| Name | Xaden Riorson |
|---|---|
| Age | 22 years (Fourth Wing), 23 years (Iron Flame), 24 years (Onyx Storm) |
| Species | Human (Rider) → Venin (post-Iron Flame) |
| Status | Alive |
| Quadrant | Riders Quadrant, Basgiath War College |
| Rank/Title | Wingleader, Fourth Wing → Lieutenant at Samara → Duke of Tyrrendor |
| Signet | Shadow Wielding, Inntinnsic |
| Eye Color | Gold-flecked onyx (amber-flecked onyx when Venin) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Dragon Bonds | Sgaeyl (Navy Daggertail dragon) |
| Family | Fen Riorson (father) †, Talia Riorson (mother) |
| Love Interests | Catriona “Cat” Cordella (ex-betrothed), Violet Sorrengail (wife/partner) |
| Appears in | Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023), Onyx Storm (2025) |
Contents
Biography
Xaden Riorson is one of the central characters in The Empyrean series, introduced in Fourth Wing. The only son of Fen Riorson — the leader of the failed Tyrrendor Rebellion — Xaden carries the stigma of being a marked child, forced into the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College under constant scrutiny. Despite this, he quickly proves himself, rising to the rank of Wingleader of Fourth Wing’s Section One.
Bonded to the powerful navy daggertail dragon Sgaeyl, Xaden wields the rare ability to manipulate shadows. Over time, it is revealed that he possesses a second signet as well: Inntinnsic, the ability to read intentions. A secret he guards closely for his survival.
Xaden’s relationship with Violet Sorrengail begins as a wary alliance but grows into deep trust and love, further tied by the bond between Sgaeyl and Tairneanach. After his graduation, he is stationed at Samara but continues to fight alongside Violet against the growing Venin threat. In Iron Flame, he reveals his hidden power, and in the climactic battle, sacrifices his humanity by turning Venin to protect Violet.
By Onyx Storm, Xaden’s struggle with his Venin nature, his responsibilities as Duke of Tyrrendor, and his love for Violet place him at the heart of the conflict, cementing his role as one of the most complex and pivotal figures in the series.
Physical Description
Body & Build
- Tall and muscular, a little over 6′4″.
- Broad shoulders, strong chest, heavily built arms.
Hair
- Jet-black; usually slightly tousled.
Eyes & Skin
- Eyes: gold-flecked onyx; later shift to amber-flecked onyx after becoming Venin.
- Skin: tawny-brown.
Clothing & Gear
- Black rider leathers and flight jackets with wing/year/rank insignias.
- In summer, short-sleeved shirts beneath the jacket.
Powers
Lesser Magic
Like all bonded riders, Xaden can channel lesser magic through Sgaeyl. This allows him to manipulate mage lights, move with preternatural speed, and interact with objects such as doors or runes without physical contact.
Signets
Shadow Wielding: Xaden’s primary signet is Shadow Wielding, gained through his bond with Sgaeyl. With it, he can summon and control shadows, using them for concealment, intimidation, and offense.
Inntinnsic: His secondary signet, Inntinnsic, is a rare and forbidden gift tied to Sgaeyl’s prior bond with another Riorson. This ability enables him to read the intentions of others, a power so potent that he is compelled to keep it secret.
Abilities
Languages
Xaden speaks Tyrrish fluently and can read Old Lucerish. He also understands several other common tongues spoken across Navarre and Tyrrendor.
Tactician
A highly skilled battlefield strategist, Xaden is known for leading riders in coordinated maneuvers and making decisive calls under pressure. He balances logic with instinct, commanding the loyalty of those he leads. Before his graduation, he served as Wingleader of Fourth Wing.
Weapons
Xaden is a skilled swordsman and dagger fighter, proficient with the full range of rider combat gear. In battle, he often combines traditional weaponry with his shadows, using them as an extension of his arsenal.
Relationships
| Violet Sorrengail | Violet Sorrengail is Xaden’s most significant and enduring relationship. Their bond begins in mutual distrust but gradually deepens through shared battles, honesty, and the connection between their dragons, Sgaeyl and Tairneanach. Despite secrecy, obstacles, and the constant danger of war, their relationship evolves into marriage, with Violet becoming Duchess of Tyrrendor. |
|---|---|
| Catriona “Cat” Cordella | Xaden was formerly betrothed to Catriona “Cat” Cordella as part of Tyrrendor’s political alliances. Though their relationship ended, Cat continues to play a role in his life, which later creates tension with Violet during the events of Iron Flame. |
| Garrick Tavis | Garrick has been Xaden’s closest friend since childhood, their bond forged long before Basgiath. The two grew up spending summers together at Riorson House and remained inseparable after the rebellion. Deep trust defines their relationship, with Garrick standing as Xaden’s equal in battle and one of the few people he fully relies on. |
| Imogen Cardulo | Imogen and Xaden share a friendship built on loyalty and mutual respect. Having trained together since Basgiath, she became one of his most trusted allies. Xaden relies on her for both strategy and honesty, often entrusting her with secret missions and leadership of the marked ones after his graduation. |
| Bodhi Durran | Bodhi is Xaden’s cousin and one of his closest confidants. Loyal and level-headed, Bodhi often tempers Xaden’s intensity with reason. Their bond is tested in Onyx Storm as Xaden struggles to keep Bodhi safe, viewing him as both family and his potential heir to Tyrrendor. |
| Liam Mairi | Xaden and Liam grew up together after being fostered by Duke Lindell in Tirvainne. Their relationship was that of brothers, marked by trust and mutual loyalty. Liam’s death at Resson deeply scars Xaden, whose grief and guilt continue to shape his actions long after. |
Dragon
Sgaeyl
Sgaeyl is a navy-blue Daggertail and one of the most powerful dragons in the Vale. Fiercely intelligent and unflinchingly blunt, she is known for her sharp tongue, commanding presence, and unwavering loyalty.
She bonded with Xaden Riorson during Threshing, though she had previously been bonded to Xaden’s grandfather. This rare circumstance allowed Xaden to develop a second signet. Sgaeyl is mated to Tairneanach, the dragon of Violet Sorrengail, which creates a profound tie between their riders. Her bond with Xaden is marked on his body by a sweeping black dragon relic that stretches across his back, from his waist up over his shoulders.
