In the realm of Alyria, every person is born with an Affinity, a unique power that shapes their role in society. Some are blessed with powerful, flashy gifts like fire, lightning, or stone. These people grow up to be warriors, protectors, or leaders, wielding their powers with pride and confidence. Those with subtler Affinities, however, often end up marginalized or looked down upon.
Lorin, the protagonist, is one such boy. His Affinity is steam—a quiet, seemingly useless ability that brings him more ridicule than respect. While his classmates conjure raging fires or bend metal to their will, Lorin can produce only gentle puffs of steam. Even his family sees it as nothing more than a quirk. Known in his village as "Lorin the Vapor," he is regularly teased and underestimated.