Romantasy
Dain & Sloane: The ‘Fourth Wing’ Romance Theory No One Saw Coming
We don’t know about you, but we’re still firmly nursing our Onyx Storm hangover. The world may have moved on, but we’re mentally still in Aretia, trying to remember a wedding we weren’t invited to, and speculating about Xaden’s new Venin “brother.”
There was a lot of character development and romantic upheaval in the latest installment in The Empyrean series—Cat and Trager (sob), Garrick and Imogen (need), Xaden and Violet (obviously). But the one duo we didn’t have on our Empyrean Bingo Card? Sloane Mairi and Dain Aetos.
Now, before you get your flight leathers in a twist, let us clarify: They are not a couple… yet.
At first glance, this theory feels like a reach. But zoom in—like, deep-dive TikTok conspiracy-board zoom—and suddenly there’s enough tension and symmetry to convince us a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers arc might just be brewing.
The setup: guilt, vengeance, and loyalty
Before Onyx Storm, Sloane and Dain are in very different places: Dain is drowning in guilt over betraying Violet, wrestling with a worldview that’s crumbling beneath him, and quietly teeing up a redemption arc. Sloane is raw with grief over her brother Liam’s death and fiercely loyal to her chosen family, including Violet.
They are polar opposites in values, energy, and emotional approach: Dain’s all guilt and control, while Sloane is chaos and vengeance. It’s giving… romantic friction. And then Onyx Storm drops some suspicious little moments that sent the fandom spiraling.
Why do people think Dain and Sloane will be a couple?
1. Redemption arcs need a witness
Dain’s redemption won’t hit unless someone actively challenges and reshapes him. Enter Sloane, who takes zero sh*t and would call out his every hesitation.
2. Forced proximity vibes
They’re both training with the revolution. That means time together. That means trust-building. That means sparring sessions and “shut up or kiss me” energy. We’re just saying.
3. Opposites attract
Sloane is fiery, impulsive, and fearless. Dain is reserved, brooding, and methodical. Classic enemies-to-lovers blueprint.
4. History repeats itself
A major theme of The Empyrean series is the concept of history repeating itself. Fans think Sloane and Dain are intended to be the new Violet and Xaden, especially as he crosses to the dark side. Sloane/Violet blames her senior Wingleader Dain/Xaden for her brother’s death…hmmm. Same age gap, same dynamics, same rebellion relic vs. child of government. The parallels are undeniable, even how Dain right off the bat changed Sloane to his wing, just like Xaden did to Violet.
5. Romantic balance in the narrative
If Violet and Xaden are the emotionally scarred, star-crossed lovers, Dain and Sloane could be the volatile, messy pairing that fights their way into something meaningful. Perhaps they’ll be intending to ease the gap until Xaden returns to the good side—he has to!
6. Power recognizes power
In romantasy, there’s often the concept of people of equal power finding one another. Dain has a super strong memory-reading signet, and Sloane seems to be this generation’s siphon. While these powers don’t exactly complement one another, they’re both destined to be powerful soldiers with them.
7. The Violet echo
Liam described Violet as being so similar to Sloane. Dain has been best friends with Violet for life, and briefly had romantic feelings, so perhaps he’ll find what he was looking for in Sloane.
8. Dain’s guilt draws him to her
He feels both guilt and responsibility toward Sloane, as he blames himself for what happened to her brother, Liam: “His death will always be on my head.” He’s already pushing her to train her signet, just like Xaden pushed Vi.
9. Rebecca isn’t shutting it down
In two separate interviews, Yarros acknowledged this fan theory—and didn’t squash it. In fact, she seemed delighted. Historically, she shuts down theories she hates. So…
10. “Eyes here”
Do we even need to elaborate? It was one line, but it felt like a moment. He gives her power. He trusts her. He centers her. Eyes here, indeed.
Why do people think Dain and Sloane won’t be a couple?
As with all theories, not everyone is in favor of this pairing. It’s giving the same backlash as people thinking Tamlin might be Elain’s mate—sorry to bring that up again! Here are the biggest issues with the Sloane and Dain romance theory.
1. Dain betrayed Violet.
We forgive, but we don’t forget. Dain was not great in Fourth Wing, and we want to protect our sweet baby Sloane, who has gone through enough.
2. Sloane’s chemistry with others
There are other ships (like Ridoc/Sloane) with actual interaction on the page. Fans worry that she would be the “second choice” for Dain after the Violet debacle.
3. The Liam situation
If we’re still crying about Liam, imagine being his sister. How does she get past Dain’s role in that?
4. The lack of proof
It’s all vibes, no receipts. We’re reading into like two words—”Eyes here”—not exactly poetry just yet.
5. Dain’s power
There’s something weird about Dain’s power. Another quote from the aforementioned scene is how Sloane is shocked by what she finds when siphoning from Dain: “Someone like you shouldn’t have this much power.” Does she still view him as unworthy of power? Is he somehow Venin? Is he hiding something? TELL US, REBECCA.
Not yet. But this is Rebecca Yarros. Slow-burn queen. Master of the sneak attack romance. And the idea of a disgraced golden boy and a feral warrior girl slowly falling into reluctant love while training for war? Yeah. It would eat.
Are you aboard the Sloane/Dain slow-burn train? Or are you praying our siphon queen finds her happily ever after somewhere else? Vote below and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
