You thought you’d uncovered the secrets of the universe. But you never found me. The humans crossed the stars, traveling farther than any before, all to terraform a planet long thought dead. They destroyed their world, and now they need mine. They found me buried in the core of my planet, but when they set me free they also unleashed a dark force more powerful than any before—my twin. Possessed by the god of death, no guns can hope to battle his magic. I couldn’t stop him from destroying my world before, but I’ll die before I let him take another people from me. Many things have changed since I ruled. But death… death never changes.

I thought when I killed my brother I’d be free. It turns out, I never knew what chains could be. The slavers took me because I am unique. The only creature in the universe that can use magic, the last of my kind. Sold to the highest bidder, and now the once great ruler is nothing more than a creature on display. They underestimate me. I may be in chains, but my mind is free. They think they can parade me around like an exotic animal on display, unaware of the danger they court. Sticks and stones may break your bones, but my words will end you.

Humans are capable of the worst treachery. We'd only just escaped the clutches of slavery when they came for him. My yeva, my other half, accused of going AWOL—abandoning his people. They took him from me, forced him to go to Earth to stand trial for his alleged crimes. I had no choice but to follow. I could never leave him to face any danger alone. But in doing so, I revealed myself to those who hate aliens more than anything else in the universe—the United Planetary Council. They've accused me of treachery, conspiracy to destabilize the system, and they're out for blood. Walter is convinced he can fix this from the inside, play the political game to clear our names, but I've learned a truth that will destroy all hope. How can I save Kaidan, when it seems I cannot save myself?