the final, necessary ingredient to complete a ritual or magical cure, serving as the antidote to the venin's soul-draining corruption.