At twenty two, Leland is excited about his foray into the adult world, as his father Franz Niva sends him on a low risk assignment to learn the family business of shipping. Along the way, his father's right-hand man Carter Wayne keeps a close watch on Leland, and his own son Tommy, as the two friends work, and experience life together.

In the far, and exotic city of Tiquan, Leland and his friend Tommy Wayne take their liberty from the ship to explore the cobblestone streets bathed in the city's yellow gas lamps. There, in an upscale hotel they find three very flirtatious ladies.

As Leland's eyes meet Ella's, the world falls hush, and two beating hearts echo with passions that will bring two feuding houses together. But, there is little time to bask in spring's young love, as a greedy and spiteful nation, Burkmuran, levels its bombs and war machine upon the ill-prepared citizens of Tiquan.

Ella, and her two friends find themselves at the mercy of vicious Burker agents, only to be rescued by Leland and Tommy. This sparks a fearful escape from the burning Tiquan, into the hinterlands of the continental interior. Along the way, they discover their juxtaposition of families - the two shipping barons at odds, with no love lost. Yet - those passionate hearts of youth, will know no prohibition of their feelings.

Pursued from the sky and on the ground, the lovers find themselves in league with a rogue skyship captain - more noted for his smuggling than his kindness. Those inexperienced youth will find themselves tested by their enemies, the desert, and the White Ghosts - and from the ashes of war, they will rise stronger and wiser than they ever imagined possible.