Calliope is an artist who works for her explorer father recording what he brings back from his journeys in her sketchbooks. Then she has a chance to go along on a trip to capture a sea serpent.

Life at sea isn't what she expected, boredom sends her exploring down to the engine room of the steamship Peregrine. Tragedy makes her assistant engineer. Pentam, her father's protege doesn't like her putting herself at risk, but this is just the beginning.

When science and legend collide Cal is the one who must take up the challenge, even if it means risking her new found feelings for Pentam.