"I Would Consider Doing A Bonus Scene": I Now Need Rebecca Yarros To Expand On One Of Onyx Storm's Best Relationships

The release of Rebecca Yarros' Onyx Storm provided readers with strong character development, romantic tension, and plenty of comedic relief — but perhaps one of the best parts of the novel was getting to experience the narrative through several character POVs. In her previous novels, Yarros has only written from Violet's point of view, and on occasion has shared Xaden's in an end-of-book bonus chapter. However, Onyx Storm also explores Rhiannon and Imogen's perspectives, and it's highly possible this is a trend Yarros plans to continue in future Fourth Wing sequels.

Yarros has also been known to release bonus chapters in tandem with an updated book release, as she did with Xaden for Fourth Wing's paperback publication. But after an interview during Yarros' Onyx Storm book tour, it seems even more likely the author would consider revisiting past Fourth Wing storylines to provide readers with an all-new perspective. There are many characters I would love to see featured in greater detail, but the one character Yarros referred to during this interview with the Fantasy Fangirls Podcast, is by far the best choice.

Rebecca Yarros Said She'd Consider Writing A Ridoc & Aotrom Bonus Chapter

Reading Ridoc's Threshing Experience In Fourth Wing Would Be Amazing

Onyx Storm cover and two dragons against a colorful sky

I think I can confidently speak for most readers when I say that Ridoc and Aotrom's relationship is one of the best parts of Onyx Storm. While we never get to view the narrative from Ridoc's perspective, it's clear through their quippy dialogue and taunting nature that the two have an incredibly fun and wholesome relationship. And now that Ridoc's played a larger role in Onyx Storm, it's inevitable Yarros will include his POV in a future sequel. It also seems Yarros would even consider releasing a bonus chapter recounting Ridoc and Aotrom's threshing story.

The cover of Onyx Storm on a maroon and orange background

This Onyx Storm Ridoc Theory Would Explain So Much About The Squad's Crazy Plot Armor

Violet's squad has had ridiculous luck in The Empyrean Series, but Onyx Storm has potentially introduced the reason why with one theory about Ridoc.

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This was revealed during Yarros' interview with the Fantasy Fangirls Podcast on the last leg of her Onyx Storm book tour, and when the duo asked if Yarros could share Ridoc and Aotrom's threshing story, the author stated she "would consider doing a bonus scene." Without disclosing too much information, Yarros also hinted that their relationship was not love at first sight, and knowing how much the two characters love to prank one another, I can only imagine how chaotic their threshing story will turn out to be — but in the best way.

I'm Now Desperate To Know How Ridoc & Aotrom Met During Fourth Wing's Threshing

Their Threshing Story Is Likely As Unconventional As Their Relationship

If their one-sided bickering is anything to go by, their threshing story is bound to be equally hilarious and incredibly unconventional. Considering Aotrom was in attendance during Ridoc's squad's presentation after the gauntlet, Aotrom would have been privy to Ridoc's joking manner and comedic one-liners during his walk, which I think could potentially be what initially drew Aotrom to seek out Ridoc during threshing. However, Yarros indicates that it was not "love at first sight" for Aotrom and Ridoc, which makes me desperate to know what actually happened between the two pranksters and how they became bonded to one another.

Their relationship dynamics had me laughing out loud while reading.

Onyx Storm is the first time Yarros explores the dynamics between Ridoc and his dragon in any great detail, and their relationship dynamics had me laughing out loud while reading. During the "quest squad's" travels throughout the Isle Kingdoms, it is revealed that Ridoc and Aotrom have an ongoing pranking competition — one that had Ridoc dumping an entire bucket of itching powder between Aotrom's back scales, and in retaliation, Aotrom completely soaks Ridoc in ocean water. I suspect their threshing story may have founded their pranking behavior, and I can't wait to learn how it all started.

Ridoc & Aotrom Have One Of Onyx Storm's Best Dragon-Rider Dynamics

Their Pranking Shows How Similar The Two Characters Are

Fan art of Ridoc Gamlyn in Fourth Wing Iron Flame Onyx Storm by Miramirage Art

In Yarros' earlier Empyrean Series novels, readers do not experience many other dragon-rider relationships outside of Violet, Tairn, and Andarna. But Onyx Storm's narrative makes sure to expand upon this piece of the lore — featuring not only Ridoc and Aotrom — but Rhiannon and Fierge's sassy banter, and Imogen and Glane's kill-count competition. This element of the story helps readers grasp the many different dynamics between a rider and their dragon. However, Ridoc and Aotrom's bond is evident even without Yarros letting readers into Ridoc's POV, and therefore, their mind-to-mind dialogue.

"Not fair!" Ridoc wipes the drops from his eyes as Aotrom walks from the water up the beach and disappears into the woods. "I'm still winning. That doesn't count!" he calls after his dragon. A pause, and he yells, "Because we're on a mission!"
—Onyx Storm, Chapter 40

Instead, the duo's pranking serves as a window into their strong bond. During the quest squad's travels throughout the Isle Kingdoms, every dragon and their rider, aside from Violet, can't speak with their dragons. While this does affect Ridoc and Aotrom to an extent, it's obvious the two are so accustomed to one another's actions that they can easily anticipate the others' needs. Needless to say, I think Ridoc and Aotrom's dragon-rider bond is one of the best, and I hope we get to see more of their relationship in an Onyx Storm sequel or bonus chapter.