Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros - Full Audiobook

Caught in the Storm: A Deadly Patrol Above Basayev

In Caught in the Storm: A Deadly Patrol Above Basayev, readers are thrust into the heart of a perilous dragon patrol two weeks after the previous events. The chapter opens mid-flight during a brutal January snowstorm over the mountain ranges near Basayev. The protagonist, enduring freezing temperatures, dense fog, and stinging snow, struggles to maintain control and visibility while riding atop their bonded dragon, Taryn. The storm is relentless, and the air is thick with the weight of unspoken danger and grief. Flying in such conditions is treacherous, but the mission—to search for dark wielders—cannot be postponed, not even by deadly weather.

While gripping the saddle and trying to stay focused, the protagonist connects mentally with fellow riders Taryn and Anjana. The bond shared between them provides critical communication in the blizzard, though not without tension. Anjana, protected in the Vale, voices concern over the risks of flying in the storm. Taryn, always blunt, reminds her—and all of them—that they are hunting dark wielders, not out for recreation.

Dark wielders, despite weakened powers within the protective wards, remain lethal. Their surprise attacks have already cost the lives of cadets from First Wing, Third Wing, and the protagonist’s own section. The danger they pose is real and constant. The threat of encountering these enemies in near-zero visibility only adds to the anxiety.

Meanwhile, on the political front, the King's Council has delayed summoning the protagonist due to ongoing peace negotiations. Perumal, a significant political faction, threatens to walk away after the seventh day if no resolution is reached. The weight of diplomacy hangs in the background, threatening to collapse just as dangerously as the storm.

Tension between characters continues in sharp exchanges. Taryn lectures about magic conservation—vital for keeping extremities warm in flight—while Anjana retorts with sarcasm, mocking his ego. Despite the friction, they remain committed to their mission. The protagonist, burdened by personal grief—particularly the loss of their mother—pushes through mental anguish by focusing on survival and duty. Grief, always looming, is something they vow to face later. Survival comes first.

Suddenly, a sharp dive begins as Taryn plunges downward through the storm to a lower altitude. The drop improves visibility, revealing the rocky ridgeline above the flight field. But the moment of calm is shattered when a terrifying threat emerges: Abrams, a massive wind dragon, drops from the clouds directly above them, nearly colliding mid-air. Taryn instinctively rolls left, spiraling out of the path, snapping his wings open at the last second to avoid impact.

Chunks of ice fall from Taryn’s wings as he stabilizes. The chaos triggers a mental flare through their bond, as emotions—fear, anger, panic—surge. Taryn immediately retaliates by charging toward Riddick’s dragon, Atrium. Though the near miss was clearly accidental, Taryn bites dangerously close to Atrium’s head. The smaller dragon submits by baring his throat, signaling a desire to avoid conflict. Riddick, clearly frustrated, gestures through the storm, but it’s unclear if he sees the protagonist's shrug of apology.

Tension between dragons and riders is palpable. The protagonist’s mental bond with Zaden remains dimmed—he refuses to reopen it, still haunted by what he might become if he does. The lack of connection is painful, a constant reminder of the emotional toll this war exacts. Taryn insists his aggressive reaction was justified, blaming Atrium for carelessness. The protagonist disagrees, arguing that dragons, especially experienced ones, should know better than to close off from their riders during disagreements.

As they descend to the flight field, the once pristine snow has been churned into slush and mud by constant patrols. The scene is chaotic but familiar. Patrols continue relentlessly, and the battle against the dark wielders presses on without reprieve.

The landing is rough. Taryn’s claws slam into the ground with force, sending tremors through the protagonist's body. Pain shoots up their spine, but like so many other wounds—physical or emotional—they breathe through it and move forward. Sarcastically, they comment on the graceless landing and pull their goggles off, ending the patrol with a grim sense of normalcy.

This chapter showcases the brutal realities of war training at Basayev, highlighting the ever-present danger, political tension, and emotional strain on dragon riders. Through storms both literal and metaphorical, the protagonist and their allies navigate loss, mistrust, and the constant threat of death, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the dark wielders that haunt their skies.

Caught Between Loyalty and Survival: A Strained Alliance Faces New Trials

In a world suspended between ice-laced dragon wings and the fragility of broken alliances, the chapter opens mid-tension: the protagonist grapples with the brutal cold, the pain of war wounds, and the emotional fatigue of strained relationships. Mounted on her dragon, Taryn, she confronts the unforgiving terrain and the equally unforgiving doubts that plague her fractured team. The scene is vividly set as she attempts to dismount from the saddle—poorly stitched after battle damage and a source of both physical and symbolic tension. A snapped buckle underscores the reality that mending the external isn't always enough to repair what's broken within.

Taryn, her dragon and mate, is more than a mount—he is a sentient being entwined with her emotions, carrying heavy truths no one dares to say aloud. As they converse telepathically, the tone shifts from bitter sarcasm to a heavier discussion on trust, power, and redemption. She resists his argument about the corruption of another character—presumably Zayden—who Taryn claims has been overtaken by dangerous magic. Their bond is complicated, woven with affection, obligation, and the shared trauma of battle. While Taryn’s loyalty to her remains steadfast, his skepticism about the redemptive arc she envisions for others remains immovable.

Still, his loyalty provides a breath of relief. When she pleads for his support in the coming meeting—likely one with high stakes political or military implications—he confirms it in his own fiery way, quite literally. The moment Taryn breathes flames to warm his wings, melting ice and igniting the cold air, it's a metaphorical act of solidarity amid the frost of doubt and opposition.

Upon reaching the rendezvous point, we meet Quinn and Riddick, her comrades-in-arms. The weariness is shared. Despite their resilience, their words convey the heavy toll the conflict has taken. From icy patrols to tensions between allied factions, the story unfolds a war not just of armies, but ideologies and survival. The Wyvern Burn Pit remains a ghostly reminder of destruction, and the group’s strained camaraderie plays out through banter laced with resignation and sarcasm.

The most revealing conversation comes when Riddick confides in her that he wants to return to Arabia to launch a search for the elusive seventh breed of dragon. It’s more than homesickness—it’s a plea for purpose amid the uncertainty. Quinn and the protagonist acknowledge the sentiment. Their faction, once crucial to the effort, is now seen as deserters in the eyes of their former allies. Tensions between Varian and Iranian dragon riders, which once held the promise of unity, have crumbled under the weight of suspicion and grief.

Zayden’s continued presence looms large. Though his fate isn’t fully detailed here, it’s clear he’s a figure of great power and contention. Protected by Navarro’s decree, he’s simultaneously shielded and isolated, a potential threat or savior depending on who you ask. Turn’s fiery gesture—another burst into the sky—marks a clear division between those still willing to fight for unity and those prepared to turn away.

Back at the stronghold, the protagonist enters a courtyard defined by dormitory wings, snow-dusted rooftops, and academic halls—remnants of a life now overtaken by war. The fire of Malik, the god of death, burns in a distant turret, consuming the belongings of the dead. It’s a quiet nod to both grief and tradition, and the protagonist confesses her own disobedience in keeping her mother’s journals, highlighting the emotional weight of memory in times of loss.

Inside, things are no more welcoming. Ewan, a sour wing leader, greets their return with biting sarcasm, revealing the fractured state of command and the ongoing disdain for her group’s prior decision to walk away. Ora, another figure of authority, barely conceals her contempt, further isolating the protagonist’s team despite their continued contributions to the cause.

The political unrest is mirrored in subtle personal moments. Quinn and the protagonist lament the communication failures between leadership and rank-and-file fighters. Mira, working on a diplomatic solution behind the scenes, is mentioned with cautious hope. Her return may signal a turning point, though the weight of possible betrayal still lingers in every breath.

The chapter ends with a sharp exchange between the protagonist and Imogen, a comrade who seems frustrated by the lack of transparency. Imogen accuses her of revealing Mira’s plans to a second-year—a sign of growing distrust within even the tightest bonds. As the protagonist steels herself for what lies ahead, a mantra steadies her: every possible path. It's both a promise and a warning, reflecting the crossroads at which they all now stand.

This emotionally charged and narratively rich excerpt weaves themes of loyalty, doubt, and resilience into a gripping continuation of a saga where dragons are just as complicated as the humans who ride them. As war-torn riders try to forge peace while haunted by the ghosts of their past choices, one thing becomes clear: survival isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about remembering what you’re fighting for.

The Calm Before the Storm: Secrets, Loyalties, and a Deadly Infiltration at Basgiath War College

In this intense and emotionally charged sequence set at Basgiath War College, alliances are tested, secrets swirl beneath the surface, and a chilling threat begins to emerge from within. The story picks up with a tense exchange between the central characters, involving a covert plan with dangerously high stakes. When the possibility of being caught surfaces, the risk is clear: for riders, it's treason—if the enemy Flyers are discovered, it means war.

Re's frustration over a frozen door interrupts the group's hushed discussion, adding a touch of chaotic camaraderie. Riddick’s antics and Imogen's weariness signal the stress and pressure that plague the squad, while decisions must be made in shadows. Imogen voices a harsh truth: pulling off their mission without getting executed will be nothing short of miraculous.

Amid the danger, deep loyalty and shifting dynamics come to light. A significant conversation unfolds as one character insists she’ll carry out their plan alone if necessary. Imogen's trademark resilience surfaces, her words sharp with quiet determination. The focus is saving Zayden—at any cost.

However, personal relationships complicate the mission. Imogen reveals that Garrick and Bodie have decided it’s time to reassess sleeping arrangements due to concerns over Ryerson. This sparks a defensive reaction; despite the concern, there is firm trust in Ryerson’s control, even during his darker moments. It's a moment that underscores the unshakable bonds and deep conflicts that persist within the squad.

As the cadets navigate the abandoned academic halls and crowded commons, the atmosphere is thick with anxiety and uncertainty. Cadets, stripped of their structure and routines, hang onto aggression and fear. Passing through the dormitory, tensions rise further with icy glares from rival wings. It's clear that any semblance of unity is wearing thin.

Descending into the healer quadrant, a quieter, more solemn tone takes over. There, wounded cadets lie in recovery, a visual reminder of the war's cost. The protagonist discusses her clandestine mission with Imogen, revealing Zayden's awareness of the situation. Though he's kept in the dark for his own protection, his desire not to become a liability speaks volumes about the constant fear of betrayal and unintended consequences.

Inside the healer quadrant, the emotional gravity continues to deepen. Among the injured, Sawyer—who has lost a leg—becomes a symbol of resilience and vulnerability. Surrounded by fellow squad members, the mood is lightened slightly with teasing banter about squad table territory and Riddick's rebellious attitude. But beneath the laughter, the tension never fully leaves.

Sawyer’s injury is a poignant reminder of what's at stake, and his comment about being useless cuts deep. Yet his squad stands by him, affirming that he remains vital to the team. This tight-knit bond, despite individual losses, is a testament to their strength and camaraderie.

The calm is shattered by a gut-wrenching scream from within the infirmary. The squad, trained to face threats head-on, springs into action. Daggers are drawn as the protagonist steps out to investigate. What they find is chilling—a cadet collapses, gasping out a horrifying revelation. He bears the unmistakable gray handprint of the enemy and a message that sends shockwaves through the group: the enemy hasn't been found on patrol because they’re already inside Basgiath.

This revelation is a game-changer. Not only are they vulnerable, but the assumption of safety within their stronghold is now obliterated. The war has breached their walls, and the enemy lurks in places they thought were secure.

As fear takes hold, the squad must quickly shift from recovery to readiness. The implication is clear—no one is safe, and their mission to uncover and stop the enemy just became even more urgent. In this high-stakes environment where loyalty can be a liability and secrets can mean survival, the characters are forced to confront not only external enemies but internal doubts and past traumas.

From frozen doors and tense personal conversations to the horrifying reality of infiltration, this chapter of the story captures the emotional and physical toll of war. It portrays the personal sacrifices cadets must endure and the razor-thin line between trust and danger.

The blend of camaraderie, vulnerability, and suspense makes this episode a gripping entry in the Basgiath War College saga. With stakes higher than ever and enemies closing in, the cadets are pushed to their limits—forced to rely on each other, guard their secrets, and prepare for the battles still to come.