Desperate Parents, Reluctant Hero

Rylee Adamson, a tough, emotionally scarred tracker with supernatural gifts, is approached by desperate parents whose daughter, India, has vanished. The police are out of leads, and the family's last hope is Rylee's rare ability to sense and find missing children. Despite her reluctance and the pain it stirs from her own past, Rylee agrees to help, driven by a personal code and haunted by the memory of her own sister's disappearance. The parents' hope is palpable, but Rylee's empathy is tempered by cynicism and the knowledge that not every child comes home. The case's eerie similarities to her sister's abduction set Rylee on edge, foreshadowing a journey that will force her to confront old wounds and new dangers.

Haunted by Sister's Loss

Rylee's own history is inextricably linked to her work. Years ago, her younger sister Berget was abducted under her watch, and Rylee was blamed, even by her adoptive parents. The guilt and unresolved grief drive her relentless pursuit of missing children, but also isolate her emotionally. The case of India, taken from the same park on the same date as Berget, reopens old scars. Rylee's interactions with law enforcement, especially the dogged FBI agent O'Shea, are fraught with suspicion and antagonism. O'Shea, convinced of Rylee's guilt in her sister's case, shadows her every move, creating a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic that complicates her investigation and stirs conflicting emotions.

Psychic Warnings and Old Wounds

Before diving into the search, Rylee visits her psychic mentor, Giselle, whose mind is fraying under the weight of her own abilities. Giselle's cryptic warnings hint at a coming convergence of obsession, death, and power, and suggest that Rylee's past will soon circle back into her present. The visit is both grounding and unsettling, as Giselle's deteriorating state reminds Rylee of the cost of supernatural gifts. Giselle's prophecy that a man from Rylee's past will become central to her future, and that another child seeks her, deepens the sense of fate and inevitability. The emotional weight of these warnings lingers as Rylee prepares for the dangerous road ahead.

Coven's Ultimatum, Friendship Fractures

Rylee's closest friend, Milly, a powerful witch, delivers devastating news: the Coven has demanded she sever ties with all non-witches, including Rylee and Giselle, in exchange for acceptance. The loss of Milly's support is a blow, both personally and professionally, as Milly has been Rylee's partner on many rescues. Their confrontation is raw, exposing the pain of abandonment and the sacrifices demanded by belonging. Milly's internal conflict is palpable, torn between her longing for community and loyalty to Rylee. The fracture in their friendship leaves Rylee more isolated, forced to rely on her own resilience and a shrinking circle of allies as she pursues India's trail.

Mentor in Peril, Tracker's Burden

With Milly gone and Giselle's health failing, Rylee is stretched thin. She must find a safe place for her mentor, whose psychic breakdown makes her vulnerable. Rylee's sense of duty extends beyond her cases; she feels responsible for those who have shaped her, even as her own needs go unmet. The logistics of caring for Giselle while tracking India highlight Rylee's resourcefulness and the emotional toll of her chosen path. Her unique abilities—immunity to magic, supernatural tracking—are both a gift and a curse, setting her apart from others and making her a target for those who would exploit or destroy her.

FBI Shadows and Hacker Allies

Rylee's investigation is complicated by the persistent surveillance of O'Shea and his partner, who suspect her of criminal activity. To outmaneuver them, Rylee enlists the help of Kyle, a teenage hacker with a knack for accessing restricted files. Their partnership is uneasy but effective, as Kyle's skills provide crucial information about India's disappearance and the involvement of a mysterious Arcane division within the FBI. The discovery that India's case is linked to a series of supernatural kidnappings raises the stakes, suggesting a larger conspiracy and a more dangerous adversary than Rylee anticipated.

Arcane Files, Dangerous Truths

With Kyle's help, Rylee hacks into the FBI's Arcane division files, uncovering evidence of a covert government operation tracking supernatural crimes. The files reveal a pattern of child abductions with no mundane explanation, implicating powerful magical factions. Rylee's proximity to the truth puts her and Kyle in immediate danger, as agents close in and she is forced to use her limited magical glamour to disguise stolen documents. The tension escalates as Rylee narrowly evades capture, but the knowledge she gains points her toward the true nature of the threat: a rogue Coven using children with special abilities for dark rituals.

Werewolf Companion, Unwelcome Visitors

Rylee's return to her motel is interrupted by Alex, a gentle, submissive werewolf who has fled his abusive pack to seek her protection. Alex's loyalty and innocence provide a rare source of comfort, but his presence also attracts danger, as the pack pursues him and supernatural enemies close in. Rylee's room is attacked, and she receives a chilling warning to abandon her search. The convergence of threats—werewolves, witches, and unknown assailants—underscores the peril of her mission and the necessity of trusting her instincts and unconventional allies.

Motel Attacks and Ominous Messages

The violence escalates as Rylee's motel room is ransacked and she is attacked by supernatural forces. Ominous messages appear, threatening death if she crosses the Veil in pursuit of India. Rylee's dreams are haunted by memories of Berget, blurring the line between past and present trauma. The attacks force Rylee to confront her vulnerability and the reality that her enemies are watching her every move. The emotional and physical toll mounts, but Rylee's determination hardens, fueled by guilt, anger, and the desperate hope of saving India where she once failed her sister.

Road to Roswell, Ogre Hospitality

With leads pointing south, Rylee and Alex travel to Roswell, seeking the help of Dox, a friendly ogre who runs a safe haven for supernatural beings. Dox's warmth and culinary skills offer a brief respite, but the visit is also a reminder of the diversity and complexity of the supernatural world. Rylee learns that the local shamans have vanished, replaced by a mysterious male shaman named Doran. The journey underscores the importance of community and the precariousness of alliances in a world where trust is rare and betrayal is common.

Shaman's Price, Vampire Bargain

Rylee's search for a way to cross the Veil and find India leads her to Doran, a shaman who is also a daywalking vampire. Doran demands a steep price for his help: a pint of Rylee's blood, coveted for its unique properties. The exchange is fraught with sexual tension, danger, and the ever-present threat of betrayal. Rylee's willingness to pay the price, despite her fear and past trauma with vampires, highlights her desperation and resolve. The information she gains—India is held in a deep mineshaft, accessible only through a perilous crossing—sets the stage for the final confrontation.

Blood for Answers, Race Home

Weakened by blood loss and stitched up by Dox, Rylee races home, knowing time is running out for India. The journey is marked by exhaustion, pain, and the constant threat of pursuit by both human and supernatural enemies. O'Shea, now a fugitive himself, joins forces with Rylee, their antagonism giving way to reluctant partnership and mutual respect. The urgency of the mission is heightened by the knowledge that India's life—and possibly her soul—hangs in the balance, and that the forces arrayed against them are growing more desperate and violent.

Home Invasion, Witchfire and Wolves

Rylee's return home is met with a coordinated assault by rogue witches and the werewolf pack. Her house is set ablaze, and she and Alex are trapped, forced to rely on Milly's last-minute intervention to escape. The attack exposes the depth of the conspiracy and the willingness of the Coven to use lethal force. O'Shea, caught in the crossfire, witnesses the supernatural firsthand, shattering his skepticism and binding his fate to Rylee's. The aftermath leaves Rylee's home in ruins, her circle of trust narrowed to a handful of allies, and the path forward more dangerous than ever.

Betrayal, Escape, and Reconciliation

In the wake of the attack, Rylee and Milly confront the pain of their fractured friendship. The threat of the rogue Coven and the pack's relentless pursuit force them to reconcile, recognizing that their bond is stronger than the politics that sought to divide them. Milly's insider knowledge becomes crucial, as she reveals the Coven's true motives and the scale of the threat. The reunion is bittersweet, marked by apologies, lingering hurt, and the shared determination to save India and confront the darkness together.

Pack Pursuit, Witch Politics

With the werewolf pack closing in and the Coven's restrictions hampering Milly's ability to help, Rylee, Alex, and O'Shea are forced into hiding. The tension between personal loyalty and magical law is palpable, as Milly risks her standing—and her life—to aid Rylee. The group's flight is marked by close calls, strategic retreats, and the constant fear of betrayal. The political machinations of the Coven are revealed to be as deadly as any supernatural threat, and Rylee must navigate a landscape where every ally is a potential liability.

Harpies and Unicorns Collide

The pursuit leads Rylee's group into a deadly confrontation with harpies, only to be saved by a herd of unicorns—creatures of mythic beauty and power. The battle is both brutal and awe-inspiring, a reminder of the wonder and terror of the supernatural world. The unicorns' leader offers Rylee cryptic encouragement, hinting at a larger destiny and the possibility of redemption. The encounter with the harpy Eve, whom Rylee frees from magical bondage, forges a new and unlikely alliance, expanding Rylee's circle of outcasts and survivors.

Descent into the Veil

Armed with new knowledge and allies, Rylee, O'Shea, and Alex descend into the mineshaft, crossing the Veil into a hidden supernatural stronghold. The journey is perilous, marked by booby traps, magical wards, and the ever-present threat of possession. The group's trust in each other is tested as they navigate the labyrinthine tunnels, confront their own fears, and prepare for a final showdown with the rogue Coven. The descent is both literal and metaphorical, a journey into the heart of darkness and the depths of Rylee's own guilt and determination.

Demonic Ritual, Child in Peril

At the heart of the Coven's lair, Rylee discovers India at the center of a demonic ritual, drugged and prepared for possession. The room is filled with black magic, and the Coven's members are prepared to kill anyone who interferes. The stakes are higher than ever, as Rylee must fight not only for India's life but for her soul. The battle is chaotic and brutal, with Milly and O'Shea fighting alongside Rylee against overwhelming odds. The emotional intensity is heightened by the echoes of Berget's loss and the fear of failing another child.

Showdown in the Pentagram

In a desperate bid to save India, Rylee enters the pentagram, confronting the demon directly. The fight is both physical and spiritual, as Rylee battles the demon's attempts to possess her and India. Alex, the werewolf, intervenes at a critical moment, helping Rylee destroy the demon and break the ritual. The victory is hard-won, leaving Rylee battered and exhausted, but India is saved. The aftermath is bittersweet, as the cost of the rescue is measured in blood, trauma, and the loss of innocence. The group escapes, but not without scars—physical, emotional, and magical.

Aftermath, Choices, and New Beginnings

With India and another surviving child safe, Rylee faces the consequences of her actions. The FBI's Arcane division intervenes, exonerating Rylee and O'Shea but offering them a choice: join their ranks or return to the shadows. Milly, disillusioned with the Coven, chooses loyalty to Rylee over magical politics. Rylee's home becomes a sanctuary for outcasts—Alex, Eve the harpy, Giselle, and Milly—forming a new, unconventional found family. The case's resolution brings closure but not peace, as Rylee is left with lingering questions about her own past, the true nature of her enemies, and the possibility of finding her lost sister. The story ends with a new call for help, signaling that Rylee's journey is far from over.

Characters

Rylee Adamson

Rylee is the heart of the story—a woman marked by trauma, guilt, and a relentless drive to save others. Her supernatural abilities as a Tracker and Immune set her apart, allowing her to find missing children and resist most forms of magic. Rylee's past, especially the loss of her sister Berget and the subsequent blame she endured, shapes her every action. She is fiercely independent, often abrasive, but deeply loyal to those she loves. Her relationships are complicated by her fear of attachment and the constant danger she faces. Over the course of the story, Rylee is forced to confront her own vulnerabilities, accept help from unlikely allies, and redefine what family and belonging mean. Her journey is one of redemption, resilience, and the ongoing struggle to balance personal pain with the needs of others.

Liam O'Shea

O'Shea begins as Rylee's nemesis—a relentless FBI agent convinced of her guilt in her sister's disappearance. His pursuit is driven by a mix of professional obsession and personal attraction, which he struggles to reconcile. As the supernatural world reveals itself, O'Shea's skepticism is shattered, forcing him to adapt quickly and rely on Rylee's expertise. His transformation from adversary to partner is marked by moments of vulnerability, courage, and unexpected tenderness. O'Shea's willingness to risk his career and life for the truth—and for Rylee—signals deep character growth. By the end, he is both a protector and a potential romantic interest, embodying the possibility of trust and partnership in a world defined by betrayal.

Milly

Milly is Rylee's closest friend and confidante, raised alongside her by Giselle. Her magical abilities are formidable, but her longing for acceptance within the Coven creates tension and ultimately betrayal. Milly's internal struggle between personal loyalty and communal belonging is a central theme, and her eventual choice to side with Rylee over the Coven is both redemptive and costly. She is resourceful, passionate, and sometimes impulsive, providing both magical support and emotional grounding. Milly's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns the true meaning of family and the price of power.

Alex

Alex is a unique presence—a werewolf whose submissive nature and childlike innocence set him apart from his violent pack. Rescued by Rylee, he becomes her steadfast protector and friend, offering moments of levity and unexpected wisdom. Alex's struggle for acceptance mirrors Rylee's own, and his loyalty is unwavering. His ability to communicate, despite his limited speech, adds depth to his character. Alex's journey is one of survival, healing, and the search for a place to belong.

Giselle

Giselle is the psychic who raised Rylee and Milly, her mind fractured by the weight of her visions. She is both a source of wisdom and a reminder of the cost of supernatural gifts. Giselle's prophecies drive much of the narrative, her warnings shaping Rylee's actions and foreshadowing key events. Her decline is a source of pain for Rylee, who feels responsible for her well-being. Giselle's role as mentor and surrogate mother is central to Rylee's identity, and her cryptic guidance continues to influence the story's direction.

India

India is the missing child whose abduction sets the story in motion. Her latent abilities as a spirit-seer make her a target for the rogue Coven, who seek to exploit her gifts for dark rituals. India's resilience and connection to Rylee are central to the emotional arc of the story. Her survival is both a victory and a reminder of the countless children who are not so lucky. India's final message to Rylee, relayed through her own psychic abilities, offers hope and a path toward healing.

Dox

Dox is an ogre who provides sanctuary and support to Rylee and her allies. His warmth, humor, and practical skills offer a rare respite from the dangers of the supernatural world. Dox's loyalty is unwavering, and his willingness to help—whether through food, shelter, or medical care—makes him an indispensable part of Rylee's found family. He represents the possibility of kindness and community in a world often defined by violence and betrayal.

Eve

Eve is a harpy initially bound to the Coven's will, forced to attack Rylee and her group. Once freed, she becomes an unlikely ally, her grief and isolation mirroring Rylee's own. Eve's willingness to learn from Rylee, despite the loss of her sisters, signals the potential for growth and redemption even among the most feared supernatural beings. Her presence expands the story's exploration of what it means to be an outcast and the power of chosen family.

Doran

Doran is a shaman whose true nature as a vampire complicates his role as a source of information. His interactions with Rylee are charged with danger, seduction, and the ever-present threat of betrayal. Doran's demand for Rylee's blood underscores the predatory nature of the supernatural world and the risks Rylee must take to save others. His ambiguous motives and cryptic warnings add layers of intrigue and foreshadow future conflicts.

The Cloaked Man (Vampire Mastermind)

The cloaked man is the shadowy figure behind India's abduction and the rogue Coven's actions. His ability to manipulate events, control powerful supernatural beings, and ensnare Rylee marks him as a formidable antagonist. His interest in Rylee is both personal and strategic, hinting at a deeper connection and a larger plan. The encounter with him leaves Rylee shaken and sets the stage for future confrontations, making him a central figure in the ongoing battle between light and darkness.

Plot Devices

Trauma as Motivation and Obstacle

Rylee's unresolved trauma over her sister's disappearance is both the engine of her heroism and the source of her vulnerability. The narrative uses flashbacks, dreams, and emotional triggers to keep Berget's loss present, ensuring that every rescue attempt is also an act of self-redemption. This device deepens the emotional stakes and creates a cyclical structure, where each case echoes the original wound.

Supernatural World-Building

The story constructs a layered supernatural world coexisting with the mundane, populated by witches, werewolves, vampires, ogres, harpies, unicorns, and more. The existence of the Veil—a barrier between worlds—serves as both a literal and metaphorical threshold, with crossing it representing both physical danger and psychological transformation. The politics of the Coven, the Arcane division of the FBI, and the shifting alliances among supernatural beings create a dynamic backdrop for the personal drama.

Reluctant Partnerships and Found Family

The narrative repeatedly pairs Rylee with unlikely partners—O'Shea, Alex, Eve, Dox—forcing her to confront her own prejudices and fears. The theme of found family is reinforced through the assembly of misfits and outcasts, each bringing unique strengths and vulnerabilities. These relationships are tested by betrayal, sacrifice, and the demands of loyalty, creating a web of interdependence that is both a source of strength and potential weakness.

Foreshadowing and Prophecy

Giselle's prophecies, India's visions, and the unicorn's cryptic encouragement all serve to foreshadow key events and deepen the sense of fate. These devices create suspense, guide character choices, and hint at a larger destiny for Rylee. The use of prophecy also raises questions about free will, responsibility, and the possibility of changing one's fate.

Escalating Stakes and Layered Antagonists

The story begins with a single missing child but quickly expands to reveal a conspiracy involving rogue witches, government agencies, and ancient supernatural forces. Each antagonist—O'Shea, the Coven, the harpies, the cloaked vampire—represents a different facet of the dangers Rylee faces. The escalation of threats keeps the narrative tense and unpredictable, while the layering of personal and cosmic stakes ensures that every victory is hard-won and every loss deeply felt.

Analysis

"Priceless" by Shannon Mayer is a fast-paced urban fantasy that explores the intersection of trauma, responsibility, and the search for belonging in a world where the supernatural lurks beneath the surface of everyday life. At its core, the novel is about the cost of heroism—the emotional, physical, and moral price paid by those who choose to fight for others. Rylee Adamson's journey is both a literal quest to save a missing child and a metaphorical journey toward self-forgiveness and acceptance. The story deftly balances action, humor, and emotional depth, using the conventions of the genre—magical politics, diverse creatures, hidden societies—to explore universal themes of loss, loyalty, and redemption. The relationships Rylee forges—with friends, enemies, and those who blur the line between the two—underscore the importance of found family and the power of compassion in the face of darkness. The novel's willingness to confront the consequences of violence, the ambiguity of good and evil, and the complexity of healing sets it apart, offering readers both escapist thrills and resonant emotional truths. In a modern context, "Priceless" speaks to the challenges of navigating a fractured world, the necessity of building community across difference, and the enduring hope that even the most broken among us can find purpose, connection, and a way home.

Last updated: September 28, 2025