The year is 1945, and David, a young man with a mysterious past, has escaped war-torn Europe. When he arrives in London, David is quickly pulled into the world of the Arcane Houses. He could have joined House Artifice, who craft magical objects, or House Vigile, who oversee law and order. Instead, he's taken in by Thorne House, home of thieves and knaves. Under the protection of the enigmatic Master Thorne, David has at last found sanctuary. But not all is as it seems. Something dark is stirring in the magical Borderlands of London, and David will need all his wits and courage to survive the coming storm.