One of the most shocking and heartbreaking moments in Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm is when Andarna leaves Violet, and breaks their bond. Leothan, while disappointed in how Andarna was raised, extends the invitation for her to come live with the irid dragons and learn their ways. While Andarna hesitates, Violet can tell it’s something she wants to do and encourages her to go if that’s what she truly wants. This is the first time throughout the Empyrean Series novels that Violet gives Andarna agency over her own choices — which may have led to Andarna’s decision in the first place.

It’s obvious that both Violet and Tairn care for Andarna, but the two are almost too protective over her and have stifled her growth on multiple occasions. While exceptions can be made in Fourth Wing while Andarna was still a feathertail, her transition into adolescence in Iron Flame should have given her a greater amount of control. Because of Andarna’s rapid growth, her wings developed weakly, making it harder for her to fly for long amounts of time. But knowing that Violet had her own setbacks, Andarna’s differences shouldn’t have held her back in the Fourth Wing sequels.

Violet & Tairn Have Been Holding Andarna Back In The Empyrean Series

Andarna Wasn’t Given The Same Space To Grow

Considering Andarna is much younger than the other dragons, it’s understandable why Violet and Tairn are so protective. But in doing so, the two have failed to recognize Andarna’s need for independence throughout much of the Empyrean Series. Where Violet’s condition has often been treated as a means to make her stronger, Andarna’s youth and weaker wing muscles are the reason Violet and Tairn are wary of letting her test her limits. While they have let her fly alongside Tairn for short distances, the pair often keep her out of battle, no matter how hard Andarna begs to join.

One of the greatest parallels between Violet and Andarna is their ability to forge their own path with their unique qualities. But while Violet has been encouraged to become strong, Andarna hasn’t had much of a chance to prove herself — regardless of it being her actions that helped save Violet at both the end of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame; both using her time magic and irid nature to kill the venin and fire the wardstone. Andarna has already proven herself ready to join the fight, but Violet and Tairn just haven’t been ready to let her.

Andarna Had To Leave For Herself & Her Own Growth In Onyx Storm

Leothan’s Offer Gave Andarna What She’s Always Wanted

Over the course of three books, Andarna has been imploring Violet and Tairn to trust her instincts and allow her space to grow. And while both Violet and Tairn do get better at this to some degree throughout Onyx Storm‘s narrative, it’s clear from Andarna’s swift decision to depart with Leothan that she felt she had no other choice. Andarna has long been separated from the irids, the seventh breed of dragons, and knows very little about how they operate and the extent of her own abilities.

“Your instincts are excellent, but you need instruction. Break the connection and come with me.”

—Leothan, Onyx Storm

Leothan’s offer gives Andarna the opportunity to choose what she wants for herself, but to do so would require her leaving both Violet and Tairn and breaking their bond. While she’s clearly hesitant, in the end, Andarna chooses to leave to learn more about her powers and her kind. Her desire for self-improvement is evident in her decision, regardless of how hard it might have been. However, Andarna’s hasty return in Onyx Storm has readers questioning just how much she could have learned over a short amount of time, something Yarros will surely reveal in an Onyx Storm sequel.