Ghosts and Gold Rings

Catori Price, still mourning her mother's death, clings to her mother's engagement ring and the memories it holds. Her relationship with Ace Wood, a fae prince, is passionate but fraught with danger and secrets. Cat is caught between worlds—part fae, part hunter, and desperately trying to feel human. The supernatural world presses in: missing iron chains, memory loss, and the threat of Unseelie spirits. Cat's family and friends are at risk, and her own identity is a battleground. Her father, unaware of the magical war, is a source of comfort and worry. The story's emotional core is Cat's longing for connection and her fear of losing those she loves, all while the supernatural world demands more of her than she ever wanted to give.

Tensions and Broken Trust

Cat's relationships are tested as she seeks training from Kajika, a hunter, to defend herself against fae magic. Ace's jealousy and insecurity flare, revealing the cracks in their romance. The fragile peace between fae and hunters is threatened by violence and old grudges. Cat's sense of belonging is further shaken by her inability to fully trust either side. The tension between her desire for normalcy and the demands of her supernatural heritage grows. As secrets unravel, Cat is forced to confront the reality that love, loyalty, and power are never simple—and that every choice has consequences for herself and those she cares about.

Secrets in the Barn

Cat's training with Kajika in the barn is both physical and spiritual. She dreams of her ancestors, learning that the past is never truly gone. The barn becomes a crucible where Cat's hunter abilities begin to awaken, but so do her doubts about her place in the world. The lines between friend and foe blur as Cat realizes that both fae and hunters are capable of betrayal and violence. The barn is also a place of confession, where Cat and Kajika share truths and lies, forging a complicated bond. The emotional weight of legacy and expectation presses on Cat, as she struggles to define herself outside of others' stories.

Water and Blood

Cat's latent powers manifest in moments of crisis—she can manipulate water, a rare and dangerous ability. When her father is attacked by Stella, a fae with a vendetta, Cat's magic explodes, saving him but at a terrible cost. Blood, both literal and symbolic, becomes a recurring motif: the blood of family, the blood spilled in violence, and the blood that marks Cat as different. The aftermath is traumatic—Cat is forced to bargain for her father's life, and the lines between victim and perpetrator blur. The emotional toll is immense, as Cat grapples with guilt, rage, and the fear of what she is becoming.

The Spirit Plane Calls

Cat's dreams intensify, connecting her to her Gottwa heritage and the spirit plane. She learns that her powers are not just a quirk, but a legacy—one that ties her to ancient conflicts and responsibilities. The spirit plane is both a source of wisdom and a reminder of loss, as Cat communes with ancestors who urge her toward a destiny she never wanted. The emotional resonance of these dreams is profound, as Cat feels both guided and haunted by the past. The awakening of her powers is both exhilarating and terrifying, forcing her to confront the reality that she cannot escape her heritage.

Betrayals and Bargains

Cat is drawn deeper into faerie politics, where bargains and betrayals are currency. She is forced to strike deals with Cruz, a fae with his own agenda, and learns that every favor comes with a price. The fae world is seductive but treacherous, and Cat's alliances are constantly shifting. The emotional stakes rise as Cat realizes that her choices have far-reaching consequences—not just for herself, but for the balance of power between fae and hunters. The cost of survival is high, and Cat must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for those she loves.

The Knife and the Cage

The violence escalates as Cat is forced to kill Stella in self-defense, using the very magic she fears. The act is both a liberation and a curse, as Cat inherits Stella's dust—a symbol of power and guilt. The aftermath is a spiral of grief, shame, and self-harm, as Cat tries to rid herself of the dust and the memories. The metaphorical cage of trauma becomes literal when Cat faces the threat of the cupola, a magical prison that preys on fear. The emotional arc is one of survival at any cost, but also the heavy burden that comes with it.

Dust and Destiny

Cat's struggle with her identity reaches a crisis point as she learns she may be part Daneelie, a lost caste of water fae. This revelation upends everything she thought she knew about herself and her place in the world. The dust in her veins is both a weapon and a curse, marking her as different from everyone—fae, hunter, and human alike. The search for belonging becomes a quest for self-acceptance, as Cat must reconcile the disparate parts of her heritage. The emotional journey is one of transformation, as Cat moves from self-loathing to a tentative embrace of her destiny.

The Mist Rises

Cat is taken to Neverra, the fae realm, where the divisions between castes—Seelie, Unseelie, and Daneelie—are stark and dangerous. The mist that separates worlds is both a literal and metaphorical barrier, representing the secrets and lies that keep people apart. Cat's presence in Neverra is a catalyst for change, but also a source of tension and fear. The political machinations of the fae court are deadly, and Cat must navigate a world where every gesture is fraught with meaning. The emotional atmosphere is one of anticipation and dread, as the storm of conflict gathers on the horizon.

Neverra's Divided Heart

The struggle for power in Neverra intensifies, with Cat caught in the crossfire. Alliances are forged and broken, and the true cost of peace becomes clear. Cat's marriage to Cruz is a political maneuver, but her heart remains with Ace. The emotional stakes are heightened by the knowledge that every choice could mean life or death for those she loves. The divisions between fae and hunter, Seelie and Unseelie, are mirrored in Cat's own divided heart. The quest for unity is fraught with pain, sacrifice, and the ever-present threat of betrayal.

The Cupola's Nightmare

Cat is sentenced to the cupola, a magical cage that forces her to relive her worst nightmares. The experience is harrowing, blurring the line between reality and illusion. The cupola becomes a crucible for Cat's trauma, forcing her to confront her deepest fears and regrets. The power of memory is both a torment and a source of strength, as Cat fights to hold on to her sense of self. The emotional arc is one of endurance and resilience, as Cat emerges from the ordeal changed but unbroken.

The Night of Mist

The Night of Mist is the climax of the story—a night when the boundaries between worlds are thinnest, and anything is possible. Cat, Ace, Cruz, and their allies launch a rebellion against the old order, risking everything to break the mist and free the oppressed. Sacrifices are made, alliances are tested, and the true nature of power is revealed. The emotional intensity is at its peak, as Cat channels her rage and magic to shatter the barriers that have kept her and others captive. The cost is high, but the possibility of a new beginning emerges from the ruins.

Rage and Ruin

Cat's unleashed magic devastates Neverra, destroying the palace and scattering the mist. The destruction is both literal and symbolic—a catharsis that clears the way for a new order. The emotional release is overwhelming, as Cat's rage transforms into a force for change. The aftermath is a landscape of ruin, but also of possibility. The survivors must reckon with the consequences of their actions and the hope of building something better from the ashes.

Becoming One

In the wake of destruction, Cat and Ace are finally united—not just in love, but in purpose. Their marriage, once a political necessity, becomes a symbol of hope and unity for Neverra. The forging of new bonds—between fae and hunter, Seelie and Unseelie, past and future—is both a personal and political act. The emotional arc is one of healing and reconciliation, as Cat and Ace embrace their roles as leaders and partners. The story's heart is the belief that love, in all its forms, can bridge even the deepest divides.

The Last Bargain

The final bargains are struck, and the cost of peace is tallied. Cruz's willingness to sacrifice himself for Lily's return is a testament to the power of love and redemption. Cat's refusal to let him die is an act of forgiveness and hope. The survivors must learn to live with the consequences of their choices, but also with the promise of a new beginning. The emotional resolution is bittersweet, as the wounds of the past linger, but the future is open.

A New Order

With the old order destroyed, Cat, Ace, and their allies begin the work of rebuilding Neverra. The divisions between castes are challenged, and the possibility of true unity emerges. Cat's journey comes full circle as she returns home, changed but still herself. The emotional arc is one of reconciliation—with the past, with others, and with oneself. The hope of home is not just a place, but a state of being—a sense of belonging that Cat has fought so hard to find.

Homecoming and Healing

Cat's return to Rowan is a homecoming in every sense. She is reunited with her father, her friends, and the life she left behind. The scars of her journey remain, but so does the strength she has gained. The story ends with the promise of healing—not just for Cat, but for all those who have been broken by the old order. Love, in all its messy, complicated forms, is the force that binds the characters together and gives them hope for the future.

Characters

Catori Price

Catori, or Cat, is the heart of the story—a young woman torn between worlds, haunted by loss, and burdened by powers she never asked for. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity. Cat's relationships—with Ace, her father, Kajika, and her friends—are fraught with tension and tenderness. Psychologically, she is marked by trauma, guilt, and a fierce desire to protect those she loves. Her development is a gradual embrace of her own strength and the acceptance that she can be both hunter and fae, human and other. Cat's arc is ultimately one of healing, as she learns that belonging is not about blood or magic, but about the choices we make and the people we choose to love.

Ace Wood

Ace is the fae prince whose love for Cat is both a source of strength and vulnerability. He is torn between duty to his people and his heart's desire. Ace's psychological complexity lies in his struggle with insecurity, jealousy, and the weight of expectation. His relationship with Cat is passionate but fraught, marked by moments of tenderness and misunderstanding. Over the course of the story, Ace grows from a charming but conflicted young man into a leader willing to challenge the old order for the sake of love and justice. His arc is one of self-acceptance and the realization that true power lies in vulnerability and connection.

Cruz Vega

Cruz is a fae with a complicated past and shifting loyalties. Initially an antagonist, he becomes an unlikely ally and, at times, a source of betrayal. Cruz's psychological depth comes from his longing for acceptance and his willingness to sacrifice for those he loves, even at great personal cost. His relationship with Cat is fraught with manipulation and genuine care, and his bond with Lily is a driving force in his actions. Cruz's arc is one of redemption, as he moves from self-interest to self-sacrifice, ultimately playing a crucial role in the rebellion and the hope for a new order.

Kajika

Kajika is a hunter whose loyalty to Cat is unwavering, even as he struggles with his own grief and the legacy of violence. He is a mentor and protector, but also a man haunted by loss and the weight of ancestral expectations. Kajika's psychological complexity lies in his struggle to reconcile his hunter identity with his desire for peace. His relationship with Cat is one of mutual respect and unspoken affection. Kajika's arc is one of quiet strength, as he learns to let go of the past and embrace the possibility of a different future.

Lily Wood

Lily, Ace's sister, is a mute fae whose silence belies her strength and intelligence. She is a survivor, navigating the dangers of Neverra with grace and determination. Lily's psychological depth comes from her ability to communicate and connect without words, and her willingness to make difficult choices for the sake of others. Her relationship with Cat is one of solidarity and mutual support. Lily's arc is one of quiet heroism, as she plays a crucial role in the rebellion and the hope for a new order.

Stella Sakar

Stella is a fae whose actions set much of the story's conflict in motion. Driven by pain and resentment, she becomes both a victim and a perpetrator of violence. Stella's psychological complexity lies in her inability to let go of the past and her willingness to hurt others to ease her own suffering. Her death at Cat's hands is a turning point, forcing Cat to confront the cost of survival and the burden of power.

Gregor

Gregor is the fae wariff, a figure of authority and menace. He is a master of political maneuvering, willing to do whatever it takes to maintain order. Gregor's psychological depth comes from his hidden vulnerabilities—his love for his daughter Faith and his eventual willingness to change sides. His arc is one of transformation, as he moves from antagonist to ally, helping to usher in a new order.

Lyoh Vega

Lyoh is Cruz's mother and the draca, a dragon-shifter whose cruelty and ambition embody the worst of Neverra's old regime. She is a formidable antagonist, driven by a desire for control and a deep-seated fear of change. Lyoh's psychological complexity lies in her inability to love or be loved, and her ultimate downfall is a testament to the story's theme of the necessity of transformation.

Veroli

Veroli is a calidum (half-fae, half-human) who serves as a surrogate mother to Cruz, Ace, and Lily. She is a source of comfort and guidance, offering practical wisdom and emotional support. Veroli's psychological depth comes from her resilience and her ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Her role as a bridge between worlds is both literal and symbolic, embodying the possibility of unity and understanding.

Negongwa

Negongwa is the father of the hunters, a figure who embodies the weight of history and the hope for reconciliation. He is a source of wisdom and perspective, reminding the younger generation of the importance of learning from the past. Negongwa's psychological complexity lies in his ability to balance tradition with the need for change. His presence is a reminder that the struggle for peace is ongoing, and that every generation must find its own way.

Plot Devices

Dual Worlds and Divided Identity

The narrative structure hinges on the interplay between Earth and Neverra, with Cat's journey between them mirroring her internal struggle for identity and belonging. The division between fae, hunter, and human is both literal and metaphorical, serving as a lens through which themes of otherness, legacy, and reconciliation are explored. The use of dreams, ancestral memories, and magical languages deepens the sense of a world where the past is always present, and where personal transformation is inseparable from political change.

Magical Bargains and the Cost of Power

Bargains—gajoïs—are a central plot device, structuring relationships and driving conflict. Every act of magic, every favor, and every alliance comes with a cost, forcing characters to weigh survival against integrity. The motif of dust—faerie magic—serves as both a weapon and a symbol of the burden of power. The cupola, a magical prison that preys on fear, is a powerful metaphor for trauma and the struggle to break free from the past.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The story is rich with foreshadowing—dreams of ancestors, the recurring motif of water and mist, and the symbolism of rings, dust, and blood. These elements not only build suspense but also reinforce the story's themes of legacy, transformation, and the possibility of healing. The mist that divides Neverra is both a literal barrier and a symbol of the secrets and lies that keep people apart, and its destruction is a powerful act of catharsis and hope.

Political Intrigue and Rebellion

The fae court is a web of intrigue, with shifting alliances, betrayals, and power plays. The rebellion against the old order is both a personal and political act, with Cat, Ace, and Cruz at its center. The use of public ceremonies, magical trials, and the spectacle of violence heightens the emotional stakes and underscores the story's exploration of the cost of change.

Analysis

Rising Silver Mist is a powerful exploration of identity, trauma, and the possibility of transformation. At its heart, the novel is about the struggle to belong—to a family, a community, and oneself—when every part of your heritage is a source of conflict. Olivia Wildenstein weaves a rich tapestry of myth, magic, and emotion, using the parallel worlds of Earth and Neverra to mirror the internal divisions of her protagonist. The story's use of magical bargains, ancestral memory, and political intrigue elevates it beyond a simple fantasy romance, making it a meditation on the cost of survival and the hope of healing. The destruction of the mist is both a literal and symbolic act, representing the breaking of old patterns and the possibility of a new order built on love, forgiveness, and unity. Ultimately, Rising Silver Mist is a story about the courage to face the darkness within and without, and the belief that even the most broken can find a place to call home.

Last updated: September 26, 2025