While that declaration clearly refers to Garrick’s inability to leave Imogen to die, this moment also makes it clear that Imogen’s feelings for Garrick are returned, which is a confirmation we have been waiting for since Fourth Wing. If Garrick was Xaden’s new venin brother, it would mean breaking that vow to her and ruining that moment, which would be out of character for him as his central character trait is his loyalty. It would also mean that Onyx Storm completely destroyed any future progress for this romantic subplot, which has gotten such little attention in the first place.

Garrick Turning In Onyx Storm Would Dash Any Hopes Of A Romance With Imogen

Imogen & Garrick Would Have No Way Forward, Unlike Violet & Xaden

Garrick becoming a venin in Onyx Storm‘s ending would ruin any chances of his romance with Imogen being further developed, as they would have no way to contact each other. Again, Imogen and Garrick’s romance has had little time to shine in The Empyrean Series, with Onyx Storm having their biggest moments packed into a few small lines. Though Rebecca Yarros did use this book to further the set-up, little else was done for it, so putting that physical distance between Garrick and Imogen would be terrible for their romance.

Even though Garrick is a distance wielder, he would still be unable to communicate with Imogen due to the scrutiny of the venin, who would likely not fully trust him. Unlike Violet and Xaden, who can still communicate thanks to Violet’s second signet power, Imogen and Garrick would simply be forced apart, adding tension to a storyline that has not gotten the chance to properly earn it. Garrick’s absence at the end of Onyx Storm must then have another explanation, allowing this new connection with Imogen to grow even as everything falls apart around them.

Onyx Storm

Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic​.

Genre

Fantasy

Publisher

Entangled: Red Tower Books

Franchise

The Empyrean Series

ISBN#

1649374186

Author(s)

Rebecca Yarros