The Best Romance In The Empyrean Series Isn't The One You're Thinking Of (& Onyx Storm Proved It)

With all due respect to Violet and Xaden, they’re not even close to being the best couple in the Empyrean Series and Onyx Storm proved it. The rider couple has had a rough go of it in the Empyrean Series, bwith their relationship seeing more ups and downs than a rollercoaster. It’s clear they are still so incredibly young, both in their decision-making where their relationship is concerned and how they communicate – or, more accurately, don’t.

But Onyx Storm introduced a new power couple, and honestly, I’m so much more interested in their love story now than what happens with Violet and Xaden. At the very least, we deserve a spinoff book that tells their story, which, even in snippets, has been fascinating. With Onyx Storm setting up so many questions, I hope we get more of one relationship in the Empyrean Series book 4: Asher and Lilith.

Onyx Storm Proved That Asher & Lilith Sorrengail Were The Empyrean Series’ True Power Couple

They Trusted Each Other Even When They Were Angry

Custom image by Yeider Chacon

While the primary focus has been on Violet and Xaden as the series’ central couple, Onyx Storm quietly made the love story between Asher and Lilith Sorrengail even more important beyond them simply being Violet, Mira, and Brennan’s parents and their individual accomplishments. More than anything, the epistolary openings of each chapter showed that even when they disagreed with each other, Asher and Lilith were in total lockstep with one another in the way that only two people who know each other well and trust each other implicitly can attain. In fact, their journals and letters made it clear each was the only person the other fully trusted.

A custom image of Onyx Storm and Iron Flame with a mountain-filled blue and red background.

Related

Onyx Storm Should Use Lilith Sorrengail’s Journals To Expand On One Huge Iron Flame Twist

Using Lillith’s journals, one huge Iron Flame twist could be expanded on in Onyx Storm, giving audiences more insights into several characters.

That said, it was interesting that Onyx Storm also revealed that Asher had done something in the past that Lilith wasn’t sure she could ever forgive. “Asher returned today,” she wrote. “God help us if anyone finds out. I’m not sure I’ll ever forgive him for what he’s done to her.” It’s not clear what it was, but it could be that what upset Lilith was Asher taking Violet to the Temple of Dunne to be dedicated. It could also be Asher’s plan to hide his journals on one of the islands and leave them to Violet to find. Even despite her hurt and anger, it was illustrated that Lilith trusted only Asher, and vice-versa, and that their love for each other and their children was rock-solid. They’re an ideal power couple.

Asher & Lilith Could Be A Blueprint For Violet & Xaden (But It’s Probably Too Late)

They Could Have Been The Mature, Steady Relationship Violet & Xaden Need To See Modeled

It’s a shame the untimely deaths of Asher and Lilith cut short their ability to guide Violet, especially in her relationship with Xaden. God knows she needs it. If we’re being honest, Violet and Xaden aren’t at the same level of implicit trust yet – in fact, the defining argument of their relationship is Violet getting mad that Xaden is keeping secrets and not quite trusting him, and Xaden being made that Violet makes headstrong decisions without him and puts herself in danger. They might love each other – though after Onyx Storm, that love is pretty toxic – but they still don’t fully trust each other, and it’s clear in their actions.

Empyrean Series Book

Goodreads Rating

Number of Ratings

Fourth Wing

4.58

2,713,989

Iron Flame

4.37

1,926,263

Onyx Storm

4.28 (currently)

817,013 (currently)

Asher and Lilith, however, do. They may not have always agreed with one another, clearly, but their deep love and commitment to each other came through loud and clear in the third book. Violet and Xaden could both learn a lot from Violet’s parents about how to build a strong foundation and unshakable relationship in the midst of conspiracies and overwhelming stress. Primarily, Violet could certainly learn from her parents about how to hold Xaden accountable, as the journal entries and letters showed that Asher and Lilith had no problem doing so to each other when it mattered. In Onyx Storm, Violet bent over backward to excuse Xaden’s actions and the danger he posed to others.

Unfortunately, the parents Violet needs most only exist in letters and journal entries now.

Sadly, the parents Violet needs most only exist in letters and journal entries now. Considering the circumstances in which they were written, it’s not as though either of her parents wrote down an instruction manual about how to have a good, healthy relationship. Violet, and certainly Xaden, need to see healthy love modeled for them – especially if the theory about Violet being pregnant at the end of Onyx Storm is true. They might be two of the most powerful riders in generations, but they are still very immature when it comes to dealing with their emotions and their romance. But with three-fourths of their parents now dead and Xaden swearing off his mother in Onyx Storm, it’s way too late for that.