Summary

The story is narrated by a 13-year-old girl named Jacqueline, better known as Creeper. She is an orphan who has settled into a place at Les Grand Murs, a busy wall where airships land. She was born in 1871 during a storm. Her mother was outside when she gave birth. Her mother said Creeper was connected to Oya, the “goddess of storms, life, death, and rebirth” (7). According to Creeper's mother, this is why Creeper likes high places like Les Grand Murs. She basically lives there now, in an alcove that allows her to see the people who come and go but secluded enough that she can avoid being captured. Orphans in the city are in danger of being forced into workhouses or to work for thieves. On this night, Creeper is watching the people who arrive on airships, looking for something she might steal...