Carmineis the new “seal bearer” forthe House of Cochineal. Destined to become the future Queen of the House; rulingthe Guardian Organisation, which on the face of it is a charity for talented orphans, but is charged with keeping humanity safe. Carmine’s race,Antediluvians, bonded to their “seals” are given long lives as well as “powers”. Carmine’s seal, the Lightning Beast, is deemed both a declaration and warning when it awakes; the competition wants her dead before that happens.