Ep 3 Onyx Storm: Chapters 13-18

Summary

Fantasy Fangirls Podcast Summary Episode 3: Onyx Storm – Chapters 13-18
Release Date: February 17, 2025
Podcast: Fantasy Fangirls | QCODE

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Episode Overview

In Episode 3 of Fantasy Fangirls, sisters Nicole and Lexi delve into chapters 13 through 18 of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. This episode provides comprehensive chapter summaries, insightful character analyses, exploration of the book’s lore, and engaging theories that tie into the broader narrative arc of the Empyrean series. As always, the hosts offer a spoiler-heavy discussion, making it essential for listeners to have read the series prior to tuning in.

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Battle Brief: Chapter Summaries (13-18)

Nicole begins the episode by summarizing the key events from chapters 13 to 18:

• Chapter 13: Sawyer prepares archives for a scribe, leading to teasing from Second Squad. Justinia is kicked out of the Adept program due to a rigged test by M4rkim, forcing her to focus on research for Quest Squad. Jinnia discovers a prophecy hinting at chaos and the loss of control, but it turns out to be a misleading joke. General Cadeo’s journal reveals missing pages related to the second crumbling uprising. (Nicole, 04:12)

• Chapter 14: Introduction of Professor Zaddy Ryers, a new signet sparring instructor. Violet is tasked with convincing Dane to steal her father's research. Despite initial resistance, Dane agrees to undertake the solo mission to retrieve the research. (Nicole, 07:38)

• Chapter 15: Zaden showcases his signet mastery by multitasking during signet sparring, ultimately defeating all cadets except Violet.

• Chapter 16: Zaden teaches Violet how to navigate his shadows, revealing his deep connection and hinting at lethal consequences if their relationship falters.

• Chapter 17: Dane successfully acquires Papa Sorengail's research, but it remains locked, adding urgency to Violet's mission.

• Chapter 18: Zaden sets new ground rules for the squad. Violet deciphers her father’s research, uncovering a connection between the second Cr

owltering uprising and the Isles, particularly Devarelli. The chapter ends with tensions rising as Zaden considers the implications of Violet’s discoveries.

Notable Quotes:

• Nicole (04:12): “General Cadeo's journal reveals missing pages related to the second crumbling uprising.”
• Nicole (07:38): “Violet is now officially in possession of Papa Sorengail's research.”

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Key Insights and Theories

Nicole and Lexi engage in a detailed analysis of the characters and plot developments:

• Character Dynamics: The relationship between Violet and Zaden is central, with growing tensions and underlying threats. They discuss Zaden’s struggle with his identity as Venin and Violet’s role in potentially ending his turmoil.

• Foreshadowing and Theories:

  • Prophecy Interpretation: The initially misleading prophecy hints at deeper chaos within the world of Onyx Storm. The hosts speculate on its true meaning, suggesting impending upheavals.
  • Zaden’s Dual Nature: Zaden’s ability to manipulate shadows and his admission that Violet can kill him indicate a complex relationship that may lead to significant conflict in future chapters.
  • Dane’s Redemption: Dane’s involvement in stealing the research marks a pivotal point in his character arc, potentially setting the stage for his redemption and deeper involvement in the central conflict.

Notable Quotes:

• Lexi (12:28): “This change in position also seems to have opened up a very, very sassy side of Justinia.”
• Nicole (17:28): “There is a lot of baby roaringale foreshadowing.”

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Sip Tea With The Suriel: Lore Exploration

In this segment, Lexi explores the intricate world-building elements of Onyx Storm:

• Historical Context: The second Cr

owltering uprising and its ties to the Isles are dissected, revealing the geopolitical tensions and secret alliances that shape the narrative.

• Magic System and Runes: The discussion delves into the complexities of the magic system, particularly the significance of runes and their historical banning. The hosts theorize on how runes might play a crucial role in the unfolding events, especially in relation to the Venin threat.

• Prophecies and Artifacts: The analysis of Papa Sorengail’s research uncovers potential connections between ancient prophecies, magical artifacts like the Emilian Citrine, and their roles in combating the Venin.

Notable Quotes:

• Nicole (26:51): “This is the crimson shutter of the emerald sea exploration.”
• Lexi (85:10): “This is another hint that we're going to have major conflicts in the Isles.”

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Conclusions and Takeaways

Nicole and Lexi wrap up the episode by highlighting major developments and setting the stage for future discussions:

• Mission to Devarelli: The squad’s upcoming mission is fraught with danger, with implications that leadership might have ulterior motives.
• Zaden and Violet’s Relationship: The tension between personal relationships and overarching missions foreshadows significant conflicts ahead.
• Papa Sorengail’s Legacy: The recovered research and its stipulations underscore the importance of Violet’s role in uncovering and protecting ancient secrets.

The hosts express excitement for upcoming chapters and tease deeper dives into character motivations, magical lore, and strategic developments in the storyline.

Notable Quotes:

• Nicole (141:30): “Thank you as always to our resident scribe, Curator AKA our Content researcher Brooke and our Executive producer AKA our sanity manager Hayden.”
• Lexi (143:42): “Thank you all so much. We will see you next week.”

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Final Thoughts

Episode 3 of Fantasy Fangirls offers an in-depth exploration of chapters 13-18 of Onyx Storm, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the plot, characters, and world-building elements. Nicole and Lexi successfully navigate complex theories and character dynamics, enriching the listener’s experience and anticipation for future episodes.

Stay Tuned:
Listeners are encouraged to join live events, subscribe to the fan club, and follow the podcast on social media for additional content and community engagement. Upcoming episodes will continue to unpack the intricacies of Onyx Storm, promising more revelations and engaging discussions.

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Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript provided and are indicative of when notable quotes and discussions occur within the episode.

Transcript

[Nicole]

The Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University helps you go from I know the way to I've arrived with our top 10 ranked online MBA. Gain skills you can learn today and apply tomorrow. Get ready to go from make it happen to Made it happen and keep striving. Visit strayer.edu Jack WelchMBA to learn more. Strayer University is certified to operate in Virginia by Chevin has many campuses including at 2121 15th Street north in Arlington, Virginia welcome, welcome welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive deep into beloved fantasy lore, characters, themes, theories and more.

[Lexi]

I'm Lexi, older sister and Fantasy Lore nerd.

[Nicole]

And I'm Nicole, younger sister and romantic at heart.

[Lexi]

And today is Episode three of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros where we're covering chapters 13 through 18. As always, before we begin this deep dive episode, please listen closely to our spoiler warning. Every episode of ours, including this one, has spoilers for the entire Empyrean series, including all of 4th Wing, Iron Flame and Onyx Storm. Which means even though this episode three focuses on chapters 13 through 18, we are pulling in themes, lore, foreshadowing and so much more from the entire book.

[Nicole]

So if you don't know that we get his Royal Heinie Prince of Douche Canoe Haldentari this episode, then please go finish Onyx Storm and we will be here when you're done.

[Lexi]

Next, we at Fantasy Fangirls are adults who say adult things about adult books. In other words, friends, this podcast is.

[Nicole]

Rated R. Professor Zaddy might not be able to bang bang bangity bang Violet, but that does not mean this episode will not be rated R. So please be mindful of those little listening ears we get Shadow Bondage this episode. I'm not holding back.

[Lexi]

Additionally, we are so excited to see you at upcoming live events.

[Nicole]

We will be at Romanecy Bookcon in Los Angeles this weekend on February 20th through 22nd where we can't wait to do an Onyx Storm live show, speak with incredible authors and of course see so many of you.

[Lexi]

We will also be featured guests at Enchanticon in St. Louis, Missouri, August 15th through 17th.

[Nicole]

We're going to be back at the Dragon Gauntlet in Boyne City, Michigan September 12th through 13th.

[Lexi]

Then Romanecy Bookcon again, this time in Orlando from October 23rd through 25th.

[Nicole]

Check out our website for more information to all of these events.

[Lexi]

Last thing before we jump into this Onyx Storm Episode 3. If you love Fantasy Fangirls and want more Empyrean themed Events, more content, more community, and so much more. Please check out Fantasy Fan club.

[Nicole]

We have three membership tiers that you can join. Number one, the cadets, which includes access to our BoP in Discord, where Lexi and I are freaking out about this book with all of you. We get live Q&As from Lexi and I, a book club exclusive author interviews. Like this month we are interviewing Callie Hart, author of Quicksilver, at our Quicksilver Silver Book Club. I'm so excited. You also get trivias, community events, promo codes for live events, plus 20% off merch. That is $6 a month. Or you can join the Dragon Riders, which includes everything from the cadet level, plus early access to ad free episodes, our full episode outlines, and special voting privileges. That is for $10 a month. And then last but not least, we have the Iron Squad, which includes everything from the previous two tiers, plus behind the scenes content. A welcome gift from Lexi and I. Giveaways, a private Discord channel, your name shout on the podcast. And that is for $25 a month.

[Lexi]

Join the party at fantasy fangirls.com fanclub. The link is also in the show notes and really and truly, friends, thank you so much for supporting Nicole and I as we've turned this podcast into our livelihood. It's literally all because of you and now Lexi.

[Nicole]

Yes, it is time to discover Papa Asher Singale's research.

[Lexi]

I'm already having an out of body experience. But first, to start off every episode, Nicole does us the hon of summarizing what happens in this stretch of chapters. So listen up because Battle Brief is in session for chapters 13 through 18.

[Nicole]

Of Onyx Storm chapter 13. Let's take a trip to the archives, which Sawyer got all cleaned up for a certain scribe, leading to merciless teasing from Second Squad and the Internet thought we were jumping the gun on hard launching Soicinia Jasa Saucinia. We'll workshop it. We'll workshop it after Justinia brings over some new tomes. Sawyer spills the tea. M4rkim created some bullshit test and got Justinia kicked out of the Adept program. But hey, at least now she can focus solely on research for Quest Squad. Speaking of research, Jinnia found a prophecy. The last era dragon that chooses her soul Now Chaos laughs. It lost control. Her two signets will blaze. That's too much to wield. The world's unhinged and all gods must yield. Wait, no, that was a joke. Damn it, Jinnia, you got everyone's hopes for nothing. But wait, there's more General Cadeo's journal has has pages missing. Lexi, do you want to take a guess as to what super important topic was ripped out?

[Lexi]

The second crumbling uprising.

[Nicole]

Back in Battle Brief De Vera has the cadets reach under their seats. And you get a Venom book. You get a Venom book. You get a Venom book. But that's not all they got, as Gaieth added a new class to the roster. Please give a warm welcome to the new signet sparring instructor, Professor Zaddy Ryers. Chapter 14, Article 8, Section 1. We don't know what it says, but now. Hashtag Sorenson is quickly sinking into the Emerald Sea. Needing a distraction from her sinking ship, Violet shifts her focus to a new task. Convincing Dane to steal Papa Sorrengail's research from the commanding general's chambers. Good luck, my guy. Zaden, proving once again that he doesn't give a shit about rules, pulls Violet into a big, big office during their much needed heart to heart, Daddy Ato strolls in like he owns the place, making it perfectly clear that he will gladly kick Zaden off camp should they break the code of conduct. Woof. When Monday rolls around, Violet attempts to sway Grady's mind on, well, everything. But he's more stubborn than Lexi taking a red pen out on an episode that is over the word count. The task force is flying north, and there will be no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Don't you all want to see some pirates after all? Chapter 15. Who's ready for some signet sparring? Zaden shows off his mastery with the bond by holding a full conversation with Violet while giving instructions to the class. Talk about multitasking. There's a sex joke in there somewhere. One by one, Zaden hands everyone their ass on a silver platter. And it's just as delicious to read as you'd expect. And after everyone else is fully taken out, it's Violet's turn to step onto the mat. Chapter 16. Ready to make Violet work for it, Zaden blacks out the mat with his shadows. Knowing that she's gonna need some help keeping him in check, Zaden teaches Violet how to find him within the shadows. Although he does some of the work for her and finds her kissing her passionately. But it turns out that this was really a lesson for Violet on his sign, because she is the only one capable of killing him. Dun, dun, dun. What's one of the main things second years look forward to? Hogsmeade. I mean, Shantara. It's time to hit the pub. And gossip. Of course. Sparring Class, the gods, cadets exploding. You know, the usual. But oh, the winged leader is here. Dane pulls Violet aside and agrees that he'll retrieve her father's research. But it has to be a solo mission. Dane possible. Chapter 17 he did it.

[Lexi]

He did it. He did it.

[Nicole]

Yay. Violet is now officially in possession of Papa Sorrengale's research. Lexi.

[Lexi]

Yay. I'm so excited.

[Nicole]

But it's locked up tighter than my wifi when I forget the dang password. Hopefully Violet is better at riddles than she is at staying on Tarn. There's no time to think about it though. Class is starting and things are heating up down the bond. Once again, Zaddy shows off his multitasking skills. This time mind Sexting Edition. Hitting the mat as a group. Second squad joins together to take down Garrick. The fight comes to a close when Violet lands a perfectly aimed lightning strike to a dagger and someone in the crowd starts clapping. Welcome to the stage, his Royal Weaselness, Commander of Commitment issues, Lord of It's not you, it's me. Speeches. Grand Maester of Gaslighting and Duke of. Nope. Prince Halden, the Homewrecker Tari, Crown Prince of Navarre. Satan doesn't like his newfound quote unquote competition. And what better way to assert dominance than launch the poor defenseless douchebag princeling into a rock solid wall. Oops. Chapter 18 well, Holden's still alive. And Zaddy set some new fun ground rules. Back in her room, Violet successfully opens her phone. Father's research A history of the Second Crowland Uprising. Draft by Lieutenant Colonel Asher Sorrengale. Oh, the chills. Pulling out a letter, Violet gets a rundown from her father on what is between the pages and where to go if the worst has happened. And sadly for Violet, the worst has happened. And it turns out that she needs to get to Devarelli. Then, jealous Zaden enters the chat. Being the morally gray shadow daddy that he is, Zane confesses that he's high key considering murder. How concerning. I mean, how romantic. Don't worry. Zaden only has eyes for you and Kinky Shadow make out time. I said a Kinky Shadow make out time. Hey, have mercy on you two. Zaden, begging for an ice bucket challenge needs Violet to tell him something, anything that will get his mind off his wiener. How about Papasaur and Gail's research and the plan to take an artifact from Poro meal? Dun dun dun.

[Lexi]

Pausing for a quick moment for a different kind of tale. Old as time. You sign up for something, forget about it. After the trial period ends then. Dun dun dun. You're charged month after month after month because we all keep forgetting with our busy lives these subscriptions are there, but you're not using them. In fact, we've learned that 85% of people have at least one paid subscription going unused each month. But thanks to Rocket Money, we can see all of our subscriptions in one place and cancel the ones we're not using anymore. It's a great way to help save money.

[Nicole]

Rocket Money is a personal finance app that helps find and cancel your unwanted subscriptions. Plus it monitors your spending and helps lowers your bills so you can grow your savings. Huzzah.

[Lexi]

Rocket Money will even try to negotiate lower bill they automatically scan your bills to find opportunities to save. Then you can ask them to negotiate on your behalf. They'll deal with customer service so you don't have to oh my gosh. That is just absolutely amazing. Rocket Money has over 5 million users and has saved a total of $500 million in cancel subscriptions, saving members up to $740 a year when using all of the app's premium features.

[Nicole]

Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to rocket money.com fantasy fangirl today that's rocket.com fantasy fangirl rocketmoney.com fantasy fangirl.

[Lexi]

All right writers, it is time to don our signet power and discuss key insights, character analysis, lore, foreshadowing theories, and oh so much more. We immediately pick up where we left off last episode as we leave the interrogation chamber. Goodbye Jack fucking Barlow. And we run into our favorite other second years. Imogen excuses herself while Violet, Ree, Riddick, and Sawyer head to the archives to meet up with Decinia. We learn from this chapter 13 epigraph and from Sawyer a few pages later that Jesenia has been kicked out of the Adept program as punishment for choosing Arisha. Instead of saying Abbas Gaia several months ago, Markham set her up by making her take three exams that there was no way she'd pass. So when she failed these tests, she was removed from the Adept program. This is quite the blow to her future career. Jinia is the brightest scribe in the quadrant, the first in her year, and so naturally she was on the Adept path. The Adept Path is the hardest of all degrees for scribes, and it is required for every Curator of the Scribe Quadrant. But while this career path is as a possibility for her right now, we know from the beginning of every book that Jedia does end up becoming the Curator of the Scribe Quadrant because we get the paragraph quote. The following text has been faithfully transcribed from Nevarian into the modern language by JNA Neilworth, curator of the scribe quadrant at Bisgaya War College. You know, this gives me extra Hope that M4RKIM won't make it out of the series alive. I already assumed this, but this just solidifies it for me because he would never allow her to become the curator. And here she is, making it happen anyway.

[Nicole]

I do have a question, though, because this epigraph for chapter 13 says, Colonel Lewis Markham, Commandant. I'm slightly confused, and I don't know war college leadership very well, but I thought the commandant was Panchec. Or is there a commandant of each quadrant? So Markham is like the scribe's commandant, but there's never a moment where it says, panchech, Commandant of the writers.

[Lexi]

I assume that as well. Yeah, that he's the commandant of the scribes.

[Nicole]

This change in position also seems to have opened up a very, very sassy side of Justinia. Remember, the scribes are not allowed to show emotion because it's seen as taking away from the seriousness of their studies. Meanwhile, in this book, Jinia laughs in meetings. She rolls her eyes regularly. She even gets sassy with Riddick. It's almost as if she's like, fine, kick me out of the adept path. I'm gonna stop being quiet with my emotions now. And I'm so here for sassy Jinia.

[Lexi]

Me too. It's like she's trying to, like, hide it in the meetings. But she and Violet still have that. That inside joke connection, you know?

[Nicole]

I love it.

[Lexi]

Now that she's been kicked out of the adept path, J has been assigned to Quest Squad Grady's version, thanks to Professor Grady's quote over authoritative request. Plus, this assignment is the only thing she can be trusted with after she proved herself to be a traitor. Because this task force is one of the few things everyone, meaning Navarre, Arisha, and poor meal, can agree on. And while this seemingly narrows her scope of knowledge, she's left to her own device with a treasure trove of royal tomes no one has read in the past 400 years.

[Nicole]

Oh, no.

[Lexi]

Just kidding. It's a dream come true for this scribe. With Decidia doing research for the mission to find the seventh dragon breed, this gives Violet & Co a direct line of access to the archives books as they do their own research about the Southern Isles. Which is what brings them to the archives for a meeting with Jinia.

[Nicole]

Today, while walking to the archives, we get a quick update on Everyone in second Squad, or at least the second years in second Squad's relationship statuses. Sawyer polished himself up this morning to continue impressing his favorite scribe, Jinia. Something our other second Squad members have no problem poking fun at him trying to dress to impress. Turns out that Jinia has been visiting him in the infirmary. While it's not also confirmed, we can assume that Jinia is also who he's been writing letters to. Sweet Ri and Tara, however, are still. I'm going to call it on again, off again. Because leadership is tough on both their schedules. They are together when they've got the time. Remember that Tara is also a squad leader in her squad from tail section in second wing. But despite being only available for the occasional time together, they are exclusive. Riddick, however, is truly the only single one. And he's loving every second of it. Which does bring me to a question. Do you think that Riddick will end up with anyone at the end of the series or do you think he's going to still be his frog like self?

[Lexi]

I'll say this, I can't imagine him not being single and loving it. Like I don't see it happening with him finding somebody. So yeah, I'll go with him continuing to frog hop.

[Nicole]

I think I'm also going to go with him continuing to frog hop. I think if there is anyone, it will be someone who just like, like makes him the swooniest, most like lovey dovey person ever. I feel like it's going to be like a 180.

[Lexi]

See that's funny because I could see it being somebody who is their own version of Zaden, who's like really scary and intimidating. And then Rick's like, ooh, I like you. I'm right now just hoping that RCK makes it out of the series alive.

[Nicole]

That's why focus so real. As you know, Violet and Zaden are very much together. I love that this conversation of the opening of Chapter 13 is them being very much together. And then the end of this chapter is when Violet says their relationship is over because he's a teacher. But what is so on brand with our second Squad teasing is that they call out how Xaden and Violet bicker like an old married couple. And it's always the same fight. Violet needs him to stop keeping secrets. And then Zaden's secretive nature is what attracted her in the first place. And why the heck can't she just stay out of harm's way for five fucking minutes? This dig feels so much like Rebecca Yarrows poking Fun at the criticism from Iron Flame. And she's just saying, bite me.

[Lexi]

Oh, for sure. I read this and it's like, oh, my gosh, she's talking to the reader right now. Oh, man. It's like she's saying, yes, I'm aware that that was happening in Iron Flame, but it had its reasons for their relationship and character development.

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Lexi]

As we talked about at length in our Iron Flame deep dive.

[Nicole]

Yes. With the conversation of relationship stat, the squad brings up the idea of legacy. We learn in Fourth Wing that writers may marry earlier right after graduation in the hopes to continue bloodlines, since most successful writers are legacies in their own. With Violet and Zaden being the two most powerful writers in their generation. Violet's friends are expecting leadership to whisk them away to a temple to go marry and basically hand them a sign that says, now go make babies. Do you want to explain that, Lexi?

[Lexi]

Yes. So that's so funny that you mentioned that. Okay, so at my wedding wedding, right after we got married, my in laws, as a joke and like, we're all very playful, so this is all in good fun. They brought out a sign that they surprised us with that literally said, now go make babies.

[Nicole]

It's also important to note that your mother in law, like, wanted grandchildren so badly. But it was never in, like a Lexi, like, do this.

[Lexi]

It was, yeah, it was always in a playful manner. But the irony of it was that I was already unknowingly seven weeks pregnant. Pregnant. So there's literally a photo of us on our wedding day with a sign that says, now go make babies. And let's just say my boobs look fantastic because I was pregnant. And then I gave it to Nicole. I snuck it into her wedding dress bag as like a joke where it's like, okay, now, now sign is now yours. And then she threw it away.

[Nicole]

I will never forget you throwing up the morning of your wedding and us just being like, she's just nervous. There's a lot of stuff going on. Anyway, two things. Number one, Violet mentions how it's not something her and Zaden have talked about meaning marriage. And this does make me, I'm not gonna lie, a little sad because they don't really get a chance to fully have the let's get married talk before that option is just thrust upon them in order to save Tyrandor at the.

[Lexi]

Very end, while they don't have the I'll say, like, let's definitely get engaged and all of that. There are so many hints throughout the book where he's like, you know, girlfriend isn't permanent enough, and she thinks to herself how she really does want to be with forever.

[Nicole]

And secondly, there is a lot of baby roaringale foreshadowing. I could absolutely see this series, I'm going to call it, ending with an epilogue of Xaden and Violet with a kid, maybe even a writer. I can only imagine that kid's signet. But this also brings up a question, because Leofin mentions later how a possibility of getting rid of the Venin is seeing if they drain the whole land and then can no longer survive five or seeing if their offspring evolved to be better than they are now. I do wonder if Zayn is not cured by the end of the five books. I'm not going to say it's like a sad ending. I think that it will be a happy ending, but he's not fully cured. It's more of just like a we now live with this as part of you. I feel like this whole your kid might evolve to be better is foreshadowing for him and Violet to have a mixed baby venom child and something with that. I don't know. I just felt like that was foreshadowing. It's clearly not a foreign thought in my head.

[Lexi]

And here I am just thinking about the epilogue of Hunger Games, and it's like, that's what I envision.

[Nicole]

See, that's. That's what I'm saying, though. Like, I think it would. Like I just described it terribly. I like, but that's what I'm saying.

[Lexi]

Let's find out what Jinia learned in the second tome she pulled. She found a prophecy that says when the last Irid hatches and bonds the cadet born of writer and scribe, she'll be gifted with two signets. Oh, my goodness gracious. I'm not gonna lie. I was Riddick in this moment. I was like, no way. Joke's on me and Riddick. Because Jedia was definitely being sarcastic.

[Nicole]

Thank God we have that on film. That's what I like. The look that you gave the camera, it was like.

[Lexi]

And then it was like, oh, Jinia, signs. Of course, there's no prophecy now. Now we will get a sort of kind of prophecy in a completely different way. With Violet's incomplete dedication to Dune and how she has multiple paths to choose from. We're not going to get into that quite yet. We're putting that off right now. But I'm still convinced there isn't something more to Andarna. Knowing Violet, the girl with the mind of a scribe and the heart of a writer would be hers. Does that equal a prophecy? Maybe. Not exactly. Though I really am convinced there is more to Indarna choosing Violet that we don't know yet. And the sarcasm about a prophecy is planting a seed. But again, according to Jenia, there is no prophecy. And by the way, she is knee deep in research, so. Don't be an idiot, Riddick. She has gathered six tomes for our group, which mostly cover the southernmost Isle of Devarelli, since that's the aisle Navarre had last communication with. So it's a good starting point as they begin their own research, separate from Grady's mission. Because Violet is like, I don't agree with whatever he's doing, so I'm going to do my own thing. Jinia is realizing how much information is not in the Vault, and she is appalled by what the Archives vault is missing about the rest of the world. Which, yep, pretty much sums up Navarre's nationalist line of thinking. But Jesenia has come across something else that piqued her interest. General Cadeo's journal has a whole section of pages ripped out after he notes that there may have been an outside aisle supporting the second Kremlin uprising. The second Kremlin uprising, you say? The way I jumped out of my seat at this part, I was like, oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God, it's coming. It's all going to tie back to the second Kremlin uprising with Papa Sorrengel's research. And yes, it totally did. Does. Okay, quick side note before I get too excited. General Cadeo is a new name and not anyone we have heard of in the past two books. We don't know anything else about him besides this journal that he had. So if you're like, who the heck is this General Cadeo? Don't worry, you're in good company. Nobody does know. So the puzzle pieces are slowly starting to fall into place. The second Crin uprising occurred around 433. Our story is currently in 634. Navarre severed all communication with most Isles after the Isles sided with poor meal around two. And in the 400 plus years since, the Isles have killed every emissary Navarre has sent to the Isles. So how would this General Cadeo know anything about an Isle supporting the second Corovlin uprising when Navarre has zero access to anything about the Isles? Navarre has assumed that Cordon where Takarys lives, which is located on the southern coast of Krovla, provided the soldiers for the province's uprising. There is one scribe who would Know the answer. One scribe who researched the second Crovlin Uprising. One scribe who might know how and why and outside Isles supported the second Crovlin uprising? Ladies and gentlemen, the one, the only Papa Asher Sorrigail. And the fact that it even ties into the Isle kingdoms is just the cherry on top. For Nicole's sake. Oh my God. I can't. I'm so excited. So what kind of information would be ripped out of General Cadeo's journal, which directly links an Isles supporting the second Crowblin uprising? It's not so much about the standalone information about Crovo working with an Isle. It's that someone in Navarre knew about it and that the pages were purposefully ripped out. Which begs the question, why is this information missing? And what must it contain to make it go missing in the first place?

[Nicole]

And also, what island would have been working with Krovla to uprise? I am convinced it was the Irids Isle. We'll get so much more into this when we get into episode five with Devarelli. But I am assuming that the Irids were in some kind of talks with Krovla to assist them during the uprising. And then something happened to break their trust. And thus the Irids abandoned Krovla, leading to Midnight Massacre.

[Lexi]

Violet has known that her father was researching the second Corvalin Uprising, but that in and of itself isn't strange. And also why she never considered his research might be more important than she assumed at face value. But now she realizes that her father's research about the second Correlant uprising is directly connected to the Isles. And then once when we bring in this context of General Cadeo's journal's pages missing, I'm thinking it was Papa Sorrengail who ripped the pages out because the information pertains to Feather Tales. Remember how the only tome on the power of Feather Tales is also missing? I bet there's a big connection there. Because Papa Sorghael will make it clear that this is vital super secret information as he puts the puzzle pieces together.

[Nicole]

But oh shit. This research is going to be quite hard to get. Not quite as difficult as, you know, like Royal Vault Archives heist, but instead it's more like a Dane Atoast heist. The research is in the Commanding General's quarters. More specifically, in a secret compartment in Papa Sorengel's study. Yes. You won the bet, Lexi. Good job. But only the bloodline of the Commanding or the General spouse can access the quarters. Basically, we need a Dane. Violet at first thinks hell no. There's no way that Dain would betray his father and thus break the rules. Yes, Dain betrayed Navarre, leaving for Orisha last book, but as Violet notes, that's very different than directly betraying his father. She would know the difference from personal experience. She left Navarre, but she didn't betray slash leave her mother directly. I am also going to point out that Violet is still very much healing from her relationship with Dain. He sold her out to give his father a memory which led to Liam's death. So this almost could feel like history repeating itself. Who was Dain going to choose, her or his father? Luckily, Violet does ultimately decide to get Dane in on the mission. And luckily again, Dain agrees to go against his father making the decision after coming to terms with just how far his father is gone. Which sounds like Venon foreshadowing to me. Not that Dain knows he's gone like venom wise. It's more like a nod from Rebecca Yarros to the readers. All you have to do, Dane, is sneak into the Commanding General's office, go into her father's desk in the old study, and pull a latch that is in the far back center of her mother's desk. I love that Lilith's desk has the secret latch to a compartment in Asher's desk. That's just like a little nod to tell us about their relationship and how really a team these two are.

[Lexi]

And it also ties back to Fourth Wing when Lilith and Dane's dad are talking to Violet and her mom gives her a look when he asks where the research is. Lilith knew it had to be kept secret, and it's like she was watching to ensure Violet was on the same page as her.

[Nicole]

Well, lucky, lucky us, because Dane's father will be gone next weekend to Caldir, which is a perfect time for a research heist. Unlucky for us. After Dane spent a few days reconning the security on the quarters, he came to the conclusion that there's no way that this can be a group effort and instead it must be a Dane, AKA the ATOS Blood Solo mission. Fun fact. Apparently there was a scene with second Squad and Dane sneaking into the quarters, but in editing, Rebecca Yarros and her team cut it out for a space the books have to fit a certain amount in boxes and a certain amount on the shelves, so it has to be under a certain word count, which Rebecca Yaros still did go over 10,000 words, right? Like by like 10,000.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

And B because this is a huge part of Dain's arc Violet would need to trust him again. So it's almost like that extra layer of trust for this to be an off page mission.

[Lexi]

Exactly. This is Violet having to put her trust wholeheartedly in Dain, and it's a big deal for her as their relationship continues to heal. It seemed like it was at a place of no return in the first part of Iron Flame, and then he pivoted and did the right thing when all the information about Venon, et cetera was presented to him in the second half of Iron Flame, he helped Violet with the translations and imbuing the Eurasian Wardstone, which required a certain level of trust and camaraderie. But they were working on the translations together. This time there won't be an opportunity to do this together. She has to rely solely on him and release control. And that's a big leap of faith for Violet after how damaged the relationship had become when he unknowingly shared information with his father that led to Liam's death. Plus, this is her father's research. It is so precious and personal for Violet, and it absolutely cannot fall into Daddy Atris's possession. This emotional tie adds an extra layer of difficulty trusting someone who has hurt her so badly. Especially when he hurt her previously by giving dangerous information to his father. Not to mention, Dane could use this as his own opportunity to get back in his dad's good graces, which he's really hurting that his father doesn't consider him a son anymore. So this solo research heist is truly the ultimate test for him. Whose side is he on? His dad's or Violet's. Not Navarre or the Continent, but his dad, which is big difference, as Violet mentioned. But she does take the risk to trust him because yeah, Dane does deserve this chance. And Violet recognizes that even if she can't be 100% sure he's trustworthy like she is with her squad and Zaden. At least not yet because Spoiler Dane pulls through. Because of course he does. Rebecca has told us all along that he's a good guy.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

Three days later, we are back in Battle brief and let's open class with a quick lesson on how fucked we all are. Devera flicks her wrist and out comes the largest map of the the continent they've ever seen. Pause because here's what we knew from Iron Flame the last time we got a map update. First and foremost, it does look like they've abandoned the orange and the red markers from the beginning of Iron Flame and they've just gone to all red because everything's important now. Secondly, in our last battle brief of Iron Flame, the map showed flags moving in around Samara and a few red flags spread out along the border. Now in Battle Brief, red spans up from the Barrens up the Stonewater river, which separates the two southernmost Poroimil provinces, Breivik and Krovla. Then the red stops just short of Samarra before spreading out around the Wardline. Almost quote like the enemy is searching for weaknesses. This is concerning. As Tavare notes, the Venin seem to be centered around the Samara outpost for the ward's assault because it is the straightest path to Bisgaev and thus the Hatching grounds. This is where we were in the end of Iron Flame. The Hatching grounds are also where there's enough magic to sustain the venom for a long, long time.

[Lexi]

We also can't forget that Samara has very recently been hit hard with Venon attacks. Our second squad arrived soon after the Venin action earlier in Chapter nine, so Samara is also really worn down right now. They are also having to be very scrappy with their resources right now because they used so much of their alloy hilted daggers to fight against the Venin and it's barely protecting them now with the power of the wards. So I wonder now in hindsight, that was very strategic for the Venin because they're just trying to wear Sama down. But this is still very interesting to learn because the Venin don't seem to make another attempt at taking down the Bisgaeth Wardstone in the five months of this book, Theophany will end up attacking Dreyfus, which is southwest of the Stonewater river and quite far away. So is this an early setup for the next books then in attacks to continue?

[Nicole]

Ooh, possibly. But you know what else is concerning most of Breivik, the middle province of Porom Meal is filled to the brim with red flags, especially along the Dunas river, which borders the Barrens. And I quote, but Cygnisen hasn't been recently attacked, nor have they sent their cadets yet. Why is this not the biggest red flag of them all? Is it because the Cygnisin people are working with the Venin? How is this not alarming to anyone like that? That baffles me. I will die on the hill. That they are recruiting as many young Cygnisan, or honestly just any Cygnisan people into the Venin. And then they send the young cygniscent people to the school so that they can take this guy from the inside. I think that's happening in book four.

[Lexi]

I'm very. Yes, yes.

[Nicole]

Okay, thank you. I'm glad we're on the same page there now. Some notable places that are still looking good. Sineva, which is the royal seat of Breivik, where the Queen lives. And Cordon in Krovla, where Tokares lives. I am shocked. Cordon is still standing at the end of this book. Like it's not lasting, right?

[Lexi]

Well, there is some speculation that Dakarys is not who he seems because it is still standing.

[Nicole]

Interesting. Yes. I think that the Venin are waiting to take him down because they took down Sineva, thus killing the Queen.

[Lexi]

Yep.

[Nicole]

Tokares is now king of poor Emil. I guarantee you they're going to take him down. And then it's up to Serena and Cat to rule Meal.

[Lexi]

Well, quick note on that, because as of right now, Drake and our beloved Broccoli are in Cordon. There is one thing that Rebecca did promise us is that Broccoli will make it out of the series alive. So if the Venin do attack Corden, at least we know Broccoli will make.

[Nicole]

It out of the screw everyone else. Screw the beautiful glass castle Broccoli, the cat, the dragon riding cat with the kitty goggles is fine.

[Lexi]

Tavares states the obvious. Navarre's knowledge of the Venon has up until now been impeded. In other words, it's been Kept a secret by leadership and erased from history. But she's in professor mode, so she has to be PC about it. Luckily, the cadets in the Scribe quadrant have been working overtime on a Venin anthology. Now, every cadet in this room has a collection of texts all about the Venin so they can get up to speed about their new enemy. They weren't supposed to know even existed up until a few months ago at least. The flyers are already familiar with all this information. And Violet has read all of these texts except for the last one, Dark Wielders and Dark Times, because Tokares had sent her these books back in Orisha.

[Nicole]

The first two books, Captain Lyra Durell's Guide to Vanquishing the Venin and A Compendium, are texts that we have heard before, both being featured epigraphs in Iron Flame, including the famous Venn Ranks Breakdown, which was done by Drake Cordella in A Compendium.

[Lexi]

Did you know that he is Kat's cousin?

[Nicole]

Yes, Kat, you're better than us.

[Lexi]

The cadet's new history class will be taught by Professor Keandra. Remember, she is a flyer teacher who is now here at Vischaya. And the focus will be on Venon. For obvious reasons, these writer and flier cadets will also have another new class. Runes. But since Trissa, the Orisha assembly member and Runes expert who taught the Orishan cadets in Iron Flame, she does not want to come to Bisgaeus. She does not want anything to do with Bisgaeus. Which means the cadets will have to take a field trip all the way to Orisha in two week cycles for Runes Intensives. I want to point out how big of a deal these two new class additions are. A History class on Venin. When even asking about an attack that turned out to be from Venon that killed someone last year. Remember how that happened with M4RKIM orchestrating that? And Runes class. Remember how Runes were banned a couple hundred years after the unification of Dvar because they were the great equalizer of power? The continent is in dire need to learn everything they can about the enemy and become as powerful as they possibly can using all available resources. It's no longer the time to withhold information and keep Magical Equalizer Advisors Band. Although the real question is, is it too little too late?

[Nicole]

Also, sparring challenges with Professor Emitario will now be allowed to include wielding to quote, prepare you for actual combat. What the fuck? Why? Why has this not been a thing from the start? I get them not wanting to rely on signets and instead really wanting to hone their fighting skills. They don't really have a class devote or until now, have a class devoted to training their signets in combat. The only class they had was with car, and that was teaching them to hone their signets. Which, yes, I'm assuming included training in combat. But wouldn't it make sense to make those two in the Venn diagram? Here's the fighting, here's your signet work together. Why all the changes in this curriculum? Well. Oh, no. It has been confirmed by three different sources that high level Venin, AKA Sage and Maven, can wield signets. So many questions here. Number one, what other sources confirmed this? What did they see them wield? It would be great to know what signets are on the table. Number two, Violet, now would probably be a good time to mention that you've seen them pop in and out of existence. Which, based on how Garruk's signet is described, that mean they could have more than one signet, AKA they could also be distance wielders. Number three. This also makes me wonder, because we know Dragon Riders and we can assume Garrett Griffin flyers who go Venom still have their powers despite what level they are. Zaden is a great example. He is an initiate. He can still build shadows and of course, his intense excitement. So it really can be any level of Venin, just depending on their background. And if they got a signet slash gift from their bonded. But then, for instance, if their bonded dies, like Jack fucking Barlow killing bade, or if the bond breaks, can they still wield their power?

[Lexi]

Isn't that the big question? I. I don't know if they would be able to still wield that particular power. But when their dragon dies, they have to pull from the source that much more. Which then makes them a stronger venom. Because they are leveling up as a venom.

[Nicole]

Yeah. So I think they'd still be able to use their. So like, let's use Naolen as an example. This is totally speculative. Will Naolin, if he is Venin, still be able to be a siphon? Now, this does make me wonder, because Sloane, she manifested siphoning. I bet you anything she's the counter to Naolin.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

Yes. So I'm assuming that Naolin can still siphon even though Taryn has broke the bond? Assumed.

[Lexi]

I don't know. I don't know.

[Nicole]

Okay, sounds good.

[Lexi]

We also have to remember though, that most Venin were not already writers or flyers. And you do not need to have been a writer or flyer to have a signet as a Venin Theophany is a great example. She was a high priestess, not a Dragon rider. And since there are reports of this elsewhere, that means that other high level Venin can also wield signets. Remember back in Iron Flame there was an epigraph that the Venin were recruiting poor meal cadets who failed at bonding a griffin. So the Venin have actually been targeting people who are power hungry and cannot bond and then have those extra sickness and gifts.

[Nicole]

Yes, I agree. I do wonder if there is almost like a Professor Carr in the Venture Venon. Or I'm assuming there would probably be multiple. But it's like you pull from the source and when you've pulled from the source enough times, it's almost. You know how like dragons choose when to start channeling into their writer. And this is almost like the Venin is choosing. I am now choosing when I have pulled enough where I now get a signet or get his power out of it. Like maybe if you pull enough times you finally develop a signet. I don't know. I'm pulling shit out of my ass now. Shrug. No idea. Some of the writers in this room have maybe not as many questions as Lexi and I have and instead they drop their heads quote like we've just been handed our defeat. Dragon Riders are used to being the elite, the untouchable in this lie woven by Navarre. And now here they are getting a haha. You thought you were the best slice of humble pie they're having to deal with in real time. The fact that they are not only outmatched in the sky with a wyvern or in hand to hand with the skill of Venin, but also now in in magic. But I love that Tavara is basically like sucks to suck. This is the new state of war. It's very best gaieth of her. Which brings us to our third class that the cadets will be adding to their roster a hands on approach to prepare for signet against signet combat with a rotating roster of professors so that they will get practice with all types of signets starting with Professor. Professor Ryerson. Zaddy is back. So this is the answer to him getting safely back behind the wards. It is to become a professor. It was the utmost importance to get Zaden back behind the wards, especially because we get a bit more info from him as to what happened beyond the wards. When he pulled in battle, he basically blacked out and the need for power overtook him so much that he doesn't even remember reaching until Sigail started yelling. Yelling at him side Note the way that he's talking here. I do wonder if he would have gone asum at that point if Sigale hadn't stopped talking to him. Or at least gotten way closer. Maybe like more of that amber flecked eyes rather than the gold flecked eyes. So luckily, Sigale did start yelling at him and basically snapped him the hell out of it. I would love to know what she had said in that moment. That's a scene that I would love to see. Mainly for Sigail. Remember, this is the first time that Sigail has talked to Zaden since he went Venin a little over a month ago at the end of Iron Flame. Imagine someone who is your close, closest companion not speaking to you for over a month, like Lexi. If you didn't speak to me for a month, I would feel like I lost a limb. But also add in Violet not being on the border with him. And yeah, Zaden was probably not doing so hot. And he was probably feeling really alone and on the edge, even despite Garrick being there. Garrick has really been more of a babysitter. He's pissed at Xaden. Understandably. It breaks my heart that Zaden says, quote, I let you down to Violet again. It goes back to how Xaden's journey in this book is really that of addiction. There's this immense guilt around relapsing, even though Violet assures him that she is not disappointed in him at all. Luckily, Zaden is back behind the wards for now. Back to how he got this professorship, because I am very curious as to how. How he got here. Did he present this idea to De Vera? Or if this idea was already in motion. Did he, like, volunteer as tribute first?

[Lexi]

I like to think he somehow used his intensive ability to figure out someone's intentions and played out on that idea where it's like, oh, like they were realizing that they needed to have this class and then he kind of like nudged it along and then volunteered himself. But yeah, it would have had to have been at the eastern outpost. So I don't know. This might be our very first Malik burned me moment.

[Nicole]

Sure, Malik burned me. With this knowledge of the rotating roster of professors, this does make me wonder, who do you think the next professor is? Are they going to do an offensive signet wielder first, like Zaden, then a defensive, then a mind.

[Lexi]

So we see Carr and Garrick later. So I assumed that it would be them plus other professors around here, Professor Keandra to represent the flyers. Though you mentioned having, you know, like offensive and defensive and mind signets. The mind signet ones might be hard to practice with because many of them are classified. Speaking of which, how are these classified signets practicing? What is Imogen doing?

[Nicole]

I genuinely don't know. It would be really nice if she'd be able to, you know, practice with her rock wielding, but sadly, she cannot. We're getting way ahead of ourselves because Violet locks eyes with Zayden and they start to share a smile until. Oh.

[Lexi]

Article eight, Section one of the Biscayath Code of Conduct says that a professor cannot fraternize with a cadet or be in a relationship together. We never hear exactly what this Article 8, Section 1 states, but that is the very clear takeaway. In other words, now that Xaden is a professor, Violet cannot be in a relationship with him.

[Nicole]

Which Violet and Zaden have very different takes on this rule. Violet, who from her first year has followed the rules, even if it just means looking at them in a different way, that there's a. There's a little wiggle room there. For instance, take her getting up the gauntlet, for example. She learned from Xaden that the right way isn't the only way. Really, the only time she has outright broken the rules were Architects hive's heist, obviously killing Verish and leaving for Orisha. But this is a rule that says outright you must not do this. And right now, with a toast bringing breathing down her neck and threatening her squad, she wants to play by the rules plus keeping Xaden behind the wards. But then there's Zaden's take on this, who, despite being a wing leader last year, he has no problem breaking the rules. I mean, he has a secret second signet. He's been hiding a full city from leadership. He smuggled smuggled weapons to the enemy. He's been hosting marked one meetups for in groups of three or more for a while. He is not a stranger to breaking the rules in the slightest. So this one almost seems laughable to follow from his point of view. Especially because it's not like he's going to be grading her unfairly. Which may be why the rule is there in the first place, since Violet is already the deadliest one here. Even when GF Triple D enters the office and catches them, Violet immediately drops her hands, which were cradling Zaden's face as it if she got caught in the act. But Xaden does not move an inch or even look to see who is at the door. It's not until he gets the formal denied from A that he finally says, fucking fine, I'll play by the rules. Although it's far more for Violet and her squad safety than him actually wanting to play by the rules or feeling threatened by GF triple D. I do want to highlight two other reactions to this article. 8 Section 1 News Number one is Dane, who, unsurprisingly, being the rule follower that he is, immediately knows exactly which rule Violet is avoiding breaking. He also has no problem rubbing it in Xaden's face, telling him that there's nothing in the Codex that overrides this rule and hey Xaden, you accepted the job, so sucks to suck.

[Lexi]

And Violet really wants to play by these rules because it keeps Xaden safe. She's willing to do anything to keep him safe and in this instance it's like, okay, fine, I will play by the rules if that means keeping him here as a person professor within the wards. And obviously Dane does not have that extra context.

[Nicole]

And then there's Bod, who I've actually kind of changed my opinion since writing this, but there's this moment where he asks, quote, wait, you two broke up? And his voice rises as he does so this is on the list of things I want to ask Rebecca Yarros. One Does Bode have a thing for Violet? If anything, I don't think it would be any more than a small crush. The way I'm actually leaning more towards is I don't think Bode has a thing for Violet necessarily. I think just like most things in life, he is envious of Xaden's prowess, of Xaden's life, and I think that this is part of it. He's envious that Xaden has this relationship that he does with Violet. Now back to the Does Bode have a thing for Violet? There are small mentions here and there that could hint to it, especially with how Zaden glares at him right after there's a line from Theophany at the very end of this line book how he would do anything to protect her. But I don't know. I feel like Xaden would read Bod's intentions and if he heard anything about Violet, Bode would be a dead Bode. So. But unless Bode's countering his signet.

[Lexi]

Well, Rebecca has also confirmed Violet is the only one who knows about Zaden's second signet, so I can't get behind the theory that Bode knows about it and has been countering his signet the whole time. I just assume Bode is great at shielding too, because he has to be for everything that these guys are up to. I'm also under the impression Bode doesn't have a crush on Violet or is jealous of Xaden because of her specifically. However, I do think that he is jealous of what they have. Like you are mentioning, Bode looks up to Zayden and wants to be like him. He wants a girl to love too. Like you mentioned, Atos outright denies their exemption to Article 8 Section 1 without a second thought. In fact, Atos is relishing in getting to make Zaden and Violet suffer and he's won this round of the internal war he's in with them. Of course he's not going going to allow them anything that would make them remotely happy. Instead he gets to make them miserable together but separate. And he has the perfect excuse to kick Zaden out of his war college the moment they slip up. It was Melgren who agreed to having Xaden come here.

[Nicole]

Not a will also go on to have Violet basically stalked by writers who were loyal to Navarre. Let's not forget that ETOs is in charge of a whole fucking war college and he is hyper focused on making Xaden and Violet's life miserable. Where are your priorities, my guy? Chill.

[Lexi]

Well, and it's not just him either. As Aura will point out, there are plenty of Navarrian writers who are eager to make Violet's life miserable. Violet and Zaden together is scary for Navarre and they are a huge threat to their society. And it's not just like two people who are in love and how he wants to add drama and make their lives miserable. It is in his eyes much bigger than that.

[Nicole]

I also want to take a small moment and highlight the amount of times the word red or scarlet or some other synonym of red is mentioned around Daddy Atos. His face flushes scarlet. His cheeks grow red. From chapter seven in this book quote his face a molted shade of red. I could go on and on. It's not just this book, it's also especially Iron Flame. Could this be a coincidence? Possibly. This man is absolutely unhinged as we saw at the beginning of Iron Flame. So this could just be show don't tell for us around his control slash anger issues. Could this also be sneaky foreshadowing that he's Venin or subconsciously connecting the color red to him and that he's connected to the Venin? Possibly.

[Lexi]

You know what? I think I am changing my mind and a toast is not a Venin. I know a Lot of our listeners have pointed out that he can't be a Venin because he wants Violet dead and the Venin don't want her dead. Let's say that he is a Venin. He could have his own agenda as a Venin, but the more and more we're deep diving him, I think he's a power hunk hungry asshat who isn't Venin and uses a Venin to his own advantage.

[Nicole]

Okay, that's interesting. The more and more we deep dive him, the more and more I think he is connected to the Venon. So this is gonna be fun.

[Lexi]

I do feel for Dane seeing all this play out with his dad being the ultimate asshat. As he says, quote my father is clearly just beyond help in general. He's going through something similar that Violet went through last year. He's realizing his father isn't the person he always looked up to and Dane's priorities and values are shifting and don't align with his parents anymore. Yet that doesn't stop a son from mourning the loss of the relationship and the father he thought he had. His father's pride in him has meant everything to Dane for so long. And now Dane has chosen a different path. The moral path, the good path. And it's hard for him not to look over his shoulder and recognize his father is miles down the road on the opposite path. Path. So Dane lets Violet know his plan regarding her earlier proposal to him about getting her dad's research from his dad's new quarters. Daddy Atos will be in Caldir next weekend, so it'll be the perfect time to sneak in and get it.

[Nicole]

Dain is sure going through a lot and having to process that his father isn't the person he thought he looked up to his whole life. And with that probably comes a lot of stress. And for me, whenever I have high stress, I get breakouts galore. But never fear, Apostrophe is here. Whether whether you're dealing with acne, signs of aging, dark spots, Apostrophe helps you get access to the right treatments for your skin.

[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Nicole]

It's the first formal meeting for Quest Squad, Grady's Version man, we've been waiting to talk about this and it's just about as useless as you could imagine. They're meeting in the room that Lilith had dubbed the Planning Chamber, which lies on the second floor of the Administration building, which I'm assuming is where Lilith and the Soren Gales lived when she was commander of Visgaeth. Although Violet called that building the Fortress of the War College in Fourth Wing. So who really knows? In the middle of the largest wall sits a map of the continent where there hand drawn shapeless blobs to represent the Isle Kingdoms to the southeast.

[Lexi]

Wow.

[Nicole]

Pause. Because when so many of us readers received the map for Onyx Storm, we were like where are the isles? Rebecca Yarros did address this on her tour. There's two major reasons the Isles were not included in the front of book map. Number one, it would have been a big big spoiler for the book that we would have been going to the Isle Kingdoms. And secondly, because the book including the map is in Violet's pov, the map has to reflect that Violet does not know know the exact map of the isles. It's not until they go and they get a map from Tokyo that she finally even has a vague idea of how they work physically. The next book I am assuming we will get the Isles which Hooray. Violet sits at a 12 person table with a slew of new people who Grady has gathered to be part of the squad to go find Indar's kind. It is highly notable that Violet knows very few people at the squad table. She grew up in one of the highest military ranked families. She knows or knows of basically all the important slash powerful people in Navarre's military. She knows basically none of these fuckers, meaning that they're most likely not important or powerful, or at least Lilith's least favorite thing average. And you could say their ranks align with that hypothesis. The majority are lieutenants, three captains, three the rank above first lieutenant, and two cadets. I think it's even later in this chapter Stretch that someone says like yeah, a general could take out a lieutenant or a captain easily. And it's like, well, before we get into the scene, let's do a quick roll call. Let's start off with the people who we have heard of Slash we know very well. For instance, Cadet Violet Sorengale is obviously going because her dragon is the one and only Irid. She's also hella powerful, but that does not seem to be the reason in the slightest for Grady. Then there's Lieutenant Zaden Ryerson. He is going because Taran and Sigail cannot be separated for long periods. Zaden is also a hella powerful shadow wielder, but again, that is not the reason he's on Grady's list. Jicinia may not be going on the mission herself. Instead she's going to be reporting on them when they return from these missions, but she will sit in on all mission meetings. Then there's Captain Grady who's headlining this mission. He is Violet's previous RSC professor from last year who had no problem drugging the cadets with signet blocking elixir. He was also my number one dude until this book. He chose everyone in this meeting because he trusts them. Although as he says this, he does glance down at the table, which could be a subtext that he was very much not in charge of choosing any of these people and instead he was instructed to gather these specific, specific people. By who? Good question. My vote would be ATOs or panchak. Someone who would want this mission to fail.

[Lexi]

That's so interesting because Melgren really drives home that he is in charge of this mission. I think that he does trust all of these people and he has selected them for this mission. And Grady was either chosen to lead this mission by Melgren because he's a dunderhead and Melgren is a suspicious one to ensure this plan fails again. His dragon being coda is the big caveat to the theory that Melgren is Venom, but anyway, or because these military leaders are just out of their depths with these missions going into their usual combat. But I'll get to all of this more shortly.

[Nicole]

Lastly, of The People We Know Cadet Aura by Haven, Senior Wing Leader of the quadrant. Wing leader for second Wing. Although she was the squad leader for second squad in fourth Wing before Zaden swapped her and Dane sections in chapter three of fourth Wing. She is also an incredibly powerful fire wield. Let's get into these newcomers, shall we? First up we've got Captain Anna Winshire, a highly awarded ribbon winning infantry captain who seems to favor serrated blades. She's also the liaison for Halden and with her strawberry blonde locks, she's also Halden's current boo thing. I like to think that Halden just believes himself way too important to be in this meetings anyway, so that's why he's not present. Then we have the writer Captain Henson who has tightly woven black braids and she is an air wielder. Then we have Lieutenant Pugh who is pale blue eyed and has farsight. And lastly, Lieutenant Forgot his name. AKA Lieutenant Foley who has been very vocal since the beginning of this meeting. He is a plant wielder. AKA an agrarian right from the get.

[Lexi]

Go with Zaden's arrival. Grady and him don't get along to say the least. Zaden is a natural leader and it shows like how he's questioning why they don't have a shield wielder if they're going beyond the wards. AKA why don't we have Mira Sorrengail here? Then it's like oh, there's an obstacle to getting her. Don't worry, I'll fix it.

[Nicole]

I love the moment where Zaden asks like why no shield signets? I think we should bring Mira. Grady is like, I've asked General Tighnary for a specific shield wielder who we learned the specific shield wielder he has asked for is Mira. It's almost like he just didn't want to admit that him and Zaden wanted the same person.

[Lexi]

Plus there's a little tidbit about how Zaden is digging through people's intentions. Most of these individuals are writers. Why aren't they shielding? Especially Grady, who Zaden is definitely reading his intentions to figure out that it's Mira that he wants. Grady should know how to shield if he is such an expert behind enemy lines, which used to be flyers who are known for their mind work. Perhaps because they know that they are in a trustworthy environment with common signets right now. That is why no one specifically grades Grady is shielding. Also totally random. But we never learn Grady's signet.

[Nicole]

Do we add that to the list of things I want to ask Rebecca Yarrows. What was Grady's signet?

[Lexi]

He's dead. She's gotta tell us this one, right?

[Nicole]

As Zaden and Grady start getting a little hyphy, we get an ice watch watch baby. But oh no. Even though our chili meter is only on cold in this scene, as opposed to icy like it was last time, this is the first time we get a flash of the who are you? Xaden. We will see this version of Xaden, who Violet does not recognize several times in this book, which here, luckily, it's gone within a blank. But it does make me wonder what set off this like, grr version of Xaden. Was it Grady's stupidity that would do it? Or was it something he saw in people's intentions? Or was it because he was using his signet and that way it was easier for him to get closer to the ice? Violet notes how the head hairs on her back of her neck rises and it sounds really familiar to when Zaden was reading her intentions back and forth Wing when it said ice prickles on the back of my scalp, which I noticed. Ice metaphor. There's the ice metaphor too. Ice watch baby has been missed out this entire time. I don't think Satan is purposefully reading her intentions here, but he does slip a few times beyond just intentions, so I wouldn't be surprised if he does.

[Lexi]

I wondered that too when I first read that with, you know, her skin scalp prickling. But then I wondered if this was actually a different version of it where it's like she is nervous for him because she is recognizing this change in him.

[Nicole]

But yeah, I could. I could see it being both. Truly.

[Lexi]

Absolutely.

[Nicole]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

Just like Decennia warned, based on the tomes about the Emerald Sea exploration that Grady requested, he shares that their first destination is north. For this mission to find the seventh dragon den, Grady plans for them to begin along the northward coast. But yes, this is the same freezing cold north with the Emerald Sea that is largely unexplored and no one comes back from. Which is part of Grady's reasoning for wanting to travel here. It is unknown territory, so it's a good place to start looking for a dragon den that hasn't been seen in centuries. And maybe the reason no one returns from the Emerald Sea is because of dragons. Plus, if they base their operation at the coastline, they'll still have access to their magic. Which, remember, is mostly only accessible on the continent.

[Nicole]

I also want to point out that he might be pushing to go somewhere where people don't come back from by Oh, I don't know. Secrets die with people who keep them. Atos, if Xaden and Violet are on this mission and they go somewhere that people don't normally come back from, that could be a very easy oops.

[Lexi]

It's so funny how opposite you and I are on this. Because he didn't expect or want Zaden on this mission.

[Nicole]

But even Violet in the Scenarium was like, well, Zaden needs to come with me because of Taryn and Sigale. And Melgren was like, well, then that would, you know, probably be in Grady's best interest to think about.

[Lexi]

But Grady disregards that because he still doesn't have Zaden come and Zaden has to bring himself into it.

[Nicole]

But I'm gonna guess that if it was Aetos in this example, I'm gonna guess that Etos thought ahead for once that that would be what Zaden would do is interject himself in this meeting. Or hell, maybe he just wanted Violet gone and out of the picture and one of them was fine.

[Lexi]

But why would Grady purposefully send his most trusted people into death? I think if, Major, if there is a strategic reason for him to send them into a sure failure location, it's to distract and waste valuable time.

[Nicole]

I think it's both. I think it's to waste valuable time. And this is also a place where people don't really come back from. Violet and Zayden by, you're not our problem anymore.

[Lexi]

Agree to disagree, okay? Grady's plan is not met with enthusiasm from the rest of the squad, though Violet correctly believes they should go south to the Isles. More on that in a moment. While we don't end up traveling north to the Emerald Sea in this book, I am personally convinced we will eventually. Apparently we have our new Isle kingdoms catch all here. I think we will encounter pirates because later in chapter 24, we learned that Dane used to be obsessed with the tactics of defeating Emerald Sea piracy. After all, it was a really big problem in the 5th century, which was in the 400s. And now we are in the 600s, the 7th century. You know what else was in the 5th century? The second Crowblin uprising. But I honestly don't really think the two of those are good. I just get so excited. I also think if we travel to the Emerald Sea, we will come across krakens too. In fourth wing, chapter 18, Violet thinks about how she has never come across any text that mentions a wyvern creature, except in Fables of the Barrens. In that same passage, she considers creatures she has come across while studying to become a scribe. Including Krakens. And by the way, if you're like, what's a Kraken? They are a legendary sea monster. Think of a gigantic squid. There's a Kraken in Pirates of the Caribbean. Pirates, Krakens, Emerald Sea. I wonder. Wonder if Heaton will finally have their time to shine with their signet of breathing underwater. Because remember back in Fourth Wing, when the squad was sharing their signets, Heaton was like, yeah, I can breathe underwater. And Violet's like, that's really cool, but that's not helpful here. I want this to be helpful in a dire moment, and Heaton just comes to the rescue. So, anyway, yes, this is my new theory. A future book will include the Emerald Sea pirates, a Kraken, and Heaton breathing underwater. I blurted that out to Rebecca when we were talking. Talking about the Emerald Sea during the interview, and I honestly can't remember exactly what she said back, but it was probably like a. Huh?

[Nicole]

It was her version of. That's a fun theory. That's what I remember. I. You know that question that people ask to, like, break the ice sometimes, where it's like, if you could live in any era, what era would you live in? Lexi's answer would be the four hundreds in Navarre, because that's pirates. It's the Emerald Sea piracy venture, apparently. And it's also the second Crovlin uprising. Violet, growing ever annoyed at this conversation, like Rebecca Yarrows with us on stage, starts, no, she wasn't. She was very kind. Starts another conversation, explaining to Xaden, mind to mind, why she thinks going to the Isles is the good idea. And it all comes back to Papa Sorrengail's research.

[Lexi]

Yes, it does.

[Nicole]

As we learn from Jenia, Jesenia thinks an officer hinted at the Isles being involved in the uprising, but this officer hints at this hundreds of years after. After we have severed contact with the Isles, we know from 4th Wing, General Atos was fishing around about her father's research. I'm just going to pull the entire quote. Quote. The only reference they can find in the archives about the power of Feather Tales is hundreds of years old. Which is funny, because I remember your father doing a bit of research about the second Crovlin uprising, and he mentioned something about Feather Tales, but we can't seem to find that tome. Oh, boy. Now Violet has a connection of second Crovlin uprising equals having contact with the Isle kingdoms equals something about Feather Tales being involved. So in Violet, brilliant fucking woman logic, dragons equals isles equals Violet really thinks we should go there.

[Lexi]

We have to ask ourselves what Nicole and I have already been teasing and what Zaden, Mira and Violet wonder too is Grady putting together a failed squad on purpose? Yes, clearly Nicole and I have some different perspectives on this, which is part of the fun of these deep dives. I see two possibilities. One is that no, it's not a failed squad on purpose and instead it shows how woefully out of touch Grady is with this mission. He is an experienced writer behind enemy lines. But as we discussed in episode one, this isn't the usual behind enemy lines meeting poor meal. This mission is an entirely new venture that no one is experienced in. So assigning him was short sighted and he's in way over his head because he has zero experience in exploration and uncovering truths, which one could argue applies to most writers. Melgren assigned him for his combative and behind enemy lines expertise, not for his strategy, which is just as if not more important for this mission. Supporting points for this include how Grady had his dragon tried to question Indarna after reading Violet's report about what Indarna remembers of the centuries before she hatched, which is nothing. Grady does not trust Violet, so he's trying to go behind her back to her dragon. And that did not turn out very well because Taran removed a dozen of Grady's dragon's neck scales and Indarna left teeth marks in her tail. Also, Grady insisted on Jenia helping with the research because this is an area she can be trusted with. If he wasn't trying in his own way, he probably wouldn't bring Jinia into this or seek and Darna's help. Even with all this in mind, it's really hard not to wonder if something fishy is happening here. Grady seemed like a cool professor last year. Yeah, he did. He was. Except for the big caveat that he gave the second year is the serum cutting them off from their dragons. There is also so much foreshadowing that this task force is set up to fail. Having Aura Binhaven on as a trusted peer of Violets is absolutely insane and so out of touch that it really does make you wonder if she's not here to fuck with Violet on purpose. Zaden's thinking how Grady has the most common signets together, which goes against what these dragon riders are taught, which is, you know, seek out the most powerful. Right? Then of course we have Mira who point blank says, quote, if I didn't know better, I think you were setting the mission up to fail. To Grady's face and all around, Grady is being utterly useless and clueless when that didn't seem to be his character last book. We also didn't know him extremely well and we saw him in a very different element. But but this is a whole different side of Grady that poor Nicole is not very crazy about. None of us are. I really do wonder if Melgren put him in charge on purpose, knowing he was the worst person for the mission. I don't know. And at the end of the day, this plot doesn't go too far because Grady dies and this squad falls apart very soon. So does this ultimately matter?

[Nicole]

Or is it the principle of the matter, Lexi, it dies?

[Lexi]

Or does it make us have to consider the ulterior motives of Again, who put Grady in charge now?

[Nicole]

Let's face it, this task force has the odds just so so stacked against them. I would argue that that's from the inside, but I do know something that could help them get off on the right foot. It's AG1. If Grady took AG1, I bet this task force would look a lot different. When I take my AG1, I know that I am prioritizing my wellness and being kind.

[Lexi]

To my gut, Jake and I absolutely love AG1. We make sure that every morning, no matter how busy we are, that we get our scoop of AG1. There's something so great about walking out the door or settling down at my desk knowing that I have already gotten a head start on my daily nutritional needs from just one scoop of AG1.

[Nicole]

If you're watching on YouTube, you saw me finish my smoothie that had AG1 in it. One of the first things on my packing list for next week for Romanesty Bookcon is my AG1 travel packs. I'm so excited. For me, my favorite thing about AG1 is truly how easy it is to incorporate into daily routine. Running short on time to at the start of your day, all you have to do is drop a scoop of AG1 into your water or like me, my smoothie and you're good to go.

[Lexi]

So this new year, try AG1 for yourself. It's the perfect time to start a new healthy habit. And that's why we've been partnering with AG1 for so long. AG1 is offering new subscribers a free 70 gift. When you sign up, you'll get a welcome kit, a bottle of D3K2, and five free travel packs in your first box. Like Nicole was mentioning, we never travel without ours, so make sure to check out drinkag1.comffg to get this offer that's drinkag1.comffg to start your new year on a healthier note.

[Nicole]

Later that week it is time for our first class with the new Professor Ryerson which is in a new location, the infantry quadrants outdoor amphitheater. Although it looks more like fighting pit than a thousand person lecture hall, which is such a Dragon Rider thing to comment on, it does look like Zayden has been doing some redecorating though. First, the floor is laid with arched cobblestones in various shades, but only a little of them can be seen before we get to the challenge mats. These are just like the sparring challenge mats with Emmaterio, but unlike the sparring challenge mats with Emmaterio, the mats here have wards around them. So whatever wielding happens inside inside the mat stays within the mat as Xaden demonstrates like the badass that he is. With a few exceptions though. Looking at you Violet, sorrengale for you. There are weather wards plus a few complex extra wards making it feel like summer on the inside surrounding the entire amphitheater. But this pulls the cadets like a sticky piece of toffee when they walk through. This is so cadets that can wield though I don't know in the sky won't risk accidentally striking down the whole ward college just in case.

[Lexi]

I take it more as is to ensure the challenge area they work in keeps everybody else's sickets contained in practice. Take a fire wielder for instance, and things like that.

[Nicole]

That's the challenge. That's the mat. So there's two different shields. Basically there's the shield surrounding the mat for people like fire, Zaden with shadows. And then there's the bubble around them where Violet launches in the sky. It doesn't shoot towards Bezgaeth. Not everyone is a fan of this new professor, starting with Lauren. Young Jostle. What a dick. He's a cocky third year with bright purple hair who Zaden is all too happy to take down a few pegs. Lauren is a metallurgist, so you think he'd take the immediate opportunity to do something, anything to Zaden, who is strapped to the teeth in metal. But no. Instead he charges full speed at Xaden, who's totally looking normal with his sword held high, ready to strike. But Xaden just steps out of his reach, slams his fist down on Lauren's wrist, causing the storm to just pitifully drop to the mat. Okay, Lauren, it was your first pancake. No one succeeds with their first pancake. But remember, this is sparring class Signet Sparring class. You're a metallurgist, so maybe use your signet, my guy. He begins circling Zaden. All the while, Xaden stays put, looks over at Violet and winks. This seems to be a move of Xaden's because he faced off with Violet on the mat in chapter nine of Fourth Wing. Just minus the wink. They weren't quite there yet. Lauren, super sneaky from behind, sneaks up towards Xaden, takes his sword, lengthens it just so it's ready to strike Xaden's neck.

[Lexi]

Would you say his sword is of considerable length? I'm turning into my husband. That's his favorite joke ever. Ever since he glanced over and and saw a particular chapter that I was reading. And now that's his favorite thing. Oh, is that of considerable length? Sorry, keep going.

[Nicole]

He had to make it of considerable. But looking down, Zaden notices this considerable length blade, its shadows. And he lifts a single finger for his considerable length, causing that same shadow to rush backwards, wrap around Lauren's throat. Kinky. And also his arm. And Lauren is down. Lauren, your first mistake was using a move that made it so your shadows were in Zaden's direct line of sight, basically giving Zaden all of the signet advantage. The second mistake was thinking that elongating the sword to considerable length was a creative enough move. What would have been more creative moves? I'm so glad you asked. Because Lauren didn't. Zaden is wearing his classic double swords strapped to his back and four daggers strapped to him. And Lauren didn't think of doing anything to them them like heeding the swords. So Xaden is momentarily distracted and has to expel them or twist or manipulate the daggers in any way. Nope, he doesn't. Instead he's like, but I used my sword. I made it big. I love that. All this time Zayn is just looking like the most cool guy of cool guys showing off to his girl on the mat, which Violet is all too happy to watch the show.

[Lexi]

And then Zaden proceeds to put everyone on their ass, including Quinn, Caroline, Ashton, who turns out as a water wielder, and Nev, the third year flyer. With his point made, Zaden explains the situation to these cadets. Up until now, their priority has been to beat their opponent at all cost. The writers quadrant has always been every writer for themselves. It's kill or be killed. It's weeding out the weak. It's an individualist kind of thinking with secret tactics and maneuvers to gain the upper hand. But now they're all in this together. And it's Satan's job as their professor to help them by giving them his edge. No more secrets for him to gain the upper hand. Well, except for the whole second secret thing. But anyway, because it's time to share his training knowledge with them so they can all better themselves. Every cadet has something to learn and they need to start learning from each other as well. And of course especially him. It's a stronger together approach that Bisgaeth and Navarre as a whole has been lacking big time. Now that they're in the thick of war against an enemy that seems unbeatable, we're seeing just just how flawed the system of survival of the fittest has been. And Zaden is here to start changing that narrative and help cadets learn strategy, resilience and calculated strength from each other. So the cadets keep trying against Satan, Riddick, and then Sloan without even trying. Remember that she's refused to use her siphoning signet since she used it to take Lilith's life. Cat and Marin too. They get put on their asses.

[Nicole]

I love that moment where Cat like is super bitter about losing to Zaden and it's just a little extra delicious. There is one more person who's up to Batman that there's no exceptions. Violet. Sor. Andale. She pulls out her conduit, placing it in her hand while she looks at her non boyfriend dead in the face and says quote do me a favor, don't let me hurt you. Ever. The Shadow Daddy Though Xaden fills the whole mat with shadows, completely covering them in darkness. This is how I imagine the students of Hogwarts felt during the second and third tasks of the Triwizard Tournament. Because it's like there's so much build up to this face off. Even Caroline Ashton was basically rubbing her hands together in glee and you can't see see of what's happening on the mat. Hoping for some light, Violet fills her conduit with a tiny lightning bolt, which yay Violet. Because that was super hard for her a few months ago. But even with that tiny bit of light, Xaden is still sneakily avoiding her sight, even despite giving her a hint that she can use their pathway to track him down. But not without messing with this girl a little. He brushes his lips on the back of her neck and then he's gone again. Sorry Violet, he's just using every tool at his disposal to face you on the battlefield. Which also side note, this feels like wild foreshadowing for next book where they might be on the opposite End of the battlefield. Violet, unable to concentrate on the trickle of power into her conduit and their pathway at the same time to track him down, lowers the conduit and cuts off the power, enveloping herself within the shadows again, which Zaden then gives a little bit more insight into how his signet works. He can wield from anything that casts a shadow, but the strongest threads are always his own shadows. So if she can sort through the external shadows and the I'll call them denser shadows that are directly his, she will be able to track him in the dark again. This feels like foreshadowing. Now completely in the dark, it's time to go against the Codex. Zaden's mouth finds hers and he kisses her long and slow. Like, imagine being Caroline Ashton out there, thinking that there's something super cool happening, going down on the mat, and it's like, nope, they're just making out. But wait, it's more than making out, because Zaden's hands slip below her waistband just as he's telling her to strike. I don't know, Zaden. Normally your fingers are doing a little bit more than that before she strikes, but that's just me. I love the line where Violet replies to his like, people think I'm going to go easy on you. She says, easy is the opposite thing I want from you. It's because she wants him hard. Do you get it? She wants him hard. But alas, there's no time to see where this is going, which sucks. I love this so much because. Lightning flashes and thunder immediately follows, just as all the cadets gasp and the shadows recede.

[Lexi]

And with that, glass is wrapped up everybody. Though Violet needs to know what he meant when he stated that she has to learn the difference of his shadows for both their sakes. Only her, Zaden said, meaning only Violet can learn how to find him. So, of course, Violet wants to know exactly what he meant by that.

[Nicole]

Foreshadowing. That's. That's it, foreshadowing.

[Lexi]

I know. Yes, yes, yes. To which Zaden replies, quote, because you're the only one capable of killing me. Which leaves us readers wondering, what does that mean? Well, let's state the obvious. Zaden is Venin, and he's a realist who believes he will eventually level up as a Venin, no longer be himself and be too dangerous. Violet has the only signet known to kill Venin, so Zaden is probably saying something along the lines of, so you know how to kill me when you need to. It's also very concerning that he's repeatedly said, you'll be the death of me. Throughout the series, as many readers have highlighted. Could it all be foreshadowing that Violet will kill him? Don't get mad at me, listeners, because I do struggle to imagine this actually happening. I really do think, though, that there will be a situation in a future book where she'll be supposed to kill him or have the opportunity to. And she knows she'll she should.

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Lexi]

But she won't. Yes, all in all, Zaden is preparing for his inevitable future, and part of that preparation is training Violet to know his weaknesses, to know how to find him, to know how to kill him. Because he's a realist who believes that will most likely have to happen eventually.

[Nicole]

Two days later, we are back at formation and it looks like the death roll has some changes. No longer are we just listing out the people who died in the Writers Quadrant. Instead we are listing out every deceased member in active service and cadets. It does take a lot longer, but as Violet noted last episode, we are no longer in school. We are at war. So it feels right to honor those who fall. Give them a taste of reality each and every single morning.

[Lexi]

After formation, Sloane leads Violet to the Writers Quadrant library, which is much, much, much smaller than the archives, and they have their first real conversation since Violet's mom died during the Battle of Bisgaya, while Violet reminds her that it was her mom mother's choice to let her power be imbued into the Wardstone and give up her life. I feel for Sloane so much. She is a first year with a very powerful signet and one of the first times she used it was to take power out of someone like Violet felt when she wielded lightning and gigantic air quotes killed Jack fucking Barlow. Sloane is grappling with the destruction of her signet. She also puts the blame on herself because as she admits, she wanted the wards up and she wanted to live. So she let it happen. But it wasn't out of revenge for Lilith getting her parents executed. She's just so sorry she didn't stop Lilith and stop the power from flowing through her which led to Lilith's death. Oh Sloane, I just want to give you a hug. The weight of the guilt she feels is so heavy in her tone. Again, Violet does her best to assure Sloane that it was her mother's choice. Sloane was the tool, but it was her mother who gave her own life. Sloane did not take that from her. The blame and guilt is something that Sloan will continue to struggle with for most of this book until she helps save Mira's life with Dain and Brennan. And that's when she discovers that her signet can also give life. And it's not just taking lives. Ah, by the way, her and Dane can't wait to get to that part. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Sloane also informs Violet that she's got archives duty because it feels fitting because Liam was also on archives duty to stay close to Violet as her bodyguard. It's so, so touching because it's Sloane seeking ways to still be close to her brother. And having Archives duty like he had is one small way of connecting with him since his departure from this world.

[Nicole]

Which is how Sloan has something else to give to Violet. The truth. She delivers a large black canvas bag with two tomes of Jinnia's selection and another that was passed along to her from Leadership this morning. Dane, you did it, my guy. Good job. Several things here. Number one, it looks like they learned from their archives heist mistake. Violet was caught with a cream colored satchel, and it was one of the many things that gave her away. Since writers only carry black book bags now Justinia delivers her books in a black bag. Number two, based on Violet's inner monologue continuing on, to mention how Dane not only came through, he also managed to get it to her without anyone noticing. Going through Jinnia, which I guess they didn't discuss a mode of delivery, which seems like quite an oversight, but luckily, Dane thought ahead. Number three. Reading this this for the first time, I was like, whoa, this happened way faster than I thought it would. But looking back on the hook as a whole, it really does make sense to me. And last but not least, number four, Huzzah. Because Violet finally has the research that has haunted our dreams, specifically Lexi's, for like two years.

[Lexi]

I agree that I thought it happened pretty quickly, but after Rebecca explained it, it's like, okay, I do understand it. The objective is not about getting the research. It's about what the research contains. Ah, I'm just so happy. But. Oh, wait a second. There's a locking mechanism that holds the thick leather bound book closed. There is a six letter lock on the research, and if Violet guesses the wrong six letters, six vials of ink will destroy whatever her father has left inside. To make matters worse, there's a rune in the center of the passcode lock that will make things end badly. If magic takes campers with the lock. I'm assuming there's like a kaboom or something.

[Nicole]

Quick side note, the amount of times the number six comes up in this story is so many times. And I actually did do some research as to like, what does the number six mean? There's a lot of different meanings. The one that really stood out to me is six can be the number that represents imperfection. And given what the story represents for us readers, the dedication is a great example. Like imperfection, perfection, and still doing things anyway does seem to be a common theme in the story, but I'm going to keep noodling on that and seeing other definitions of the number six. And I'm. I'm going to get back to you on that.

[Lexi]

Not only is it six, but also the six plus one. We've seen that in several instances as well, which ultimately lead to 7.

[Nicole]

7. We know from our many much times discussing it in our Acotar series coverage. Seven represents whole or holistic. And so it's funny that six is imperfect and then seven is whole.

[Lexi]

Fitting for the dragons, yes, but.

[Nicole]

Pause. How the fuck is this book ruined? I know.

[Lexi]

I don't know.

[Nicole]

But I know sortingale did not have magic and based on its contents being like your mother and I trust no one, I'm guessing Lilith is the one who ruined it. But runes were taught in Navarre and they were known to be like a dying art with the exception of Orisha. So is it just because she's super high up in leadership? That's the only thing I can think of. But like, how the fuck does Lilith know runes? Why would she not teach that to her children?

[Lexi]

I assume that it was Lilith and that it is some kind of higher up thing that they're taught. Because the whole point of runes being banned is because it was this magical equalizer and the people who were in more power did not want people with lesser power or equal even know power to be able to wield this kind of magic. So being a higher up person, I imagine she has some kind of know how with it. On the plus side of all of this, there is a piece of parchment tucked behind the lock with a riddle written on it in her dad's handwriting. It says, quote, first love is irreplaceable. Ooh, what could this mean? Raise your hand if you immediately were like it's love. And felt super smart. Because that was totally us.

[Nicole]

You and I. Oh wait, no. Yeah, it was us.

[Lexi]

A quick pause to let you know that this show is sponsored by Better Help. We often hear about the red flags we should avoid. But what if we focus more on looking for green flags in friends and partners? Like for me great. And open communication is so important as well as supporting one another. Especially with things being so crazy for us in business lately and our family being sick a lot. If you're not sure what these green flags might look like for you, therapy can help you identify these green flags. Actively practice them in your relationships and embody the green flag flag. Energy yourself. Whether you're dating, married, building a friendship, or focusing on yourself, it's time to form relationships that love you back.

[Nicole]

I truly don't know what I would do without my therapist. Her name is Taylor. She's my favorite person. In fact, we had a therapy session. This is actually our second therapy session in a row where I took it from the floor with my legs up the wall and we just talked the entire time like Lexi was saying. So much is happening in FFG right now, which is amazing and it also can be really, really stressful with so many balls to juggle in the air at the same time. And Taylor has has helped me so much with not lose my mind.

[Lexi]

Better Help is fully online making therapy affordable and convenient. Serving over 5 million people worldwide. Access a diverse network of more than 30,000 credentialed therapists with a wide range of specialties. You can also easily switch therapists anytime at no extra cost.

[Nicole]

Discover your relationship green flags with better help. Visit betterhelp.comffg to get 10% off off your first month. That's BetterHelp. H E L p.comffg Days later we are back in Zaddy's class and our second squad has made zero percent progress on the book to get the password. Violet knows her father would expect anyone to think the six digit password would be Lilith considering she was his first love. Which would make it the too obvious to be true choice. Her father would expect Violet to be clever enough to overthink this. Thus finding the not obvious correct answer.

[Lexi]

The squad starts considering other options that Violet's father would have thought of. First love is irreplaceable. Maybe it's one of his children. First child is Brennan. Ooh, wait. Nope, too many letters. Mira isn't enough letters. But hey, maybe it's Nicole. I mean Violet. This riddle makes me realize how many names have six letters by the way. But no, Violet knows her father better than this. He wouldn't make this about himself, meaning it wouldn't be his first love, which also would not be his youngest child. That is very too bad for the other two children. Like Nicole said, he taught her too well. Taught her to overthink and never settle for the Easy, obvious answer. So, crossing off the possibility that it's Papa Sor. Gail's first love, what about his kids first love? Brennan is nine years older than Violet, so she doesn't know much about his love life. Except, and I quote, I do remember Mira saying he'd been in a relationship with a writer a year or two older than him. Neon sign. Neon sign. This has to be Naolin. Yes, we absolutely freaked out when we first read this because Naolin is six letters. Of course, it did not end up being that. And Violet has no idea that it is Naolin. Also, Taryn, you are being very quiet right now. This might as well confirm that Brennan and Naolin were partners, at least. Released to me. The fandom already thought it. And this just says yes, yes, of course they were foreshadowing, foreshadowing, foreshadowing. But alas, they move on way faster than Nicole and I did. As far as Violet knows, Mira has never been in love. Yet. Looking at you, Drake, but hello.

[Nicole]

What about Violet's first love? She would have been the one to decipher the research after all, so it makes sense that the first love password would have been impressed in reference to Violet's first love. We know that before Zaden, Violet has only been with two guys, both infantry. Her first one was for seven months when she was 18, and in the words of Aric, I mean, it fits. Yeah, Halden does have six letters. Although Asher apparently loathed this one, which seems to be a theme. I'm about to go off on Halden quite a lot. And he never really knew about the second partner of hers, which makes me wonder who the second second was. It was sometime between after she and Halden broke up in December of when she was 18 and when she joined the writers quadrant and then had for eyes for Dane and then Zaden. So the likelihood of Asher picking Halden, someone he did not like for his daughter and she and him broke up while he was still alive is unlikely.

[Lexi]

I love how Reddick, who does not currently know Aric, is Prince Cam is like. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Hold up. Why does the first year know about your previous his love life and we don't? Little does Riddick know it was arc's older brother. But the conversation ends here because class with Professor Zaddy is in session. And look who's joining us today. Garrick and Imogen's like, yay. As well as a full house of infantry cadets in the amphitheater. I gotta say, I love how the infantry cadets are here to Learn too. This is Zaden giving them a chance to know what they'll be be up against. So they aren't just bodies. They can actually learn how magic fights with magic. I do want to say one more thing though, about how the writers have never been taught how to go up against one another using their signets instead of just hand to hand while hand to hand combat and using their signets in the battle environment is a good thing and something to be trained. Something that Professor Carr is training them hand to hand combat while using your signet is too much of a. A internal risk because leadership doesn't want people to be learning how to go up against them, for instance. Instead, previous epigraphs have advised to avoid underestimating and fighting flyers because they are formidable opponents. Wouldn't it make sense to signet spar before so that they could then go up against these formidable opponents instead of stay on your dragon strategy? I think it comes down to the mindset of writers thinking. Thinking they're all powerful on their dragons and that they're literally not trained to use their signets to their advantage in hand to hand. And again, I believe it's also because Navarre wants to keep them under control. Anyway, back to the scene at hand with Professor Zaddy and the assistant coach, Garrick.

[Nicole]

Zaden mentions how Garrett kept him up all last night talking. Why? What do you think they were talking about? This is like bugged me.

[Lexi]

I want to say his feelings. No, but it was probably military tactical shake. Oh. Oh. What if Garrick was nervous to teach the next day and was like walking through all of it in excruciating detail? That's us. What we do you all the nights before a live show is something for us.

[Nicole]

At Romany Bookcon. Though you and I have separate rooms, so this will be interesting.

[Lexi]

Our poor husbands will have to deal with this. Will probably still be together and they'll be off in their. And they'll be off doing their own thing.

[Nicole]

Side note, Zaden and Violet speak mind to mind in this scene and it is fully like sexting. And I. God, I'm so here for it. Like him starting to lead class and her telling him about how she would go down on him and it causes him to start coughing. It's priceless. Is also a fun callback to book one in the dining hall, which, yes, that scene lives right free in my head. Thank you. But this tiny little tidbit of sultry goodness leads to, quote, you're going to be the death of me. Wow. The death of me. Count is back. Friendly reminder that in fourth Wing we had four Death of Me's. We had only one in Iron Flame, which was really surprising. And here we are with number one for Onyx Storm, giving us a total of six death of Me's for the series so far. But Violet thinks to herself that she does not want to ponder the options that this statement could be interpreted as. Is this Rebecca Yarrow's description with us?

[Lexi]

I think it's calling back to him training her to kill him from last class. And Viola's realizing this isn't just a cute saying like she always thought it was. He's dead serious. Pun intended.

[Nicole]

Oh, that's so disturbing. Anyway, after seeing solo fighter after solo fighter go up against Garrick and lose, second squad decides to think outside the box. After all, Garrick nor Xaden said that it had to be one on one. So at or only takes a little flirty teasing from Garrick to Imogen to get them to step onto the mat. Which I am so with Riddick on this one quote. Oh God, just stop flirting. And already it does make me wonder why they haven't. And they clearly want to. They're attracted to each other in my opinion, and that's what we're seeing. Garrick, get over your shit. And Imogen, fess up your feelings and live happily ever after, please.

[Lexi]

They're both too hard headed to get their together and admit that they have true feelings for one another.

[Nicole]

Back to the mat. Rhys starts by lifting her hands, two of Garak's daggers appearing in them. While Riddick throws out a wall of ice that Garruk blasts apart with a powerful gust of wind. This causes shards of ice to hurtle towards Violet and soar over her head, just missing. Leading to an irate, rage filled Zaden to look at his best friend in quote a way I've never seen like his. His best friend was suddenly morphed into prey. And there's that cold edge in his eyes that prickles the hair on the back of my neck. First up ice. Watch baby. We're still just in cold, Terry, so that's good. But this prey language feels interesting. It feels really mate y to not like matey like the pirates, but like. Like mates too. I don't know, it feels mate like. Like someone is so attached to another person that the second they're in danger. We just spent 11 months deep diving Acotar. Are you serious? This didn't cross your mind?

[Lexi]

No, it's Vinnie language. Because he's a predator now and everybody Else is prey.

[Nicole]

Well, anyway. Well, Cat uses the opportunity to heighten Garak's confusion, making his head swivel back and forth and back and forth, forth to the two quins. And Violet takes her window of opportunity, throwing the dagger from Re, which is really from Garruk. Close enough to Garruk, but not too close where it will do actually any real damage. But Garruk whips his hand out and causes a gust of wind to knock the blade back about 20ft. Well, fine, that works too. Garak. Violet pulls a lightning strike down from the sky, striking the hilt of the dagger instead of Garruk, which she could have easily done. And Thunder quickly follows after game over. Second squad 1, Garrick 0 and the crowd goes wild. Wait, not the crowd. There's one person slow clapping a sandy.

[Lexi]

Haired green eyed infantry blue clothed royal highness makes his presence known. Well, well well, look who we have here. The Prince of douche canoes. The cheater cheater auburn hair eater. The biggest basket of them all. The weasel Prince of whining. The poster boy for red flags and regret. The walking talking poop on a stick. The dumpster fire of a human being. The grown ass toddler tantrum thrower. The one, the only Prince Halden Tori AKA Violet, scumbag of an ex boyfriend who she hasn't seen in three years.

[Nicole]

Bravo.

[Lexi]

Bravo.

[Nicole]

Let's go through a quick timeline, shall we? While stationed at this guy, Violet took up a relationship with the Prince who was about to go into his first year at the infantry quadrant. This is all while Violet is training to enter the Scribe quadrant when she was 18. They dated from the summer into December, but we can imagine that things started going south after threshing, aka Oct. 1 when Halden's twin brother Alec was killed.

[Lexi]

By Zaden, which Halden seemingly doesn't know about. It's interesting that Arik knew so the more I think about it, I wonder if someone else somehow told Arik once when he entered the writers quadrant after.

[Nicole]

In Halden's quote unquote torment, he was caught cheating on Violet with his professor. Looks like they don't have a Article 8 Section 1 in the infantry. Or Halden just thinks he's too important to follow the Infantry Codex, which is the answer I'm going with. After catching him in the act, Violet dumps his ass and decides to never give him a moment attention again.

[Lexi]

Okay, can I just say I can relate to Violet so much with this because I too once walked in on my then boyfriend, another girl one hour after I left his place to go to a doctor's appointment. And at that doctor's appointment I got bad news. So then I went back to his place to be comforted. And let's just say there is an image now it burned into my brain and 11 years later I'm still pissed off about it. Especially because his excuse was that he's a sex addict. But turns out she also thought she was his girlfriend. So bottom line, I hope your balls always itch. Italian stallion. I'm fine. 11 years later, I'm totally fine.

[Nicole]

It looks like Halden, however, did not learn his lesson. We're going to just really rip Holden anyone and go through every single thing he says and every single every single red flag associated with every single thing he says from his conversation with Violet.

[Lexi]

Pause. This is probably a really good moment for you to start working out and you're about to real hyphy here, friends.

[Nicole]

Lexi and I are taking out all of our pent up anger on our ex boyfriends during this part. Number one quote, never figured you for Ryder Black, but power looks good on you. Here's the red flags for from this statement. First off, never figured you for writer. Black implies doubt in her ability to ever be a writer. It's GFDD all over again. Then, quote, power looks good on you. This implies that she would be power hungry and that he is the one who notices. Also, Halden is extremely powerful as the crown prince. So there's this element of like, oh, we'd be so good together, you powerful being. Next statement, quote, you aren't going to ask how I've been My brother's missing. You know, this is with an air of absolutely zero percent concern. I love how they're searching for Auric at all of his Halden's stomping grounds, including brothels. The red flags from this statement are as follows. Quote, you aren't going to ask how I've been. He's trying to make her feel bad for not prioritizing his needs and he's trying and failing to make her feel guilty as a result. Dude, you cheated on her. And you're like you're not thinking about me. All the while she's asking valid questions like why the are you here? And then he's like, my brother's missing. You know, he's using this as emotional leverage rather than, I'm going to call it actual distress. Next statement from Hall Hilton. Quote, Seriously though, no hello. Not even a compliment on the tailoring of my uniform or the fresh haircut. I'm heartbroken Vi. Instead of answering her questions like, why the fuck are you here? And actually addressing the real reason for him being here, he's making himself the center of attention, something he is very good at. Plus, it is also an attempt to force Violet into looking at him in an admiring way, which obviously fails. And of course, this gives him the opportunity to boost his own self esteem. I have dated so many Holdens. Like reading this statement especially. Especially is. Yeah, yeah. Ah. Then we have my personal Halden favorite line when Violet comes in with a gut punch of reminding him that the only hair she remembers is his professors when she was writing him. First off, I love the extra little detail of his professor writing him. I like to think it's because he wants his bedroom partners to do all the work. But then iconically, he says, oh my God, this like infuriates me. Quote, yes, I cheated, but you have to remember, I was still suffering from the loss of my twin. I had a guy call me one time. We were dating. It was in college. We were on Christmas break. And he called me and he told me that he cheated on me the night prior. And I was like, why would you do that? Like why? And he gave some stupid excuse that was like, not even an excuse in the slightest. It was like I was at a party last night and this girl was flirting with me and I just couldn't resist her. You know what sucks though? I still stayed with him. Don't do that. Ow. Red flags from this statement though, are he first he starts out with like this quote, ouch, you wound me, Violet. She just said you cheated on her. And he's like, allow me to flip the dynamic from you being hurt by my cheating ass, and instead, allow me to performatively be all hurt by your words. Meh. Thank God Violet is like you. I dot grief does not excuse this. And then of course, Halden's like, quote, yes, I cheated on you, but you, you have to remember I was still suffering from the loss of my twin. Red flag. Using his trauma to avoid accountability for him cheating, implying that he was forced to cheat, then the whole quote. And here I thought you'd thank me for offering to step in. Basically trying to transition the topic to here, I did something nice. Why are you still mad at me? And lastly, for at least a minute, when he tells Violet that he did some research, Violet interjects with quote, you mean you had someone do your research? And he's like, same thing. Oh my God, dude, do you know who you're talking to? Where do I even Begin lying to seem more capable, taking credit for other people's work, avoiding effort and still wanting recognition. This is a great king. This is a great future king.

[Lexi]

As much as we all hate Halden, I don't even want to say what I'm about to say. But if the truth, he does have some important news to share with us in the form of a missive. Holden's father, King Tari believes Grady is taking too long to figure out his front from his ass. Again, that's another supporting point that Grady is simply does not know what he's doing. And here they have another option from Takara's. King Cortland of Devarelli has agreed to one meeting with Noble blood only for the price of the a million citrine. Once Violet has the Emilian Citrine in her possession, Dakaris will arrange the meeting with the Deverella King. So this is mostly good news. Violet has the Prince's support as much as he sucks to go to Devarelli instead of north like she's been wanting to do. And Queen Mariah of Poromill has agreed to gift the gym to King Cortland. Bad news, this gym is located in Anka, which is in Venin occupied territory in Poromill, so it'll be very dangerous to retrieve and it's up to Violet and Quest Squad Grady's version to get it. Which means Zaden will have to go beyond the wards and into then occupied or drained territory. If you're like what is the Emelian Citrine? Don't worry, I'll explain. It's a lesser magic amplifier worn by one of the members of the First Drift. So it's a special magical artifact with historical significance. Something that would belong in a museum.

[Nicole]

I'm not done roasting Halden because this dude keeps getting worse. Changing the subject from this very important missive to Violet's new man, he says, quote, tell me, is it true what they say? You and Ryerson? He says Zayden's name with complete disgust. First off, my guy, you know the answer. You don't have to ask. Yes, he was basically raised to hate Xaden. His father had started a rebellion, yada yada yada. But this is entirely a move to try and drive a wedge between Zaden and Violet. Good luck dude. Fenism couldn't do it, so what makes you think you can? The disgust behind this question though is an attempt to make her feel like her life choice is wrong and it should be second guessed. Which ha. Violet is like I'm in love with him you idiot. But we are adhering to the rules, so back the fuck off. Smart Violet. And yet Halden sees this as his way in. Later he'll try again and say quote Tell me you don't like let your non boyfriend control you. Subtly trying to cue Xaden as controlling and toxic. Wow. Look in a mirror my guy. And don't you want to be with someone like meh? Next Halden. Red flag Quote I never told you I was sorry and I should have. If you're not with Ryerson, I want to punch this guy. Oh my God. He doesn't say he's sorry. More of I'm sorry. And if you're still single. Completely, completely ignoring her words when she's saying I'm in love with him. Which I assume this is not the first time he's completely ignored her. Also, all the while he's fucking Anna Windshire. So this cheating mode, it didn't go away? Not in the slightest. This is what is wild about Halden though. He is not just some dumbass who sits in a basket getting carted around by a griffin. He is calculated, he is manipulative, he is kind running when he believes he's in control. Or like in a scene like this where he thinks he's in control, the second control is taken from him or things don't go his way. He is a very different type of red flag. But I will save my apparent Nicole the red flag waiver analysis for when we get to Devarelli. Despite me wanting to just roast Holden over a spit. Apparently Halden does unknowingly give us some more important info while he continues to belittle Violet and Zayn's relationship. He mentions that because Violet is with a writer, there's no way that they can actually be in love. Oh my God. This is after she says I'm in love with him twice. What's your reasoning Halden? While he is trying to make Violet doubt her own relationship and Xaden's love for her. Cool red flag there. His reasoning is that writers first love is always their dragon. You are correct Halden. Thank you so much for helping us crack open Papa Sorrengail's research. Papa Sorrengale's whole world revolved around Lilith, but they didn't meet until their third year at Bestgaeth, meaning that Lilith was already few years bonded to I'm sir taking the role of first love in Lilith's heart and aims. I R is six letters. Woohoo. No time to celebrate though, because Halden, I guess now takes it a step.

[Lexi]

Too far and he lifts a hand toward Violet's hair. Oh no you don't nut the hair. Suddenly shadows blast pew. And hit Holden in the chest, sending him straight into a rock wall. Oops. Professor Zaddy was blocking a potentially lethal blow to the first year and it must have knocked the wind out of Halden. Wink. Nobody tries to touch Violet and gets away with it. Especially when her not boyfriend, who she's very much in love with, is right there, who is also reading this guy's intentions and they are clearly a little dirty and he also happens to be a Venin and can't control his anger anymore. Like Satan says into Violet's mind, quote it wasn't a response, it simply was. It was an automatic lethal reaction. The new kind of danger we've seen flashes of so far in this book since he turned.

[Nicole]

Anyway, let's get away from the boys and their drama. We need our hearts to calm the fuck down. After class, Violet and Ri are in Vi's room staring at the research with Aimsir plugged into the password dials, but they have not hit enter yet. All the second doubts fly through their heads, which is fair because there's no forgot password button. If they're wrong, there's six vials of ink ready to implode, making it impossible to read, plus a nice little self destruct rune. Ri is here, other than just a friendly support, because if they are wrong, there's a small hope that she can retrieve the vials of liquid from the book. Even though she's never tried to retrieve liquid before, she's hopeful that she could at least grab enough where all the research won't be ruined and the rune looks innocent enough where they probably wouldn't have too much power in it, just enough to destroy the book.

[Lexi]

Knowing in her mind and heart that she is right, Violet pulls a lover and has Aimsir was the correct answer. Violet has unlocked her father's research and it is Are you ready for it? Drum roll please. A History of the Second Crovlin Uprising draft by Lt. Col. Asher Sorrengail. But what's this? Papa Sorgal has left his daughter a letter. It's so sweet how Violet can hear his voice when she reads. Dear Violet, feeling a fresh wave of grief that her father is no longer with her after Re gives her some privacy, understanding as her best friend that Violet needs a moment alone with what she has left of her dad, Violet reads the letter and oh boy, what a letter it is. Let's walk through it because there's a lot to unpack as well as a lot of mysteries that are still very much unknown. At the end of this book, promising more to the full picture, Papa Sorgel's letter begins, quote, it's my most sincere hope that you are reading this by my side, laughing at the glorious mess that is a first draft. But I fear that may not be the case. First of all, I love how their father daughter relationship reaches through the page here, laughing together at this first draft. Because we all know first drafts are a glorious mess in the best way. And this is something they would have shared together. Also, he writes, quote, I fear that may not be the case. He could be talking about his failing heart and knowing that his health is deteriorating, that he is running out of time to live. Or it could be a hint that that this research has led him to dangerous secrets worth being killed over. Especially based on the rest of the tone in this letter, he continues, quote, if I now walk alongside Malik with your brother, then guard this manuscript carefully. But if the worst has happened and your mother has joined us, then you must protect this knowledge with your very life. Oh, Papa Sorgal. Several things. Number one, this definitely confirms he thought Brennan was dead. We already gathered that from Iron Flame with Lilith having no idea. But there was some lingering speculation that Papa Sorrengail knew the truth about Violet's brother. But no, he clearly thinks Brennan is dead. Number two, this manuscript holds incredibly important and dangerous information worth protecting with someone's very life. As he's always taught Violet, knowledge is power. And whatever this research holds cannot fall into the wrong hands. Number three, quote if the worst has happened might just mean that his beloved wife has also died like she did Rip. Or if we're going with the theory that he was killed because of what he was uncovering, his worry could be interpreted that the worst is that Lilith was also killed for knowing what she knew. Moving on with quote within these pages you'll find my careful study of the second Crovlin Uprising. But my daughter, remember what I taught you about history. It is simply a collection of stories, each influenced by those that happened before and at steering the ones to come. I wrote the study so it could be read by others, but understood by you. Papa Sor. Gail has been preparing Violet her entire life for uncovering the truth. He encouraged her to think critically, to analyze the past and who told it to learn about the present. He couldn't outright tell his daughter about the Venom and Navar secrets because she was too young, and it was too dangerous to blatantly tell her. But he's left her clues and trusted her so she can put put the puzzle pieces together. Remember back in his hidden letter to her, tucked away in the Fables of the Baron? Quote, Remember that folklore is passed from one generation to the next to teach us about our past? If we lose it, we lose the links to our past. It only takes one desperate generation to change history, even erase it. I know you'll make the right choice when the time comes. You have always been the best of both your mother and me. Then his letter with the research goes on. Quote, if time is sweet Peru bruise at leisure, you'll find the connection between the uprising and the pursuit of feathertails to be both alarming and enlightening. But if time has indeed run out and you seek the weapon to defeat those you've only learned about through lore, then abandon your robes and ride for Cordan. Okay, deep breaths, Lexi. Violet will put together the connection of the uprising and pursuit of feathertails, being that Crovlin promised dragons to the unnamed Isle in exchange for an army. So Corovla tried to get feathertails. They tried to get baby dragons, thinking that they're malleable, which is incomprehensible to someone in Avar, where it is deeply embedded in their society that the humans are dragons, pets, not the other way around. This will be alarming and enlightening to Violet as she discovers how the Isles want dragons and what Corvo was willing to do to get one of these isles what they want. But I'm not convinced that this is actually it, because we'll also learn that all the Irids are feathertails, and there is still an unknown weapon that defeated the Venin 600 years ago, which we're thinking had to have been Indarna's kind, because she was uniquely able to roast an Asam Venon. Then, when our crew eventually does speak to the Irids, they never confirm or deny anything in regard to this weapon. So I'm thinking while Papa Sorrengail was doing his research around the isles, he learned about the Irids. He may have even made contact with them, since they speak to anyone. So here it's a double meaning with Feather Tales. Baby dragons, yes, in the obvious sense, with the second Coroveland Uprising and what they were after, but also the Irids. And that is what Violet must understand. They are the key to defeating the Venin. He continues, quote, you have always struggled with Crowlish, but I made sure Dain would Be capable should you need him. Should he not choose to cross a parapet this summer. If he follows in the footsteps of his father, you must find the strength to let go of your affection for him. This gives an approximate timestamp on his letter here. It's early 632, the same year that he died. And it is after he has dropped off the six tomes on his aisle. Research in Deverelli. This is also big warning bells saying, do not trust Daddy Atos. Whether it is leadership as a whole and Daddy Atos representing that, or specifically Daddy Atos, we know we can't trust him. Quote from Cordon book passage, Devarelli, you will be safe beyond the reach of magic there and quietly seek the merchant Nerelle Ansem. Take her the rarest item you possess. Be sure it's truly exceptional to be given what you need. Do not send another in your stead. Should you travel under the banner of Navarre, beware their king. He bears grudges and speaks only in profit. We'll learn a lot more about this as it unfolds when Violet travels there. But in hindsight, we know that the rarest item is Violet's mind. Although she will think that the rarest item she possesses is Indar's dragon eggshells, since she is the only Irid on the continent. I also wonder if this means that her father has also definitely met the King of Devarelli too.

[Nicole]

Probably. Especially since he knows he speaks in prophet. I am so excited to analyze every single thing the King of Devarelli says, looking at it through the line of prophet.

[Lexi]

And finally the letter ends with quote. I am so sorry this falls to you, my brightest light. Trust only Mira. I assume this is him saying you can trust only our family. Brennan is gone and assuming the worst has happened and their mother is gone too. Violet's only unconditional protector is now her older sister. This information, this mission, this truth to uncover cannot be trusted with anyone else. Only the Soren Gail family.

[Nicole]

I'm so sorry, Lexi, but we have to put Papa Sor and Gail's research aside for now because the boys and their dreams drama are back. Zaden saying Fuck to Article 8, Section 1 of the Codex is at Violet's door. And boy, does he look distressed. Not only if they get caught could he be kicked out of his gaieth and go back beyond the wards. But as a toast showed us last episode, he has no problem punishing Violet in a way of punishing her squad. But Zaden is clearly not thinking about the Repercussions. Instead, he is needing the answer to one question. Did you love him? I love Zaden. He is my number two book boyfriend. But. Oh, Zayden, Zayden, Zaden. Yes. Violet is annoyed, thinking that this must have been how he felt last year when Violet felt inadequate to Cat.

[Lexi]

Does Xaden deserve a lowercase L here?

[Nicole]

Yes. Yes, he does. Like, I get jealousy, but this is.

[Lexi]

Holding on to this a little tight.

[Nicole]

Like, is she not allowed to have loved anyone before you? And I would say the same thing if the roles were reversed. Like, she didn't know you, my guy. She also hated you because of Fen Ryerson.

[Lexi]

Well, and then when we also think about everything with Kat, like, he was telling her, there's no reason for you to be jealous of Kat because he never loved her. So he thinks of it very much in that black and white. While at the time Violet was like, no. Like, my feelings are valid because I'm jealous of. Of her and I have every reason to be. She's fucking with me.

[Nicole]

Now. I will give Satan this, and I'm about to look through things in his point of view, but I also want to give him this. Right now, Halden is acting like Cat was last book. So I get that he's jealous, but there's a difference between being jealous and mad at Halden and being jealous and forcing information out of Violet. You know what I mean? I do want to look at this jealousy from Zaden's pov and we'll see about them. We'll see how the L is like, looking at the very end. It is my obligation to quote this entire swoony line from Zayn. And this actually might take it down to a lowercase. All just for me quote. Yes, love. I'm jealous. I'm jealous of the armor that holds you when I can't. The sheets of your bed that caress your skin every night, and the blades that feel your hands. So when the prince of our realm walks into my classroom and starts talking to the woman I love with what can only be considered intense familiarity, and then has the audacity to ask her out right in front of me, naturally I'm going to get jealous. Zaden just got a front row seat to watching an ex not only hit on his girl, but literally try to demean their relationship and wiggle his way back into her heart. Zayden is right now not able to be what he wants to be for Violet. He's a professor, so he's having to, you know, adhere to the rules of Article 8 Section 1. He's also having to hold himself back sexually because he's a venom, so he doesn't feel like he's able to give her that. And then just to top it all off, he's the worst possible thing for her right now with being Venon. Those are his words. So in walks this guy who used to be in her heart. And there's a small bit of him that wonders if he can be what he believes Violet needs and thus crawl his way back in. But there's one more reason that Zaden is jelly. He says, quote, I picked up on a lot of things he was thinking Thinking, not intentional tending. Alarm, alarm, alarm. This is one of the first of many hints that we will get that Zaden's signet is either growing stronger because he's Venin and Slash or because he's not just a type of intrinsic, he is a full intrinsic with. I love that being able to read someone's whole thoughts and not just their intentions. When we were in Denver, Rebecca Yarrow said that we've only seen about 50% of of Xaden's signet. That's a whole lot that we haven't seen.

[Lexi]

I was shocked when she gave us that answer. I thought for sure it was going to be more like 70 to 80% even after reading all of these little hints in Onyx Storm. But when she said 50%, it's like, oh my God, he's a full intense egg.

[Nicole]

Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep, yep. So I can only imagine what Halden was thinking about Violet, which 10 bucks says he was picturing her writing him again so he doesn't have to do any of the work. And yet. Yeah, Zaden, I'm a little bit more with you. That would make me want to hurl too. So I'll lower it to a lowercase L. It's. It is possessive. And he is taking his anger out on her, seemingly which I don't like. But looking at it from his pov, I get where his insecurity is coming from. Violet knows just what to say to get him off the jealousy train. Her heart will only ever be his. Quote, oh boy, you could leave me or even meet Matlic and it still would be. I've made my peace with knowing there's no getting over you. Well, foreshadowing this is going to be put to the test next book, that's for sure.

[Lexi]

Well, we can't forget that several of the first songs on book four playlist are But Daddy, I love him and I can fix Him.

[Nicole]

Yep. I love. Also, this is quick side note. One of the lyrics in But Daddy, I love him is I'm having his baby. No, I'm not. It's like that just feels like such a fabulous thing. I love that. Especially given that we debunked that theory last episode. This causes Zaden to snap. Grabbing with two hands.

[Lexi]

Her ass.

[Nicole]

Our ass man is back. He slams his lips onto hers, never once breaking their passionate kiss. He brings her to the bed, Hips arching, bodies writhing. Limiting themselves to just these kisses makes them more intense. Then he takes his hands in hers and locks them above her head. But oh no, they're not his hands. They're his sh. Shadows. Hot, hot, hot, hot. Light bondage seems to take Xaden to the point of needing to needing her to say something, anything to get his mind off need to her. Now.

[Lexi]

How about Violet's dad left her a letter telling her he needs her to go to Deverelli. Yep, that'll do it. I do love how supportive Zaden is when he learns about Papa Sorrengail's letter and his mission for his daughter. Without even a second thought, he's like, yep, yep, we will do everything we need to to do that. That's great. That actually works out very much in our favor because we needed to go there anyway. Let's make it happen.

[Nicole]

So the plan is set. In order to go to Devarelly, they will need the Amelien citrine artifact so that they can gift it to the King of Devarelli. Not to mention, in order to change the plans from going north into instead going south, they will need to call in her favor from Halden. One thing is easy to agree on. They need to leave asap, which we will cover next episode.

[Lexi]

In this signet power segment of the episode, let's move to the power of precognition by turning our full attention to other important foreshadowing moments for the rest of this book, as well as more speculations for books four and five.

[Nicole]

While talking to Sawyer, he mentions making a prosthetic leg for himself. Currently he's working with a wooden one. Over this book, his prosthetic leg slowly gets more and more metal, both literally and in badassery. I also wonder if he starts making one himself and that's why it starts getting more metal. It's not entirely clear. Jinia mentions how she is not some oracle high off of whatever they're serving. Ah, this is not the last time oracles will be mentioned in this world. They will be playing a huge Role in Violet's non full dedication.

[Lexi]

Also in Umbriel, the High Priest priestess has like super dilated eyes and Violet's like oh my God, what is she on right now? Zaden agreeing that they're not boyfriend and girlfriend. Quote that's far too casual a term for what we are foreshadowing for their marriage and him calling her his consort.

[Nicole]

Violet mentioning how she doubts loyal would let her into her temple. Love these little nods to the gods, smiting those who would dare go into their temple, thus setting us up for Theophany's eventual demise. All the foreshadowing for Cat and Trager from him telling her that she should not be in love with Satan or afraid of him, and him telling her that she needs to get over him at some point. Quote Seems like a waste of time to chase someone who doesn't want you when there are plenty of people who do. This causes Cat's gaze to snap towards him and I think that this is when they officially started getting together. Or like the things were planted. Especially because Raiders after this is when they're heavily flirting in the Shantara Tavern.

[Lexi]

I figured they got together right around the beginning of their Isle Kingdom quest. Violet wonders if Sloane is hiding a second signet, and we have to wonder that too, Especially because her dragon told her about second signets back in Iron Flame. That's how we the readers found out about it. Was it because of Liam from his letters like we initially thought from Iron Flame? Or did her dragon just tell her about them because that's a pretty common thing among the marked ones? Or is it because she has one too? And if so, what could her second signet be? Does she ever use it secretly instead of her siphoning signet, which she's afraid to use now while we're on the.

[Nicole]

Shantara Tavern, though, this whole scene is laden with foreshadowing. The mention of the Temple of Amari being the biggest one in the town. Yes, because we are technically on Amaryllis, AKA now just named the Continent.

[Lexi]

While at the pub, Violet explains that knowledge and wisdom are are two different things and that scribes must earn wisdom and that's why they don't pray to Hedion. She'll give the same explanation to Faris on the Isle of Hedotis.

[Nicole]

The mentions of Violet's mother never being temple minded. Quote which is odd considering you'd think she'd favor Dune. Nope. Assuming that this is because of what Asher did and Asher did with Violet. But I am foaming at the mouth to know more of the story like ah, when Violet mentions being scared for Xaden but not having been scared of him since thrashing. Could this be foreshadowing for next book? I am genuinely thinking that there's going to be a moment next book where, depending on how far gone Zaden is, they're going to face off on a battlefield of and that will be the first time they see each other out of a dream. It will be on opposite ends of a fight and Zane will maybe be gone in that moment, so there might be a fear of him. Maybe.

[Lexi]

I could see that Auric is seated for a signet sparring, meaning his signet hasn't manifested yet, but we don't know if that's true. It very well may have manifested by now and he's keeping it quiet. Rebecca told us that his signet manifested before Quest Squad and after Iron Flame, so anytime around now we are on the lookout. Honestly, I wonder if it manifested before or a tried to challenge the Flyer first year and another reason he refused to step in was because he knew Violet would handle it. We recorded that before our interview with Rebecca when it was not top of mind. And then at the Six Talents pub in Shantara, Re worries that Lynx and Aric haven't manifested their sickness yet. But don't worry about them. They will both manifest some badass signets. Speaking of which, it is chilling to imagine what Riddick says about if they manifest as an intensic, because that means they'll have to execute execute them. Could this be foreshadowing for when Violet's friends find out she's a dreamwalker and they have to keep this secret? I don't think they would ever execute her or rat her out for a signet. That's not what I'm saying, but this line definitely stood out to me. Knowing what Zaden warns Violet after they realize what her second signet is, we.

[Nicole]

Have donned our signets, so now let's tap into our mind of a scribe and examine the key meanings of epigraphs. From this stretch of chapters, Starting with chapter 14, we get Panchak's second memoir as just a lieutenant. When we were talking to Rebecca backstage, she was saying how this second memoir as a lieutenant is to show how egotistical this dude is, especially with how I can't believe it. It says quote in my vast experience with the Northern Wing dude, you're a lieutenant. Calm down.

[Lexi]

Rebecca was saying how this is one of those moments. Moments where she was just giggling herself and laughing at her own Joke as she was writing it, and then Rebecca told her sister about it, and she's like giggling and stuff, and her sister's like, I don't get it.

[Nicole]

This is a super short one, but in the epigraph for 15, it's mentioned how, quote, some combat signets are fearsome, but any writer can be brought low by two things, lack of a shield or a group effort. Especially given how this is the chapter where Zaden goes up against all of the cadets and absolutely reads their intentions to best them on the mat, meaning they did not have their shields up. Then we have our chapter 17, our first epigraph from Asher Sorengale. Having the recording randomly running when this huge tidbit of info dropped and you and I just like, froze. Quote, my brightest light. I meant to prepare you, but only had the time for half the lessons you need, half the history, half the truth, and now time runs short. I failed Brennan the day I watched him walk the parapet, failed Mira when I couldn't stop her from following. But I fear my death will fail you. Your mother and I trust no one, and neither can you. Dun, dun dun. This is recovered correspondence from lieutenant colonel Asher Sorengale to Violet Sorrengale, screaming also.

[Lexi]

Again, knowing that his heart is failing. It could be read as, I fear my death will fail you. You as in he knows that he's running out of time with his health. But then the next sentence is, your mother and I trust no one, and neither can you. That is just to me. Alarm bells that he knows somebody's onto him and he's not going to make it out of this alive.

[Nicole]

This was like I was assassinated code part? Yes, like absolutely. Yes, yes, yes. I also want to point out that this is recovered correspondence. So this is some letter that he wrote her. But where is this letter? Was it tucked into the. The research?

[Lexi]

That's what I assume so.

[Nicole]

I guess so, yeah. I also love that he calls her my brightest light. This is now the second time we've mentioned this. Maybe. I wonder. One of the reasons that she manifested lightning is half of because of her mother with the storms and how storms were always really comforting to her. But then also this nickname for her, my brightest light, I love also because.

[Lexi]

Her and Zaden have complementing signets where he is the darkness, he is the shadow, shadows, and then she is the light.

[Nicole]

Let us step into the archives where each episode Lexi educates us on a world building topic to help us better understand this world and the magic within it. You have waited three seasons of fantasy Fangirls for this time.

[Lexi]

Today's Archives topic is Papa Asher Sorengale and his research. Okay, this archive segment is going to be focused more on the time, timeline and the context around Papa Sorrengail and his research. The second Crowland Uprising will be a future Archives topic, so I'm just going to share a very high level summary of it today. Asher Sorrengail, previously known as Asher Daxton, or as we like to call him Papa Sorrengail, was Lilith Sorrengail's husband and father to Brennan, Meera and Violet. He was a scribe at Bisgaya War College and spent his life researching the Isle kingdoms. His books include include Umbriel, Isle of Dune, which he wrote when he was Second Lieutenant Ashen Daxton. This was not long after he graduated, since that is the military rank you get right after graduating from Bisgaeth. Then we have the book He Dodis Isle of Hedion. This he wrote as Captain Asher Sorrengale, implying that he and Lilith married sometime in between his promotions. Remember that they met their third year at Biscaya, so they were together after they graduated, blah blah blah, and then they got married sometime afterward. Moving on to Isle of Zinal, written by Major Asher Sorengel. While those are the only titles we know of, Nerelle and Deverelli gave Violet six tomes written by Papa Sorrengel, so I assume there is one more for the fifth Isle. They did not visit the Isle of Loial, the Goddess of Love. But that still leaves two tomes that Nerelle gave Violet with her father's research that we don't know the contents of. I think one was also about Deverelli. In any case, it still leaves one. Maybe it was the field guide Violet references in Hedotis, but I don't know. In any case, Papa Sorrengel risked his and his family's lives to hide away his life's work so that Violet could find it. In his later years, Lt. Col. Asher Sorngale researched the second Crowland uprising and its connection to Feather Tales. This research is titled A History of the Second Crovlin Uprising. Quick side note, while Asher's last name used to be Daxton, he he is not Colonel Daxton. From Colonel Daxton's Guide to Excelling in the Scribe Quadrant Rebecca has confirmed Colonel Daxton is a relative of some sort. Which relative we don't know. We only know that Asher is a legacy scribe. But it makes sense because he became Sor and Gael when he was a Captain. So they married pretty early on in their military careers, and as far as we know, he was never promoted to rank of Colonel, as this Daxton obviously was. Right after graduation, graduating from the Scribe Quadrant, Asher spent time traveling to the different Isle kingdoms and learning everything he could about them. I'm very curious how he was able to do this when according to Jenia, any person who came from Navarre to the Isles was killed. So was he under some kind of disguise or had some kind of special permission? I don't know. His research on the Isles included everything from the floral and fauna to the layouts of the civilization to a rudimentary dictionary for the location language. While we don't know the details of his travel to the Isles between being a second lieutenant and major, we know he left the six tomes, including his research on the aisle with Norell four years ago. This put Papa Sorrengail in Devarelli in 631, a year before he died. This is the same year that Violet started dating Halden. That's how Norell knows about their relationship. I'm assuming Papa Sorrengil was probably talking about it with her. Meaning the last time that he visited Devarelli and Norell was in the second half of 631. Papa Sorrengail began working in the archives once the Sortingale family was stationed at Biscaya 6 and a half years ago at this point in our story, and it was five years before the start of Fourth Wing. I believe this is also when he began his intensive research on the second Crovlin uprising. But that is just my assumption. Speaking of which, toward the beginning of his second Crovlin uprising research, Asher shared what he was working on with people like Daddy Atos. Because Daddy Atos knows there was something going on with the second Problem Uprising and feather tales. But at some point, based on what Papa Sorrengail was uncovering, that changed and he stopped trusting others with his research. Again, we don't know exactly what the trigger was, but about six months before he died, he suddenly got quiet about his research and became secretive. He wasn't even telling Violet the exact details of his work. Based on the contact text clues we've talked about this episode, he knew that there was a high chance that his research may lead to his death. Before his death, Asher left his work where only his family would know where it was. In the one location he spent the majority of his after hour time, his and Lilith's chambers. He knew that if his research was left in his scribe's office, it would fall into the hands of ATOS or Markham, and he needed to make sure that did not happen. Soon after Brennan's air quotes death and right around the time the sortings moved to Bisgayeth, Papa Sorrengel's heart began began failing him. His heart finally gave out and he died four years later. His letter to Violet again heavily implies his death was not of natural causes because of the dangerous contents of his research. After his death, he left clues for Violet as another form of protection for his life's work. He was able to do this by writing in a way that while anyone could read his research, Violet would be the only one to understand it. In the first journal Dane retrieved from the commanding general of Buzguys quarters, there was the note that we talked extensively about this episode, detailing what he was working on and where to go next. It mentioned, quote, the connection between the uprising and the pursuit of Feather Tales, along with advice on where to, quote, seek the weapon to defeat those you've only learned about through lore. So at this point in our story, we have a lot of puzzle pieces to Papa Sorrengail's research. But as far as I understand, at least at this point, we don't have the full picture of why it is so dangerous and secret secretive. Yet we still don't know exactly the real connection between the uprising and the pursuit of Feather Tales and how this weapon to defeat the Venin come into the picture. Let's wrap up this archive segment with a high level of what we know about his research on the second Correvolent uprising and what some more of those puzzle pieces to the unknown. Bigger picture are rumors in academic circles had spread that Corden supplied troops and weapons for the second Krevlin uprising. But research led Asher Soreness Gale to Devarelli, where he realized they may not have been the source of the arms, but perhaps the broker and an outside aisle supported the second Crovlin Uprising, which then led Asher to the connection with Feather Tales in which Devarelli brokered a deal with Krovla and an unnamed Isle that the Isle would provide the army for the second Crovlin uprising and Krovla would provide dragons. However, the midnight massacre happened on December 13, 433 after Crov Crowla failed to provide Feathertail dragons to an unnamed Isle in exchange for an army. This isle used Devarelli as a broker, thus staying anonymous. We still don't know which aisle is this unnamed isle to this day. The Isles want dragon eggs. Violet learned that during the second Crowland Uprising. They weren't hunting for Feather Tales because of their gifts, but because they thought they were malleable. And now we are left with the mysteries of Number one Records of the second Krevlin Uprising were ripped out of General Cadeo's journal. What was this missing information that couldn't be known. 2. The only book about Feather Tales is missing from the archives. Number three Papa Sorrengail mentions the weapon to defeat the Venin and that connection between the uprising and the pursuit of Feather Tales are both alarming and enlightening. What we learned from Violet so far might be alarming and enlightening for the writers, but for me it's not quite enough yet. And number four, Daddy Atos and Verish wanted Papa Sorrengail's research and were extra interested in Feather Tales. Though we do know from Rebecca that Veris wasn't Venon. She debunked that theory for us. I honestly feel like we're barely scratching the surface of all this and that there are still so many unknowns. So I can't wait to keep deep diving and pulling out every morsel of Papa Sor and Gail's research. Ah, it feels so good to finally do an archives on him and his research, even though there's still so many questions and mysteries around it.

[Nicole]

Now it is time to close out this episode three with Taking Flight with our favorite moments Dane saying Professor Ryerson in a not exactly respectful way. It's like just when Dane thought he got rid of this fucker, he comes back as a professor. Oh my God. Insulting GF Triple D and doing research to see if it's in the code of conduct or not. Amazing. It is also mentioned that Caroline Ashton has minions and suddenly all I can picture is her as Karen from Mean Girls because she's not crafty enough to be Regina.

[Lexi]

When Violet says that Zaden didn't kill Verish, she did own that kill girl. And then I love how Dain's like no no no, I killed him.

[Nicole]

Dane Zaden saying quote don't worry and Dane don't belong in the same sentence. That is such a good Zayden line.

[Lexi]

Also on the subject of Dane, I don't know why I love the line how he looks at his dad like quote the man has abandoned his dragon to die on the battlefield. That says so much in this culture where a writer without their dragon is dead. Oh, and I guess it could also be major foreshadowing for Daddy Atos being venon where he doesn't Need a dragon.

[Nicole]

Speaking of Dain, Dain in Shantara is striking out with a second year healer. Oh, Dane, stick to lines like eyes here. This is something that will always warm my heart. Violet has been reading with Indarna as a backrest. Oh, my God. I just love lines like these because it really helps solidify their closeness and then really twist the knife when Indarna leaves. I'm not ready to cover that yet. The love triangle strikes again. Re notices that Avalon, Kai and Baylor, the first years who there's an assumed love triangle with, are sitting as far apart as possible. I selfishly want the team here. Like, that just sounds fascinating.

[Lexi]

And we can't cover the stretch of chapters without including the iconic Riddick lines. Oh, gods, just stop flirting and fuck already. And then when Violet tells him to keep the inside voices inside when he says he'd enjoy Garrick blowing him off the mat, like, I love it. I love it so much. And lastly, as much as we hate Halden, in case you picked up on that this episode, I do love the way his character is introduced and and how he is all of our evil ex boyfriends rolled up into one. Bravo, Rebecca. You gave us a good therapy session today with this episode.

[Nicole]

Oh my God.

[Lexi]

Oh, friends, that is it for today's episode three. Thank you so much for listening as we continue our Onyx Storm deep dive.

[Nicole]

We will see you again next Monday, episode four, where we will be covering chapters 19 through 22. It is time to go to Corden, Anka and C. Holden in a basket.

[Lexi]

And for Grady to die. Yeah. And Aura. Yay.

[Nicole]

The next book series we will be covering after Onyx Storm is the Kindred's Curse saga by Pen Cole, starting with book one, Spark of the Everflame in April 2025. Link to get this book are in the show notes.

[Lexi]

We'd love to give the biggest warm welcome welcome, welcome to our newest Iron Squad members.

[Nicole]

Thank you so much for joining. Jen H Leah M. Morgan J Saja A Brittany R Jen I Lauren B Kaylin L Anaki L Rachel A Jasmine Jolie M Ellie T Michelle Jo G Heaven K Irina S. Carson Angela F Tara P Amber Marissa katrinelease G Renee S Elizabeth E Mandy G Sarah Kathy.

[Lexi]

B Tabitha W Diana L Andrea G Renee Gina C Jen L Helena K Lori G Chalice Nicole W Lindsey Scarlett B Juliana L Kelly B Angela A Allie A Melissa B Sarah W Ariana Roseanne C Kaha Amanda N Alonda H Leah G Christy M Camille M Kara S Jen L Bethany D Ariel G Wendy W Jason A Summer S Emily J Francisca C Gigi Q Jennifer S.

[Nicole]

Tara E Kelly R Stephanie L Kat B Cass C Mariah A Mira B Sonia Erica L Elizabeth L Kelly E. Betsy B Cleo W. Nay Alexia T Courtney L and last but not least, inside joke. I love her name. Welcome, welcome, welcome you all.

[Lexi]

Thank you so so much. We truly cannot express our gratitude enough. We appreciate each and every one of you for supporting the show, for being part of this community, and for being on this journey with Nicole and I as we do this Onyx Storm deep dive. And if you're like, hey, I want my name shouted out on the podcast and to be showered with all the love and affection too, join our fan club at fan club fantasy fangirls.com fan club. The link is also in the show notes.

[Nicole]

Thank you as always to our resident scribe, Curator AKA our Content researcher Brooke and our Executive producer AKA our sanity manager Hayden. Rest up buddy. You're doing a lot of sanity managing this weekend.

[Lexi]

If you're not following us on Tick Tock or Instagram, what are you doing? Give us a follow@Fantasy Fangirlspod. We are so active on social media and we are posting lots of extra, extra Onyx Storm content. And also be sure to hit that subscribe button on YouTube if you have not already.

[Nicole]

Please take 5 seconds and rate and review the show. It takes literally 5 max seconds to hit that 5 star button on whatever platform you're listening on. If you want to go above and beyond, you can also write a little love note in the review section, specifically on Apple podcasts. And last but not least, if your friend just got broken up with by a Halden and they need a little bit of extra ex boyfriend cathartic anger, this is a great episode. Descend to them or any of your fellow Onyx Storm friends.

[Lexi]

Thank you all so much. We will see you next week. Bye bye.

[Nicole]

Gluten free bread.

[Lexi]

Damn it. Okay, I need it. He wasn't they offered to inflate.

[Nicole]

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