In a post-apocalyptic nation, the Colonel, Maxim, is a dictator in control of the Ruins, in what used to be NYC. He rules with an iron fist and takes what he wants, when he wants. What he wants is Iolanthe, and he'll do anything to get her.

Iolanthe grew up homeless and on the streets with a mother that didn't care for her. It was dangerous, but she never feared anything. Somewhere in the background, she always knew she was protected. By who, she never knew.

The fact that she's Pure, a woman whose fertility wasn't affected by the global virus, doesn't help matters. She's targeted by everyone, but especially Maxim. At his whim, will she come to accept her fate, or will her mother's warnings keep her from acquiescence?