Since finding the cat Macak, Maeko has gone from living as a pickpocket on the streets of London to becoming deeply enmeshed in rising hostilities between the Pirates and the Literati.

All around her, the two warring factions are hard at work looking for ways to destroy each other. Both sides have offered to help protect her loved ones if she does what they want. Meanwhile, things are spiraling out of control in her relationships with her companions, Chaff, and Ash.

With the cat Macak as her constant ally, Maeko must decide who else she can trust. Only one thing is certain, she'll need help to keep from getting caught in the crossfire.