This story is based in Straten, a cold, grey land. It is run by a government known as the O.W, or Only Way. Everyone who resides in Straten must fit a certain criteria, cis, straight, quiet and obedient. There is almost no way to leave Straten, unless you have official permission from the O.W. Some people don't fit this criteria and are surveyed by the government up until the age of 18. Once they turn 18, they are taken and turned into slaves or put in clubs and places of entertainment to be humiliated and bullied. People know this happens but they think it's normal, it's all they've ever known.
There is a small group of teenagers who know they are different. Nova, a trans male, Amy, an aromantic female, Rikki, a lesbian, Araya, a pansexual female, Nik, who is agender, and Oli, who is questioning and mad at the world. They group together and leave Straten, becoming Runners. They are immediately hunted by Phobes, people specifically trained by the government to hunt down and imprison the Runners. During the journey, relationships and friendships are formed, and trust is broken. These teenagers learn that they have a lot more in common than just their identity.
