Counting Down to Freedom

Elowen, a rare lorafin fae, marks the days until her magical collar is removed and she is free from servitude. Living under the watchful eye of her guardian, Alleron, she is both prized and caged for her ability to contact the shadowy semelees in the Veiled Between. The kingdom of Faewood is abuzz with preparations for the Centennial Matches, a grand event drawing fae from all lands. Elowen's life is a careful balance of hope and resignation, her longing for family and freedom shadowed by the ever-present threat of her collar and the demands of those who own her. The day's promise is tinged with anxiety as she prepares for a series of callings that will test her strength and resolve.

The Veiled Between Beckons

Summoned to the palace, Elowen is forced to perform three callings in a single day—an unprecedented demand. Each calling requires her to enter the Veiled Between, a shadowy realm where the semelees dwell, to seek answers for powerful fae. The process is draining and dangerous, her collar both a leash and a lifeline, suppressing her magic but also preventing her from being lost in the darkness. The callings leave her physically and emotionally battered, and the side effects of the fae's magic—cold, nightmares, and pain—linger. Elowen's exhaustion is compounded by the knowledge that she is valued only for her power, not her personhood, and her hope for freedom feels more distant than ever.

Three Callings, Three Dangers

After the grueling callings, Elowen is escorted home by Alleron and his guards. The journey is interrupted by a violent ambush—arrows fly, guards fall, and chaos erupts. In the confusion, Elowen is snatched away by a masked figure: the infamous Dark Raider, a vigilante both feared and revered. The attack is swift and merciless, leaving Elowen's world upended. She is spirited away into the wild, her fate now in the hands of a stranger whose motives are as shadowy as the Veiled Between itself. The trauma of the attack and the loss of her protectors deepen her sense of isolation and vulnerability.

The Dark Raider Strikes

Elowen awakens in a strange camp, surrounded by masked fae—stag shifters from Stonewild, led by the enigmatic Jax, the Dark Raider himself. Jax reveals he needs her lorafin magic to find someone lost, but Elowen's collar prevents her from helping. Despite her fear, she quickly realizes that escape will not be easy; her captors are powerful, organized, and able to shift into swift, nearly unstoppable stags. The dynamic between Elowen and Jax is tense, a mix of threat and reluctant respect. As she plots her escape, she is forced to confront the limits of her own power and the reality of her captivity.

Stolen into the Wild

The stag shifters travel at impossible speed, carrying Elowen far from everything she knows. Jax's group is a brotherhood, each with their own quirks and loyalties, but all defer to their leader. Elowen's attempts to delay or escape are met with both cunning and compassion—Jax is not the monster she expected, but neither is he a savior. The journey is grueling, her body aching from the ride and the lingering effects of her callings. Yet, amidst the fear and exhaustion, a strange camaraderie begins to form, and Elowen glimpses the complexity beneath Jax's mask.

Stag Shifters' Secrets

As the days pass, Elowen learns more about her captors. The stag shifters are outlaws, but their crimes are not what the legends claim. Jax, in particular, is revealed to be a fae of rare power, wielding magic from multiple kingdoms—elemental, sensory, psychic, and shifter. His reputation as the Dark Raider is both truth and myth, a mask he wears to protect the vulnerable and punish the corrupt. Elowen's understanding of her own situation shifts; she is still a captive, but the lines between enemy and ally blur. The seeds of trust—and something deeper—are sown.

A Desperate Escape Attempt

Determined not to be a pawn, Elowen attempts to use her magic to escape, despite the collar's warnings. The effort nearly destroys her—her collar punishes her with searing pain, breaking bones and burning her nerves. The shifters are shocked by the violence of her reaction, and Jax is forced to halt their journey to let her recover. Elowen's act of defiance earns her a grudging respect, but also cements her role as both valuable and dangerous. The cost of her power—and her longing for autonomy—becomes painfully clear.

The Collar's Cruel Price

As Elowen heals, the group takes refuge in a small town. Jax's magic keeps her from calling for help, and her attempts to attract attention are thwarted. The collar's hold is unbreakable, and her dependence on her captors grows. Yet, in the quiet moments, Jax's true nature emerges—he is protective, even gentle, and his anger is reserved for those who abuse power. Elowen's feelings toward him become more complicated, a mix of resentment, gratitude, and reluctant attraction. The boundaries of her captivity are redrawn, but the threat of betrayal lingers.

Lemos: Captive in Disguise

In Lemos, the shifters use glamours to blend in, and Elowen is locked in a room to prevent her escape. She manages to send a magical message to her guardian, Alleron, hoping for rescue. The city is a maze of secrets, and Elowen's hope flickers as she waits for salvation. When Alleron finally arrives, he spirits her away, but the rescue is short-lived. The Dark Raider and his shifters ambush the party, revealing that the previous deaths were illusions. Elowen is recaptured, and the cycle of captivity begins anew, her trust in rescue shattered.

The Failed Rescue

The journey back to Alleron's estate is interrupted by another attack—this time, Jax and his shifters use their full power to subdue the guards and reclaim Elowen. The violence is swift and overwhelming, and Elowen is forced to confront the reality that her freedom is always just out of reach. Jax's motives become clearer: he needs both Elowen and her guardian to unlock her collar and access her magic. The lines between captor and protector blur further, and Elowen's sense of agency is eroded by the relentless machinations of those who seek to use her.

The Raider's True Nature

As they travel north, Elowen learns more about Jax's past and the reasons behind his quest. He is not the villain she feared, but a prince in disguise, fighting against the corruption of the noble houses. His need for Elowen's magic is personal—he seeks a lost half-breed, someone dear to him. The journey is fraught with danger, but also moments of vulnerability and connection. Elowen's feelings for Jax deepen, even as she fears the consequences of trusting him. The promise of freedom is dangled before her, but the cost is ever higher.

Betrayal and Broken Promises

In Stonewild, the group takes refuge in Jax's home. There, Jax uses his psychic magic to force Alleron to reveal the truth: Elowen's collar can never be removed, and Alleron never intended to free her. The revelation shatters Elowen's world—her entire life has been a lie, her hope for freedom a cruel joke. The betrayal is compounded by the discovery that Alleron murdered her mother to claim her as his own. Elowen's sense of self is obliterated, and she is left adrift, her trust in others—and herself—broken.

The Truth of the Collar

The aftermath of Alleron's confession leaves Elowen numb and hollow. Jax's vengeance is swift and brutal—he punishes Alleron and promises to protect Elowen, but the damage is done. The collar's permanence is a constant reminder of her enslavement, and the hope of ever knowing her true family is lost. Elowen's relationship with Jax becomes more complex, a tangle of gratitude, resentment, and longing. The promise of freedom is replaced by the reality of a new kind of captivity—one born of necessity, not malice, but captivity all the same.

The Dark Raider's Vengeance

When Lordling Neeble, a fae who once abused Elowen, attempts to abduct her, Jax and his shifters exact a savage revenge. The violence is cathartic, a brutal assertion of justice in a world where the powerful often go unpunished. Elowen witnesses the lengths to which Jax will go to protect those he cares for, and her feelings for him deepen. Yet, the cycle of violence and retribution is unending, and Elowen is forced to confront the reality that safety and freedom are not the same. The cost of justice is high, and the scars—physical and emotional—are lasting.

The Prince Revealed

In the capital of Stonewild, Jax's true identity is revealed—he is Prince Adarian, heir to the throne. The revelation is both a shock and a betrayal; Elowen realizes that her captivity is now a matter of state, not just personal need. The palace is a gilded cage, and the promise of freedom is further away than ever. Jax's power and position make escape nearly impossible, and Elowen's knowledge of his secrets makes her a liability. The stakes are raised, and the consequences of trust and betrayal become life and death.

The Final Calling

Jax finally asks Elowen to perform the calling he has sought all along—to find the lost half-breed. The process is harrowing, the side effects of Jax's magic nearly killing her. The semelees reveal that the half-breed is alive, but changed, and the mystery deepens. Elowen's sacrifice is immense, and Jax's gratitude is genuine, but the promise of freedom remains unfulfilled. The power dynamics between them shift once more, and Elowen is left to wonder if she will ever be more than a tool for others' ambitions.

The Price of Knowledge

Elowen's knowledge of Jax's true identity makes her a threat to the stability of the kingdom. Despite his promises, Jax cannot let her go—her freedom would endanger him and his allies. The realization is devastating; every hope Elowen has clung to is dashed. The bonds of trust and affection are strained to the breaking point, and Elowen is forced to confront the reality that her fate is not her own. The cost of knowledge is captivity, and the dream of autonomy is lost.

Caged in the Palace

Locked in a luxurious suite in the palace, Elowen is left to wait—days pass, and Jax does not return. The enchantments of the room are cold comfort, and the promise of freedom becomes a bitter memory. Elowen's attempts to escape are thwarted by the collar's cruel magic, and her injuries mount. The palace is both sanctuary and prison, and Elowen's sense of self erodes with each passing day. The hope that once sustained her is replaced by despair and resignation.

Hope, Escape, and Ruin

Driven by desperation, Elowen uses her magic to break free, enduring excruciating pain as the collar punishes her. She navigates the palace's labyrinthine halls, only to be caught and brought before Jax—now revealed as the prince. The truth of her situation is inescapable: she is too dangerous to be released, too valuable to be trusted, and too knowledgeable to be allowed her freedom. The cycle of captivity is complete, and Elowen's agency is stripped away once more.

The End of Freedom

In the aftermath of her failed escape, Elowen is confronted with the reality of her new life. Jax, torn between duty and desire, cannot let her go. The bonds of trust and affection are severed, replaced by resentment and sorrow. Elowen's journey from hope to despair is complete—her freedom is lost, her dreams shattered, and her heart broken. The story ends with Elowen once again a prisoner, her fate bound to the whims of those who hold power, and the promise of love and autonomy a distant, unreachable star.

Characters

Elowen

Elowen is a lorafin, a rare fae with the ability to contact the semelees in the Veiled Between. Marked by her magical collar, she is both a prized asset and a perpetual captive, her life defined by the demands of others. Raised by Guardian Alleron after being abandoned (or so she believes), Elowen's longing for family and autonomy is the core of her character. She is intelligent, compassionate, and resilient, but her trust is repeatedly betrayed. The trauma of her servitude, the violence she endures, and the revelations about her past shape her psychological landscape—she is both hopeful and haunted, her sense of self eroded by the knowledge that her freedom may never come. Her relationship with Jax is fraught with tension, desire, and the ever-present threat of betrayal.

Jax / Prince Adarian

Jax is the Dark Raider, a vigilante feared and revered across the kingdoms. A stag shifter with magic from all four kingdoms—elemental, sensory, psychic, and shifter—he is a force of nature, both protector and punisher. His true identity as Prince Adarian adds layers of complexity; he is bound by duty, haunted by loss, and driven by a need for justice. Jax's relationship with Elowen is a study in contrasts—he is her captor and her protector, her enemy and her ally. His psychological struggle is rooted in guilt, longing, and the impossibility of reconciling his desires with his responsibilities. The tension between his public mask and private self is the engine of his development, and his ultimate inability to grant Elowen freedom is both a personal and political tragedy.

Guardian Alleron

Alleron is Elowen's guardian, the only father she has ever known. Outwardly protective and nurturing, he is revealed to be manipulative, self-serving, and ultimately treacherous. His decision to make Elowen's collar irremovable, his lies about her past, and his murder of her mother are the ultimate betrayals. Alleron's psychological profile is that of a narcissist—he justifies his actions as necessary for Elowen's safety, but his true motivation is control and profit. His downfall is both a reckoning and a release for Elowen, but the scars of his betrayal linger.

Phillen

Phillen is one of Jax's closest allies, a stag shifter with a brawny build and a kind heart. He provides comic relief and emotional support, often acting as a buffer between Jax and the rest of the group. Phillen's loyalty is unwavering, but he is also pragmatic, reminding Jax of the risks and responsibilities of their actions. His presence grounds the group, and his friendship with Elowen is genuine and protective.

Bowan

Bowan is a shifter adept at glamours and illusions, often responsible for the group's disguises and magical subterfuge. He is quick-witted, resourceful, and unflappable, providing both magical and emotional support. Bowan's pragmatism is a counterpoint to Jax's intensity, and his ability to adapt is crucial to the group's survival. His interactions with Elowen are teasing but respectful, and he is instrumental in both her captivity and her comfort.

Trivan

Trivan is the group's blond shifter, known for his quick tongue and flirtatious nature. He is less serious than the others, often providing levity in tense situations. Trivan's restlessness masks a deep loyalty to Jax and the group, and his willingness to fight for their cause is unwavering. His relationship with Elowen is playful, but he respects her boundaries and supports her in moments of crisis.

Lars

Lars is the redheaded shifter, quiet and reserved but fiercely loyal. He is the group's anchor, providing stability and strength in moments of chaos. Lars's silence is not indifference but a reflection of his deep thoughtfulness and commitment. He is often the first to act in defense of the group, and his presence is a source of comfort for Elowen.

Lander

Lander is the group's monotone-voiced shifter, practical and unflappable. He is the voice of reason, often reminding the others of the risks and realities of their situation. Lander's reliability is a cornerstone of the group's dynamic, and his support for Jax is steadfast. He is less emotionally expressive than the others, but his loyalty is unquestioned.

Lordling Neeble

Neeble is a Faewood noble who once abused Elowen during a calling. His attempt to recapture her is met with brutal retribution from Jax and the shifters. Neeble embodies the corruption and cruelty of the noble class, using his power to exploit the vulnerable. His fate is a grim reminder of the dangers Elowen faces and the lengths to which Jax will go to protect her.

The Semelees

The semelees are the enigmatic beings of the Veiled Between, neither living nor dead, who answer the call of the lorafin. They are both guides and tempters, offering knowledge but also threatening to consume those who seek them. Their relationship with Elowen is fraught with danger and fascination, and their power is both a blessing and a curse. The semelees symbolize the allure and peril of forbidden knowledge, and their influence shapes the trajectory of Elowen's journey.

Plot Devices

The Magical Collar

The collar is both a literal and metaphorical shackle, suppressing Elowen's magic and marking her as property. It is the central plot device, driving the narrative tension between freedom and captivity. The collar's irremovability is a devastating twist, transforming hope into despair and forcing Elowen to confront the reality of her enslavement. Its presence shapes every relationship and decision, and its symbolism extends to themes of agency, trust, and betrayal.

The Veiled Between

The Veiled Between is the shadow realm where Elowen's true power lies. It is both a source of answers and a place of peril, threatening to consume those who enter unprepared. The semelees, its inhabitants, are both guides and predators, embodying the duality of forbidden knowledge. The Veiled Between is a narrative device for revelation, transformation, and the testing of Elowen's limits.

Shifting Allegiances

The story is driven by shifting loyalties and the ambiguity of trust. Jax is both enemy and ally, his motives opaque and his actions unpredictable. Alleron is both father and betrayer, his love a mask for control. The stag shifters are both outlaws and saviors, their crimes both real and imagined. These shifting allegiances create a constant tension, forcing Elowen—and the reader—to question the nature of power, love, and freedom.

The Promise of Freedom

The countdown to freedom is the story's emotional engine, driving Elowen's actions and shaping her relationships. The repeated betrayal of this hope—by Alleron, by Jax, by circumstance—transforms it from a source of strength to a tool of control. The promise of freedom is both carrot and stick, a narrative device that exposes the cruelty of false hope and the resilience of the human (or fae) spirit.

Masks and Identity

The use of masks—literal and figurative—is central to the story's structure. Jax's identity as the Dark Raider and as Prince Adarian is hidden and revealed in turn, shaping the plot's twists and the characters' relationships. Glamours, disguises, and secrets abound, creating a world where nothing is as it seems and trust is always provisional. The tension between appearance and reality is a constant undercurrent, driving both suspense and character development.

Analysis

Kingdom of Faewood is a masterful exploration of captivity, power, and the longing for autonomy, set against a lushly imagined fae world. At its heart, the novel interrogates the nature of freedom—what it means, who grants it, and what it costs. Elowen's journey is both external and internal: she battles not only the literal chains of her collar and the machinations of those who would use her, but also the psychological scars of betrayal and the erosion of hope. The story's slow-burn romance is a study in trust and vulnerability, complicated by the ever-present threat of power imbalances and hidden motives. Jax, as both captor and protector, embodies the ambiguity of authority—his love is real, but it cannot overcome the structures that bind them both. The novel's use of plot devices—magical collars, shadow realms, shifting allegiances—serves to heighten the emotional stakes and underscore the central theme: that true freedom is not merely the absence of chains, but the presence of agency, self-knowledge, and the courage to claim one's destiny. In a modern context, Kingdom of Faewood resonates as a parable of resilience in the face of systemic oppression, the dangers of misplaced trust, and the enduring power of hope—even, and especially, when it is betrayed.

Last updated: September 27, 2025