The Gilded Ones

Sixteen-year-old Deka faces a blood ceremony that will determine her place in her village, hoping to be deemed "pure." When her blood runs gold, marking her as impure, she confronts a fate worse than death, but a mysterious woman offers her a choice: remain in her village or join an army of girls like herself, known as alaki, who possess extraordinary powers. Choosing the path of a warrior, Deka embarks on a journey to the capital, where she will uncover shocking truths about herself and the world around her. This captivating narrative blends elements of dark fantasy with themes of empowerment and belonging.