Spencer's family of scholars has always been fascinated by the Dapheni, a race that populates the icy desert of the North. Dapheni, people with white hair and black eyes, are said to be able to make magical devices powered by the dust they find in the sky. But when Spencer and his parents go to the North hoping to explore the Dapheni's craft, someone tries to kill them. The attempts continue, and soon Spencer finds out something sinister. With a fierce Dapheni girl named Vivia as his companion, he now has to fight his way to freedom and safety.