Mistakes and Moonlit Pursuit

Alexis Sharpe, a skilled art thief, finds herself running for her life through the Irish countryside after a heist goes awry. Instead of the mundane dangers she expected, she's pursued by the legendary Wild Hunt—black hounds with red eyes and a terrifying, antlered Hunter. As she flees, her body begins to change, her feet morphing into hooves, and she's forced to confront the impossible. The chase is relentless, primal, and Alexis's determination to survive is matched only by the supernatural forces hunting her. In a desperate bid for safety, she arms herself and fights back, but the Hunt is not to be denied. The Hunter, Nuada, offers her a choice: run with the Hunt or flee before it. Defiant, Alexis refuses to be prey, setting the stage for a fateful entanglement.

The Hunter's Claim

Nuada Silverhand, the immortal leader of the Wild Hunt, is captivated by Alexis's defiance and spirit. Unlike other mortals, she chooses pain and resistance over submission, and this rare spark draws him in. When Alexis collapses, Nuada heals her with his power, marking her as his own and inadvertently forging a soulmate bond. This connection is both a gift and a curse, binding their fates together. Nuada's ancient rival, the stag-god Sarcaryn, manipulates events, ensuring that Alexis's arrival is not mere chance but part of a deeper, older conflict. Nuada, torn between his predatory nature and the unexpected vulnerability of a soulmate, brings Alexis underhill to his ruined faery palace, setting the stage for a battle between wildness and intimacy.

Hound and Heart

Keilain, once a fae prince and now a hound of the Hunt, narrates the chase from the pack's perspective. The hounds are not mere beasts but former people who surrendered themselves to the Hunt's wildness. Keilain, too, is struck by the soulmate bond with Alexis, which overrides even his obedience to Nuada. The hounds' animal instincts war with lingering memories of their former selves, and Keilain's devotion to Alexis is immediate and absolute. When Nuada claims Alexis, Keilain's loyalty shifts, and he becomes her protector, even defying his former master. The tangled web of soul-bonds and shifting allegiances begins to reshape the dynamics of the Hunt and the palace.

Underhill Awakening

Alexis regains consciousness in the Ruined Palace, healed but marked by magical tattoos where the hounds bit her. She's greeted by Keilain, who shifts between hound and man, and whose adoration is both unsettling and comforting. The palace is a place of ancient magic, its halls shifting and its inhabitants both familiar and strange. Alexis must quickly adapt to her new circumstances, grappling with the reality of faery, the soulmate bonds, and her own transformation. The rules of this world are different, and Alexis's streetwise pragmatism is tested as she navigates the palace, her new companions, and the lingering threat of the Hunt.

Soulmates and Shifting Forms

Alexis learns that soulmates in Faery are not destined lovers but those who can find perfect balance—whether as friends, enemies, or lovers. Keilain's devotion is instinctive, but Alexis is free to choose the nature of their bond. The soulmate connection grants her access to the palace's magic and to Keilain's true self, blurring the lines between animal and man. Nuada, too, is her soulmate, but their connection is fraught with tension, desire, and the shadow of past betrayals. The trio's relationships are fluid, shaped by choice and consent rather than fate, and Alexis's agency becomes central to the unfolding story.

Exploring the Ruined Palace

With Keilain as her guide, Alexis explores the vast, dreamlike palace. The architecture defies logic, and the hounds and servitors respond to her will. She discovers the palace's history, its connection to Nuada's lost power, and the lingering sadness of a once-great court now fallen. Keilain's affection and playfulness help Alexis adjust, but the absence of Nuada is keenly felt. The palace becomes both sanctuary and cage, a place of comfort and restlessness. Alexis's curiosity and resilience drive her to seek understanding, even as the boundaries between her old life and new reality blur.

Jealousy and Boundaries

Nuada, tormented by jealousy and longing, keeps his distance from Alexis and Keilain. His predatory instincts war with his fear of harming Alexis, and he leashes himself rather than risk repeating past mistakes. The soulmate bond inflames his desire, but he refuses to pursue her without invitation. Keilain's loyalty to Alexis and their growing intimacy only heighten Nuada's sense of isolation. The palace's magic amplifies these tensions, and the trio's emotional landscape becomes a battleground of restraint, longing, and unspoken need.

The Dullahan Revealed

Alexis confronts Nuada about his true nature, learning of his many names—Hunter, Dullahan, Herne, and more. He reveals his immortality, the curse of being beheaded, and the pain of ancient betrayals. Alexis's empathy and curiosity allow her to see past his monstrous exterior, and she touches the wound where his head detaches, bridging the gap between fear and fascination. The exchange is charged with vulnerability and desire, and Alexis's willingness to engage with Nuada's darkness marks a turning point in their relationship. The boundaries between predator and prey, master and companion, begin to dissolve.

Taming the Wild

The trio navigates the complexities of consent, power, and desire. Alexis asserts her agency, refusing to be a passive object of the Hunt. Keilain, struggling with his dual nature, seeks to reconcile his animal instincts with his longing for intimacy. Nuada, still haunted by the past, must learn to trust and be trusted. Through honest conversation and mutual vulnerability, they begin to redefine their relationships, moving from fear and restraint to trust and exploration. The palace, once a symbol of isolation, becomes a space for healing and connection.

A House Divided

Keilain, tormented by unfulfilled desire and the memory of his former self, seeks Nuada's help to reclaim his lost identity. Through a ritual of memory and pain, Keilain remembers his past as the Vicious Prince, the lover and killer he once was. The process is harrowing, but it restores his sense of self and agency. Keilain's transformation allows him to approach Alexis as an equal, not just a hound, and to offer her the fullness of his love. The trio's dynamic shifts again, as old wounds are acknowledged and new possibilities emerge.

The Vicious Prince Remembers

Keilain's memories return in a torrent—of love, violence, and loss. He recalls the lover who made him a monster, the pain of betrayal, and the choice to become a hound of the Hunt. The process is both cathartic and destabilizing, forcing Keilain to confront the darkness within himself. Nuada, too, is reminded of his own losses and the cost of immortality. The two men find solace in each other, reaffirming their bond as companions and equals. The stage is set for a new chapter, one where love is chosen, not imposed.

Claiming the Hound

With his memories restored, Keilain returns to Alexis, who welcomes him with open arms. They negotiate the terms of their relationship, balancing power, desire, and trust. Alexis claims Keilain as her own, using the magic of the Wild Hunt to command his body and heart. Their union is passionate, consensual, and transformative, healing old wounds and forging a new path forward. The act of claiming is mutual, a dance of give and take that redefines both of them. The palace, once a place of longing, becomes a home.

The Hunter's Surrender

Nuada, unable to bear the distance any longer, is finally goaded into action by Alexis's challenge. She demands to be pursued, to be wanted, and Nuada's restraint shatters. The Hunt is unleashed, and Alexis flees into the wilds, transforming into a mare to match the Hunt's wildness. The chase is both literal and symbolic—a test of desire, power, and surrender. Nuada's predatory nature is given free rein, but Alexis's agency remains central. The pursuit culminates in a raw, ecstatic union, where surrender is both demanded and freely given.

Balance and Bonding

With both soulmate bonds balanced, Alexis, Keilain, and Nuada come together as a triad. Their love is not a simple triangle but a dynamic, evolving partnership where each brings something unique. They learn to share, to communicate, and to honor each other's needs and boundaries. The palace, once a symbol of ruin, is revitalized by their connection. The trio's intimacy is both physical and emotional, a celebration of wildness, vulnerability, and chosen family. Together, they find a sense of belonging that had eluded them for centuries.

The Wild Hunt Unleashed

The trio's union is marked by a series of passionate, boundary-pushing encounters that explore the limits of pleasure, pain, and trust. The magic of the Wild Hunt infuses their lovemaking, transforming bodies and blurring the lines between human and beast, master and hound, hunter and prey. Each encounter is a negotiation of power and surrender, a testament to the strength of their bonds. The Hunt, once a force of terror, becomes a source of joy and fulfillment, a dance of equals in the wild.

Surrender and Ecstasy

Alexis and Nuada's union is a culmination of longing, fear, and desire. Their lovemaking is intense, primal, and cathartic, breaking down the last barriers between them. Surrender is not defeat but a conscious choice, an act of trust and love. The experience is transformative for both, healing old wounds and forging a new sense of self. The balance between wildness and tenderness, dominance and submission, is achieved at last. The trio's love becomes a force that can withstand even the wildest magic of Faery.

Perfection in the Ruins

With their bonds balanced and their love affirmed, Alexis, Keilain, and Nuada settle into a new life together. The Ruined Palace, once a place of loss, is now a home filled with laughter, passion, and belonging. Each member of the triad finds healing in the others, and the scars of the past become marks of survival and love. The palace's magic responds to their happiness, and the trio's future is filled with promise. Together, they have transformed ruin into perfection, wildness into home.

Eternity's Chase

Time passes, but the trio's love endures. Alexis, now fully at home in Faery, celebrates anniversaries with her soulmates, exchanging gifts and affection. The Wild Hunt is no longer a threat but a celebration—a ritual of love, pursuit, and reunion. Alexis, Keilain, and Nuada chase each other through the wilds, their bonds unbreakable and their joy eternal. The story ends as it began: with a chase, but now one of love, not fear. In the endless dance of hunter, hound, and heart, they have found their forever.

Characters

Alexis Sharpe

Alexis is a modern art thief whose pragmatism and resilience are tested when she's swept into the supernatural world of Faery. Her journey is one of transformation—from prey to partner, from outsider to beloved. Alexis's defining trait is her refusal to be defined by others' expectations; she meets danger with wit and courage, and she insists on agency in all her relationships. Her soulmate bonds with Keilain and Nuada are not accepted passively but negotiated, shaped by her choices and desires. Alexis's psychological arc is about learning to trust, to accept love, and to find belonging without surrendering her autonomy. Her relationships with her soulmates are complex, marked by mutual respect, vulnerability, and a willingness to embrace both wildness and tenderness.

Nuada Silverhand

Nuada is the ancient, antlered leader of the Wild Hunt—a being of immense power, haunted by loss and betrayal. His many names (Dullahan, Herne, Nykhir) reflect his layered identity: hunter, healer, king, and monster. Nuada's psychological struggle is between his predatory instincts and his longing for connection. The soulmate bond with Alexis exposes his vulnerabilities, forcing him to confront the pain of past betrayals and the fear of harming those he loves. His relationship with Keilain is paternal, yet also marked by camaraderie and shared wildness. Nuada's arc is one of learning restraint, trust, and the possibility of happiness after millennia of isolation. He is both terrifying and tender, a figure who embodies the paradoxes of power and need.

Keilain Ueteroxe (Key)

Keilain, once a fae prince known as the Vicious Prince, is now a hound of the Hunt—loyal, loving, and torn between animal instinct and human memory. His soulmate bond with Alexis is immediate and absolute, but his journey is about reclaiming agency and integrating his past with his present. Keilain's devotion is both a strength and a vulnerability; he longs to be claimed, to serve, but also to be seen as an equal. His relationship with Nuada is complex, shifting from obedience to partnership. Keilain's arc is about healing from trauma, embracing his dual nature, and finding joy in both submission and love. He is the heart of the trio, grounding Alexis and Nuada with his unwavering affection.

Sarcaryn

Sarcaryn, the stag-god of sex and beauty, is an unseen manipulator whose actions set the story in motion. His rivalry with Nuada is ancient, rooted in loss and vengeance. Sarcaryn's power is subtle, influencing patterns and relationships rather than direct confrontation. He represents the unpredictable, chaotic forces of Faery, and his curse on Nuada is both punishment and catalyst. Sarcaryn's presence is felt in the story's structure, driving the characters toward transformation and balance.

The Black Hounds

The hounds of the Wild Hunt are more than animals—they are former people, fae and mortal, who surrendered themselves to wildness. They embody the story's themes of change, loyalty, and the tension between instinct and memory. The hounds' relationship to Nuada and Keilain reflects the shifting dynamics of power and affection in the palace. They are both threat and comfort, a reminder of what is lost and what can be reclaimed.

The Ruined Palace

The palace is a character in its own right—a place of shifting architecture, ancient magic, and lingering sorrow. It reflects the emotional states of its inhabitants, responding to their needs and desires. The palace's history is entwined with Nuada's, and its restoration mirrors the healing of the trio's relationships. It is both a place of exile and a home, a symbol of the possibility of renewal.

Boenn

Boenn, Nuada's mortal wife from ages past, is a shadow over his heart. Her betrayal and death are the source of Nuada's deepest wounds, shaping his fear of intimacy and his reluctance to trust. Boenn's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of power, love, and the inability to let go. Her memory haunts Nuada, but Alexis's love offers the possibility of healing.

The Servitors

The servitors are magical constructs that maintain the palace and respond to the will of its master (and, by extension, Alexis). They are reminders of the lost court and the routines of a vanished world. Though not sentient, their presence adds to the atmosphere of the palace and underscores the themes of service, obedience, and the passage of time.

The Black Stallion

Nuada's horse, once a brook horse like himself, is now a mute companion, cared for by the servitors. The stallion represents what Nuada has lost and what he has preserved—a piece of his wildness, tamed but not destroyed. The horse's presence is a reminder of the costs of immortality and the possibility of redemption.

The Court of Teeth

The Court of Teeth, once ruled by Keilain, is a lost kingdom whose fall echoes through the story. Its destruction is a symbol of the dangers of unchecked desire and the consequences of surrendering to wildness. The court's memory shapes Keilain's identity and his journey toward healing.

Plot Devices

The Wild Hunt and Soulmate Bonds

The Wild Hunt is both literal and metaphorical—a force of nature, a test of character, and a crucible for transformation. The soulmate bonds are not predestined romances but opportunities for balance, growth, and healing. The narrative structure alternates perspectives, allowing readers to inhabit the minds of Alexis, Nuada, and Keilain, deepening empathy and understanding. Foreshadowing is woven through the motifs of pursuit, animal transformation, and the shifting architecture of the palace. The story uses magical realism to explore themes of consent, power, and the negotiation of intimacy. The palace itself is a living plot device, reflecting the characters' emotional states and facilitating their journeys. The climax—the unleashing of the Hunt and the subsequent union of the trio—resolves the central tensions and affirms the power of chosen family and love.

Analysis

"To Run with the Wild Hunt" is a lush, erotic, and emotionally resonant reimagining of faery myth, blending primal folklore with modern themes of agency, consent, and chosen family. At its heart, the novel interrogates what it means to be wild, to love, and to belong. The soulmate bonds are not simplistic fated pairings but complex, negotiated relationships that require vulnerability, communication, and mutual respect. The story's explicit content is not gratuitous but integral to its exploration of power, surrender, and healing. Alexis's journey from prey to partner, Keilain's reclamation of self, and Nuada's struggle to trust again are all deeply human arcs, set against a backdrop of mythic wildness. The novel's lesson is that true intimacy is not about taming or being tamed, but about finding balance—embracing both the wild and the tender, the dangerous and the safe. In a world that often demands conformity, "To Run with the Wild Hunt" celebrates the beauty of difference, the necessity of choice, and the enduring power of love that is freely given and fiercely claimed.

Last updated: October 30, 2025