THE GILDED ONESSixteen year old Deka lives in Otera, a deeply patriarchal ancient kingdom, where a woman's worth is tied to her purity, and she must bleed to prove it. But when Deka bleeds gold the colour of impurity, of a demon she faces a consequence worse than death. She is saved by a mysterious woman who tells Deka of her true nature: she is an Alaki, a near immortal with exceptional gifts. The stranger offers her a choice: fight for the Emperor, with others