In a dystopian United States, the colonists of Roanoke Island must find safety at the mysterious Fort Sumter, but as they get further from their home, their elemental powers begin to fade.
Hunter Garrity, struggling to deal with his unusual abilities and problems with his grandfather, the Merrick brothers, and psycho Calla, meets new girl Kate Sullivan, who is not hostile, but has an agenda, and wonders if he can trust her.
When an arsonist begins targeting the town, Gabriel Merrick finds himself a suspect because he has powers he can't control, and only odd sophomore Layne believes he is innocent.