The Shocking Truth: 5 Things To Know About Violet And Xaden’s Wedding (Onyx Storm Spoilers)

The question of whether Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson get married is one of the most intensely debated topics in The Empyrean series fandom, and as of the latest installment, *Onyx Storm* (Book 3), we finally have a definitive, albeit shocking, answer. This highly anticipated romantic development has massive political and emotional implications that will shape the final two books, *Fourth Wing* Book 4 and Book 5. The reality is far more complicated and heartbreaking than any fan could have predicted, involving secret ceremonies, memory loss, and a devastating farewell. This article, updated in late December 2025 following the release of *Onyx Storm* in January 2025, breaks down the absolute truth of their relationship status and what it means for the future of Navarre and Tyrrendor. The relationship between the shadow-wielding rebel and the frail but fierce dragon rider has always been an emotional rollercoaster, from their forced proximity at Basgiath War College to their deep, soul-bound connection via their dragons, Sgaeyl and Tairn. The events of *Iron Flame* left their future hanging by a thread, but *Onyx Storm* delivers a twist that fundamentally changes the power dynamics of the continent and the very nature of their "endgame" romance.

The Definitive Status: Did Violet and Xaden Get Married?

The short, explosive answer is Yes, Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson are officially married. This monumental event occurs in the final pages of the third book, *Onyx Storm*. However, the circumstances surrounding their union are fraught with tragedy and mystery, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict in the rest of the series. This secret wedding is not the grand, romantic celebration fans might have envisioned, but a desperate, politically charged act of love and protection.

1. The Shocking Marriage Reveal in the Final Chapter of Onyx Storm

The biggest twist in the entire book is reserved for the very last chapter. After a period of intense conflict and reconciliation following Xaden’s transformation into a venin, the two characters share a final, heartbreaking moment. The book concludes with Violet waking up in the courtyard of Riorson House, Xaden's ancestral home in Tyrrendor, utterly alone. The crucial evidence of the marriage is twofold:

• The Riorson Wedding Ring: Violet discovers a wedding ring on her finger. It features a Riorson family heirloom, a powerful symbol confirming the official union.
• Xaden's Note: Alongside the ring is a note from Xaden, which simply says, “Don’t look for me. It’s yours now.” This note, combined with the absence of their emotional bond, signifies his complete departure, leaving Violet as the sole legal owner of his title and property.

This reveal immediately confirms the marriage while simultaneously plunging Violet into a new state of confusion and danger.

2. The Memory Erasing Twist: Imogen’s Signet

The reason the marriage is a shocking reveal is that Violet does not remember the event. The final pages of *Onyx Storm* explain that their mutual friend, Imogen, used her signet—the ability to erase memories—to wipe Violet’s recollection of the wedding ceremony. This is a devastating development, as Violet now faces the reality of being a married woman and the Duchess of Tyrrendor without the emotional memory of the vows or the final moments she shared with Xaden. The use of Imogen’s signet suggests a deep-seated plan to protect Violet from both the political fallout of the marriage and the grief of Xaden's departure.

3. The Political and Emotional Implications of the Marriage

The secret wedding is far more than a romantic gesture; it is a political maneuver with continent-shattering consequences. Xaden’s note—"It’s yours now"—is a clear indication of his intent. By marrying Violet, Xaden has effectively made her the Duchess of Tyrrendor. * Protection and Succession: With Xaden fully embracing his venin side and then disappearing—perhaps presumed dead or in hiding—he has no family left to inherit his position. The marriage ensures that his title and the power of Tyrrendor do not fall into the hands of Navarre's oppressive government. Violet, a Sorrengail, is now the legal heir and ruler of the rebel province. * A New Identity: Violet is no longer just a rider from Basgiath War College. She is now the Duchess of Tyrrendor, giving her a new political platform and a legal right to lead the rebellion against the King of Navarre. * The Venin Threat: The marriage and subsequent disappearance are directly tied to Xaden's venin transformation at the end of *Iron Flame*. He likely left to protect Violet from the darkness consuming him, but he ensured her safety and power first.

4. The Confirmed "Endgame" and Future Weddings

Despite the current heartbreak and the memory loss, author Rebecca Yarros has repeatedly confirmed that Violet and Xaden are "endgame." This means that while their relationship is currently in turmoil—with Xaden gone and Violet's memory erased—their story is destined for a resolution where they are together. The existence of a secret, forgotten wedding, combined with their confirmed "endgame" status, leads to an exciting fan theory: We might get a second, remembered Violet and Xaden wedding in either *Fourth Wing* Book 4 or Book 5. This second ceremony would be the grand, public, and fully remembered celebration that the couple deserves once the war with the venin is won and Xaden is redeemed from the shadows.

5. What This Means for Book 4 and Book 5

The events of *Onyx Storm* have set the stage for the final two books in The Empyrean series, creating a complex web of conflict and emotional stakes. * Violet’s Quest: Violet’s primary goal in the next book will be twofold: to regain her memories of the wedding and to find Xaden, who has left her to face the world as the new Duchess of Tyrrendor. Her bond with Tairn and Xaden's dragon, Sgaeyl, will be crucial in this search. * The Political Battle: As the Duchess of Tyrrendor, Violet will have to navigate the political landscape of Navarre, potentially clashing with her own family and former allies like Dain Aetos. Her new title gives her immense power but also makes her a prime target. * The Venin Conflict: Xaden’s venin status will be the central conflict. The final books will focus on his redemption and the ultimate battle against the venin, with Violet’s power as a rider being the key to saving him and the continent. The thought of them having children is a popular discussion point, but the immediate future is focused on survival and saving Xaden. The marriage of Violet and Xaden is the single most important plot development in *Onyx Storm*, transforming the series from a simple romantic fantasy into a high-stakes political drama with a deeply emotional core. The question is no longer *if* they get married, but *when* they will remember it, and *if* they will survive to celebrate it.