After dealing what she hopes is a major blow to the enemy, Avery Rendon has found her way home to Asria. Safe for now, she spends her time adjusting to her new role in her planet's future and reveling in personal victories. But Asria is still under the control of the Haederan Empire, and their grip has only tightened since the invasion. When the Asrian prime minister begs her to ask the Commonwealth for help in person, she agrees.
It's a harrowing trip to the Commonwealth's headquarters, one which comes to an abrupt end when her ship is intercepted by the Haederans in deep space. Her traitorous uncle, the former king of Asria, is there waiting for her. Worse, so is the Haederan interrogator who has haunted her nightmares for the past year. His plans for her now? Avery isn't sure she wants to find out.
Alliances will shift. Trust will be broken. And through it all, time is running out for the people Avery cares about the most.