Ella, born a starving destitute in the Outskirts, is now living the dream the Protectorate has designed. Chosen as a child, removed from her family, and brought into the safety of the Community, Ella's life is laid out by the First Generation Creams that bought and paid for her. Inside she is safe from the monsters that roam the Outskirts. Inside she is stripped and molded into the upper crust of society. Inside she will become the voice for the less fortunate that she once was. Inside she will never be asked, only told what she will become. Ella struggles to play along and toe the line. Although this is easy for most, it is contrary to her nature. She fears her missteps might reveal her deepest secret. She is desperate to be compliant, if only to stay hidden.