The only plausible character to die in OS

Listen, I know that predicting who is dying in the next book is a super touchy, highly debated, and emotional topic. I know we are all scared, and I hope you have all bought a big supply of tissues in preparation for Onyx Storm.

From what I've seen, most believe that either Ridoc, Rhiannon, Mira, or Brennen will die in OS. Definitely someone from Violet's close family or friends.

I don't think this. Mainly because we've already seen Violet lose both a friend (Liam) and a relative (Lilith). I don't think all four of the names I mentioned will make it out alive, but the middle chapter of a book typically represents the lowest point for the main character. It’s the point where they are beaten so badly that you wonder if they'll ever recover from it. And there's only one death that would make sense at this point while simultaneously driving the story for books four and five forward: Tairn.

I do think many of us think that Tairn will die at some point in this story, but he's not on most people's radar for OS because they believe that book three is too soon for him to die. But let me bring up some points on why IF he dies in the series it will be in OS and not later:

Tairn is the typical mentor character for not just Violet but also Andarna. Violet relies so much on Tairn's experience, especially on the battlefield. I think in order for both Violet and Andarna to fully step into their power and position, Tairn must die. Violet will never fully earn being the strongest rider of her generation while relying in Tairn. Because of this, Tairn must die so Violet and Andarna can become the strongest pair.

Tairn's death will absolutely shatter Violet, perhaps even literally rip her soul in half. We've never seen a rider survive a dragon's death, and for Violet, it's only possible due to her bond with Andarna. I think the aftermath of Tairn's death will be so significant that it cannot happen at the end of book four or five. Violet will probably be deeply depressed, and it will take a long time for her to fully "recover" and be functional again.

Andarna will insist on stepping into Tairn's footsteps and demand that Violet ride her, even though there is a problem with her wing. This will also lead to the plot starting to deal with Andarna's wing issue.

In addition, Violet being an inexperienced second-year rider and Andarna being a moody adolescent with wing problems will cause extreme problems on the battlefield. I think they will butt heads significantly during their first few fights without Tairn, which may cause a lot of commotion and possibly result in losing some minor battles.

The aftermath of Tairn's death is just too big for it to happen later than book three. I think Tairn will die at the end of OS. Book four will deal with Violet's depression and her attempts to work things out with Andarna.

The arc for Violet and Andarna to become what they need to be is too large; I just can't see this happening in book five. By then, when the biggest battles are likely to take place, Violet and Andarna must already be a well-working team.

Here are some more (not-so-fun) facts that hint at it: - RY said we'll hate her after OS even more than after Liams death and Xaden turning Venin. - FW/IF have constant reminders that Tairn is oldish / the second strongest dragon. - FW/IF constantly connecting death and tairn (talking about naolin, violet being his last rider, etc.) - The first sneak peek of OS features Tairn talking about how a mission might kill them (typical RY foreshadowing?). - In the sneak peek, he is most likely talking to Violet about Andarna, being their mentor again. Maybe for the last time? - RY revealed that originally Violet was supposed to only bond with Tairn, not Andarna. This makes me think the original plan was for Andarna to bond with Violet during Tairn's death in order for Violet to survive.

What speaks against this: Violet will die if Tairn dies — no she won't due to being bonded to Andarna.

Sygale & Xaden dying — I'm 99% sure there is a loophole here. It’s repeated so often that there is nothing stronger than a mating bond between two dragons, which leads me to believe there is. My Theory: I think Sygale will be pregnant/has a hatchling, and her bond to that baby is stronger than her bond with Tairn. This would cause her not to die but suffer greatly, which is another reason why Xaden & Sygale can't lead battles; thus, Andarna and Violet must do it.

Andarna will die - many think andarna waited to long to hatch because she will sacrifice herself at the end. I also See this as a possibily, but right now there is not much to go off of.

Anyway, i hope i'm wrong and that book 5 ends with Tairn, Violet, Andarna, Xaden and Sygale all happily living ever after in Aretia!