During the final years of Queen Victoria’s reign, the city of London begins to experience a strange and unsettling phenomenon. Certain people suddenly develop unusual abilities that cannot be explained by science or logic. These individuals become known as the Touched. Most of them are women, and their powers vary greatly. Some possess abilities that seem fascinating or even helpful, while others display talents that frighten society and make people uneasy. Because of fear and misunderstanding, many of the Touched are treated as outsiders and forced to live on the margins of society. Among these extraordinary individuals are Amalia True, a mysterious widow with exceptional fighting skills and a strong sense of determination, and Penance Adair, a kind hearted but brilliant young inventor whose mind is full of imaginative ideas and remarkable creations. Together they form an unlikely partnership and become protectors of those who have been rejected because of their unusual gifts. They create a safe place where the Touched can live without fear and begin to build a community for people who have nowhere else to go. However, their mission is far from easy. Powerful enemies, social prejudice, and hidden conspiracies constantly threaten their efforts. As Amalia and Penance try to defend the Touched and secure a future for them, they must confront dangerous forces from many sides. In a world that refuses to accept those who are different, they fight not only for survival but also for recognition, dignity, and a place in history for people who have long been ignored.