Plot Summary
Straw, Smoke, and Ties
Caly, a human marked by tragedy and vengeance, struggles to secure a simple bale of straw at a magical inn between realms. Her exhaustion is compounded by the company of two powerful fae men: Mendax, the brooding Unseelie prince, and Eli, her childhood friend and Seelie prince. The three are bound together by magical ties and bonds—Caly to Eli through a soul tie, and to Mendax through a deeper, dangerous bond. Their journey is fraught with tension, rumors of war, and the looming threat of the Fates, who have summoned them for judgment. Caly's heart is heavy with loss, her mind set on vengeance against her father, and her body caught between the two fae who both love and endanger her.
Three on a Mattress
Forced to share a single bed, Caly becomes the unwilling center of a tug-of-war between Mendax and Eli. Their rivalry is both playful and deadly serious, each staking a claim on her while old wounds and new desires surface. The night is filled with banter, jealousy, and a fragile sense of comfort as Caly tries to rest. The magical ties between them mean that if one dies, another may follow—a fact that hangs over every interaction. Beneath the surface, Caly's exhaustion and longing for peace are palpable, as is her guilt for the pain her presence causes both men. The night ends with Mendax's possessive embrace, a fleeting moment of safety before the trials to come.
Shadows and Sunlight
The trio sets out across the in-between, a realm of snow and silence, each carrying their own burdens. Mendax's hatred for Eli simmers, rooted in old wars and personal loss, while Eli grapples with Caly's betrayal and the death of his mother at her hands. Caly, meanwhile, is haunted by her own lies and the knowledge that her actions have set them all on a path toward possible death. The landscape mirrors their inner turmoil—beautiful but treacherous, filled with hidden threats. As they travel, the magical bonds that tie them together both sustain and drain them, foreshadowing the impossible choices ahead.
The Sickle's Hunt
A monstrous creature called a sickle attacks, forcing the trio to confront their mortality and the limits of their powers. Eli, torn between loyalty and jealousy, hesitates to help Mendax, hoping the monster will solve his romantic dilemma. Caly's pleas and the imminent danger force Eli to act, saving Mendax at the last moment. The battle leaves them all wounded, physically and emotionally, and exposes the cracks in their alliance. The encounter with the sickle is a turning point, revealing the depth of their connections and the lengths they will go to protect—or destroy—each other.
Betrayal in the Snow
In the aftermath of the battle, the group takes shelter in a cave. Hunger, pain, and exhaustion strip away their defenses, leading to raw confessions and moments of unexpected tenderness. Caly and Mendax share an intimate night, deepening their bond but also driving Eli away. The next morning, Eli is gone, leaving Caly wracked with guilt and fear for his safety. The love triangle fractures further, as Caly realizes the depth of her feelings for both men and the impossibility of choosing between them without causing irreparable harm.
The Cave and the Plan
Alone with Mendax, Caly contemplates her own death as a solution to the deadly triangle. She is determined to kill her father and then herself, believing it the only way to save the men she loves. Mendax, sensing her despair, offers comfort in his own dark way, promising to kill anyone for her—or because of her. Their connection is both a source of strength and a dangerous temptation, as Caly struggles to hold onto her sense of self amid the chaos of their journey and the looming threat of the Fates.
Lake Sheridon's Monsters
Reunited at Lake Sheridon, the trio faces a new challenge: crossing a frozen lake infested with deadly creatures. The task requires trust and cooperation, as well as a willingness to risk everything for each other. Caly's scientific mind and quick thinking help them survive, but the ordeal leaves them shaken and more aware than ever of the fragility of their bonds. The lake's monsters are a metaphor for the dangers lurking beneath the surface of their relationships, and the crossing is a test of their ability to work together despite their differences.
The Glasswing's Message
At the lake, they discover a shattered glass scroll and a trail of glasswing butterflies—symbols linked to Caly's father and the mysterious forces guiding (or hindering) their journey. The scroll's cryptic message sends them in search of the weathered, a being who controls the weather and holds the next clue to Moirai. Along the way, they realize someone is sabotaging their quest, raising the stakes and deepening the sense of conspiracy. The butterflies, both beautiful and fragile, become a symbol of hope and the delicate nature of fate.
The Weathered's Flood
The group encounters the weathered, a goddess whose emotions control the climate. Through a mix of empathy and manipulation, they convince her to unleash a flood, the next step in their journey. The flood is both a literal and metaphorical cleansing, washing away old grievances and forcing the trio to rely on each other for survival. The episode highlights the power of emotion and the importance of understanding and compassion, even in a world ruled by violence and betrayal.
The Ascent to Moirai
Their journey takes them up a treacherous mountain, where exhaustion and the thinning air strip away their remaining defenses. Old wounds are reopened, and new truths come to light. Caly realizes that her own death may be the only way to save the others, while Mendax and Eli confront the reality of their feelings for her and each other. The ascent is a crucible, forging new bonds even as it threatens to break them. The mountain's beauty and danger mirror the complexity of their relationships and the stakes of the choices they must make.
The Green-Clad Stranger
At the mountain's peak, they encounter a mysterious stranger in green—Caly's father, Zef, an Artemi with the power to shape fate. Zef's actions throughout their journey are revealed as attempts to protect Caly, even as he sabotaged her progress. The reunion is fraught with anger, confusion, and the need for answers. Zef's presence forces Caly to confront the truth about her family, her own nature, and the real reasons behind her quest for vengeance. The encounter sets the stage for the final confrontation with the Fates.
The Father's Revelation
Caly and Zef finally have the conversation that has been building for years. Zef explains his reasons for leaving, the sacrifices he made, and the true nature of Caly's mother and sister. Caly learns that her sister's soul is trapped in Tartarus because of a piece of her power that Caly still holds. The revelation is both devastating and liberating, allowing Caly to grieve and begin to forgive—not just her father, but herself. The chapter is a turning point, shifting the focus from vengeance to healing and the possibility of redemption.
The Human Realm Choice
Caly is given a choice: remain in the human realm, safe but alone, or return to the fae realms and face the trial that could end in her death or the death of one she loves. The decision is agonizing, but ultimately, Caly chooses to return, driven by love, loyalty, and the need for closure. The choice is a testament to her growth and the strength of her character, as she embraces the risks and responsibilities of her fate.
Reunion and Resolve
Caly, Mendax, and Eli are reunited, their bonds stronger for all they have endured. They follow a magical shortcut to Moirai, guided by cryptic clues and the ever-present hand of fate. Along the way, they confront their feelings for each other, make peace with the past, and prepare for the final trial. The chapter is filled with moments of humor, tenderness, and bittersweet anticipation, as they savor what may be their last moments together.
The Shortcut to Fate
The trio arrives at Moirai, a place of beauty and danger, and are led to a vast library filled with hidden clues. They must work together to find the book that will open the way to their final judgment. The library is a symbol of knowledge, memory, and the power of stories to shape destiny. The search is both a puzzle and a test of their unity, as they confront the possibility of loss and the hope of a future together.
The Library of Lilies
The discovery of the book "538 Lilies" unlocks a magical passage to the heart of Moirai. The journey through the book is surreal and symbolic, filled with beauty, danger, and the echoes of past choices. Along the way, Caly loses her last connection to her sister's power, a necessary sacrifice to free Adrianna's soul. The passage is a rite of passage, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
The Garden of Grief
In a garden that mirrors her childhood home, Caly is forced to relive her greatest losses and confront the pain she has carried for so long. The experience is both a torment and a gift, allowing her to grieve, forgive, and finally let go. Her father's presence is both a comfort and a challenge, as they work together to free Adrianna's soul and prepare for the final trial. The garden is a place of memory, healing, and the bittersweet beauty of love and loss.
The Trial of the Fates
The trio is brought before the Fates in a surreal, theatrical trial that is as much performance as judgment. Each is given a chance to plead, bargain, and sacrifice for the others. Deals are struck, memories are threatened, and the true nature of love and loyalty is revealed. In the end, it is Eli who chooses to sacrifice himself, asking Mendax to deliver Caly's sister's soul to Tartarus and ensure her freedom. The trial is a crucible, burning away all pretense and leaving only the raw truth of their hearts.
Severed Bonds, Eternal Love
Eli's death severs the tie that bound him to Caly, freeing her but leaving a wound that may never heal. Mendax, too, must pay a price, agreeing to have his memory erased from Caly's mind in exchange for her safety and the chance to save Adrianna. The bonds that once sustained them are broken, but the love they shared endures, echoing through memory, magic, and the promise of reunion in another life or realm.
The Price of Memory
In the aftermath of the trial, Caly is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart and uncertain future. The memories of Mendax fade, but the bond remains, a silent thread connecting them across worlds. Eli's sacrifice is honored, and Adrianna's soul is finally freed. The story ends with the promise of new beginnings, the hope of reunion, and the enduring power of love to transcend even the cruelest fate.
Characters
Caly (Calypso Petranova)
Caly is a human marked by loss, vengeance, and a fierce will to survive. Orphaned by violence and betrayal, she is driven by a need to avenge her sister and mother, even as she is caught in a web of magical ties and bonds with two fae princes. Her relationships with Mendax and Eli are complex—one a dark, possessive love, the other a soul-deep friendship. Caly's journey is one of self-discovery, grief, and the search for belonging. She is analytical, stubborn, and deeply empathetic, yet struggles with guilt and the fear of causing harm to those she loves. Her arc is defined by sacrifice, the acceptance of her own darkness, and the hope of redemption.
Mendax (Malum Mendax)
Mendax is the Unseelie prince, a Smoke Slayer with a violent past and a heart that beats only for Caly. His love for her is possessive, consuming, and at times destructive, but also fiercely protective. Haunted by the loss of his family and the scars of war, Mendax is both a monster and a savior, willing to kill or die for Caly. His rivalry with Eli is rooted in old wounds and the fear of losing the only person who makes him feel alive. Mendax's arc is one of transformation, as he learns to channel his darkness into love and sacrifice, ultimately choosing Caly's happiness over his own.
Eli (Aurelius)
Eli is the Seelie prince, Caly's childhood friend and the embodiment of light and hope. His love for Caly is deep and enduring, but ultimately platonic—a soul-tied friendship that transcends romance. Eli is the moral center of the trio, always striving to do what is right, even at great personal cost. His rivalry with Mendax is both a reflection of their differences and a testament to his own capacity for forgiveness. Eli's arc culminates in the ultimate sacrifice, as he chooses to die so that Caly and Mendax can live, embodying the true meaning of eternal love and friendship.
Zef (Calypso's Father)
Zef is an Artemi, a being of immense power and sorrow. His abandonment of Caly and her family is revealed to be an act of protection, not malice, and his life is defined by regret and the hope of redemption. Zef's relationship with Caly is fraught with misunderstanding, but ultimately one of deep love and sacrifice. He is a guide, a source of painful truths, and a catalyst for Caly's healing. His arc is one of atonement, as he helps free Adrianna's soul and supports Caly in her final trial.
Adrianna (Caly's Sister)
Adrianna is the gentle, beloved sister whose death haunts Caly and drives much of the narrative. Her soul, trapped in Tartarus because of a piece of her power held by Caly, becomes the key to the story's resolution. Adrianna represents innocence lost, the cost of power, and the enduring bonds of family. Her presence is felt throughout the story, shaping Caly's choices and the ultimate outcome of the trial.
The Fates (Anastasia, Genome, Morta)
The Fates are the arbiters of life and death, their motives inscrutable and their judgments final. Each embodies a different aspect of fate: creation, allotment, and destruction. They are both antagonists and necessary forces, testing the characters' integrity, compassion, and competence. Their trial is both a performance and a crucible, forcing the characters to confront the true cost of love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
The Weathered (Jamie)
Jamie, the weathered, is a goddess whose emotions control the climate. Her story of lost love and emotional numbness mirrors Caly's own struggles, and her flood becomes a turning point in the journey. Jamie represents the power of emotion, the pain of loss, and the possibility of healing through connection and empathy.
Thistle (Floricorn)
Thistle is a magical unicorn-like creature who becomes Eli's companion and a symbol of the innocence and joy that still exist in a world of darkness. Her presence provides comfort, comic relief, and a reminder of the simple pleasures worth fighting for.
Queen Saracen
Though dead before the story begins, Queen Saracen's actions—her cruelty, her murder of Caly's family, and her manipulation of Eli—cast a long shadow over the narrative. She is the embodiment of the old order, the source of much of the pain and conflict that drives the characters.
Kaohs
Kaohs is a distant but powerful figure, the ruler of Tartarus and the one who holds the key to Adrianna's freedom. His influence is felt through the rules of the afterlife and the bargains struck by the living. Kaohs represents the inescapable nature of fate and the possibility of redemption, even in the darkest places.
Plot Devices
Magical Bonds and Ties
The story's central device is the magical system of bonds and ties, which link Caly to Mendax and Eli in ways that are both sustaining and deadly. These connections force the characters to confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, as the death of one can mean the death of another. The bonds are both a source of power and a curse, driving the plot and shaping every major decision.
Dual Narrative Structure
The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Caly, Mendax, and Eli, allowing readers to experience the story's events and emotions from multiple angles. This structure deepens empathy, reveals hidden motives, and heightens the tension as each character's secrets and desires come to light.
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
Recurring symbols—glasswing butterflies, lilies, and the in-between realm—foreshadow key events and themes. Butterflies represent transformation, fragility, and the hand of fate; lilies symbolize purity, death, and the possibility of renewal. The in-between is both a physical and metaphorical space, a place of transition, choice, and the testing of character.
Trials and Performances
The final trial before the Fates is staged as a performance, blending elements of theater, ritual, and judgment. This device underscores the story's themes of agency, spectacle, and the performative nature of power. The trial is both a test of character and a crucible in which the true cost of love and loyalty is revealed.
Memory and Sacrifice
The erasure of memory as a condition for survival is a powerful device, forcing characters to choose between love and safety, presence and oblivion. The loss of memory is both a mercy and a wound, highlighting the enduring power of love to transcend even the boundaries of consciousness and fate.
Analysis
Where Did You Go? is a lush, emotionally charged fantasy that explores the tangled web of love, grief, and destiny. At its heart, the novel is a meditation on the cost of survival and the meaning of sacrifice. Through its intricate magical system of bonds and ties, the story examines how our connections to others can both sustain and destroy us. The love triangle at the center is less about romantic rivalry and more about the different forms love can take—passionate, possessive, platonic, and selfless. The narrative's use of alternating perspectives and rich symbolism invites readers to empathize with each character's pain and longing, while the ever-present hand of fate challenges the illusion of agency. The final trial before the Fates is a masterful blend of spectacle and judgment, forcing the characters—and readers—to confront the true price of love: the willingness to let go, to remember, and to endure loss. In the end, the novel suggests that even in a world ruled by fate, the choices we make—who we love, what we sacrifice, and how we grieve—are what define us. The story's bittersweet conclusion, with its promise of reunion and the enduring power of memory, is a testament to the resilience of the human (and fae) heart.
Last updated:
