Rescued from peril, street-rats Tyrone and Iris are offered a new life, invisible and scholarly, among the enigmatic Brotherhood of the Vigils. Iris's history fuels her resentment for the restraints imposed upon her. Irreconcilable values drive a wedge between them until the pair are thrust back together to face Captain Mavvis and his crew, a band of centuries-old ghouls.

"She lolled her head and strained her eyes to glimpse the knife jammed in her shoulder. She tugged at it, but quickly gave up on that, stifling a cry. It wouldn't have helped, anyway. Blood trickled underneath her jerkin, making her chest sticky. More time. They needed more time."

Rescued from peril, street-rats Tyrone and Iris are offered a new life, invisible and scholarly, among the enigmatic Brotherhood of the Vigils. Iris's history fuels her resentment for the restraints imposed upon her. Irreconcilable values drive a wedge between them until the pair are thrust back together to face Captain Mavvis and his crew, a band of centuries-old ghouls.

Seeking an ancient magic to undo his curse, Mavvis's actions will destroy a fundamental balance that would drag the world into chaos. In a series of painful lessons, Iris must learn from the consequences of her actions.