Three years after an inexplicable event suddenly equips them with extraordinary abilities, Amalia True and Penance Adair work to protect their kind from deepening antipathy; police inspector Frank Mundi investigates a string of murders.

Mundi takes a personal stake in tracking down Maladie; Amalia launches an investigation of her own; Lavinia Bidlow seeks to destigmatise the Touched at a society event; Hugo Swann enlists Augie to help monetise his illicit enterprise.

Penance creates an amplifier to spread Mary's hope-inspiring song across the city, but first, Mary must find her voice; Amalia propositions an unlikely ally and works to expand the Orphanage's reach; Swann entangles Augie and Mundi in his business.

While Mundi seeks justice, Amalia and her most trusted advisers make a list of potential enemies; Harriet, Primrose and the other Orphans attempt to decipher a message; Amalia exposes an unexpected threat.

As the city buzzes with anticipation over a pending execution, Penance grapples with a moral calling at odds with Amalia's plan; with the two women at a crossroads, the Orphans must decide who to follow.

After Amalia's origin story is revealed, a long-awaited reunion crystallises the Orphans' mission.