The Shifting World holds many wondrous mysteries and magics, but Jane finds herself unique among them in her power to touch an object and have visions. That unique ability intrigues her grandfather enough to lead them to the city of Rubris, a metropolis buried underneath an unhealthy fascination for junk.

They search for an item that will activate her ability and find one in the most unlikely object, an old compass. The compass points in an unknown direction, but they quickly learn that it leads to trouble. A mysterious guild wants the compass and will do anything to have it, including killing them.

Jane wants to ditch the compass, but she finds herself unable to throw away the cursed item. A deeper impulse than survival keeps her holding onto the trouble. It's a feeling that both frightens and attracts her, and she's left wondering if maybe fate is leading her to a greater destiny than she can imagine.