Rebecca Yarros’ latest installment, Onyx Storm, introduces a plethora of antagonistic figures, notably the silver-haired venin Theophanie and to a certain extent, Halden. However, it’s Colonel Aetos, Dain’s father, who has quickly emerged as one of the most despised adversaries in the series. His villainous reputation solidifies by the conclusion of Fourth Wing, where he callously dispatches Violet, Xaden, and others into deadly situations beyond the wards. Although his role remains somewhat subdued in Iron Flame, Onyx Storm unravels the depths of his malevolence.
In this latest venture, Colonel Aetos takes a shocking step: he renounces his only son, Dain, while simultaneously using his position as the newly appointed General of Navarre to create formidable obstacles for Violet and her allies. The transformation of Aetos from the previous books to Onyx Storm has sparked speculation among fans, with many anticipating that he may be unveiled as a venin character. However, this potential twist may undermine the complexity of his character arc, leading to a narrative misstep by Yarros.
Colonel Aetos: A Villain Worthy of Genuine Evil
A Compelling Narrative Rooted in Humanity
As readers dive into Onyx Storm, speculation around Colonel Aetos being revealed as a venin intensifies. This assumption arises primarily from his harsh rejection of Dain and the absence of redeeming qualities in his character. However, such a predictable plot twist could detract from the narrative’s intrigue. A more impactful approach would see Aetos as a thoroughly flawed human, amplifying the tension and surprise of his villainous role.
Yarros has skillfully teased the infiltration of venin within Basgiath, as observed with the character Panchek in Onyx Storm. Although these entities clearly present a significant threat, the story can—and should—capitalize on human antagonists to drive conflict. Rather than designating every morally ambiguous character as venin, it would foster a richer narrative to explore the ramifications of potential venin corruption, particularly as seen through the lens of Colonel Aetos.
Aetos: The Human Villain
Humanity’s Dark Potential
Throughout the Empyrean Series, the narrative has prominently featured the venin as embodiments of evil. However, the storyline can be significantly more compelling if Aetos remains human, showcasing that malevolence exists within both human and supernatural realms. This approach delineates a spectrum of morality; characters like Xaden exemplify that not all venin are innately evil, while showcasing that humans can embody profound wickedness as well.
The retention of Colonel Aetos’ humanity fortifies the narrative by illustrating that the venin are not the only potential sources of corruption. His brutal actions serve as a testament to his character’s cruelty—a clear distinction between moral alignment and vile ambition. This complexity not only enriches the storyline but also guards against the predictability that can plague villainous tropes in subsequent installments of the series.
Dain’s Tragic Arc: The Human Element
Avoiding the “Villainous Excuse”Trope
The relationship between Dain and Colonel Aetos in Onyx Storm has starkly shifted from the connection they shared in Fourth Wing. Their bond, once close, deteriorates significantly as Dain embraces the revolution in Aretia. Aetos’ rejection of Dain at the outset of Onyx Storm casts a long shadow over their fragmented relationship. If this discord stems solely from Aetos becoming venin, it would feel like a narrative oversimplification, providing an unwarranted “excuse”for his malicious actions.
“Aetos’ head swivels toward Dain, and his mouth twists into a sneer. ‘I have no son.’
—Colonel Aetos, Onyx Storm
Conversely, if Aetos retains his humanity, it amplifies the tragedy of Dain’s journey. The complexity of a father-son relationship marred by inherent evil rather than supernatural influence adds emotional heft to their interactions. Dain’s path becomes even more poignant when one realizes that he has never truly grasped the extent of his father’s capacity for malevolence, an implication further magnified in future narratives.
Anticipating a Venin Revelation for Aetos
Despite my reservations about introducing another venin character, like Jack Barlowe, into the mix, indications throughout the series suggest a potential reveal for Colonel Aetos. Yarros has a knack for intricately planning story arcs well in advance, and Aetos’ story is no exception. His previous decisions, including sending Xaden, Violet, and their comrades into perilous confrontations, hint at a foreknowledge of the venin threat. Additionally, his actions in Iron Flame, involving attempts on Violet’s life, underscore a more sinister motive possibly tied to his own venin nature.
While Aetos may act out of spite, the multitude of clues pointing towards his potential venin status raises the specter of a revelation in the forthcoming installment of the Empyrean Series. It remains to be seen how this potential twist will unfold, but it certainly adds layers of anticipation for fans awaiting the next chapter.