Carmine is the new "seal bearer" for the House of Cochineal. Destined to become the future Queen of the House; ruling the Guardian Organization: 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.