The Archons built their empire on the bones of the conquered, and they’re always looking for fresh meat. Adam Henshaw is exactly what they need. He’s strong, capable, and driven by a voracious hunger to learn. The Irala Academy could’ve been his chance to master the magic that would get him home. Instead, he got a uniform, a title, and a front-row seat to the rotten heart of the Union. As corruption drags him deeper, Adam has no choice but to play the loyal soldier. For now. Earl Henshaw plays loyal to no one. Recruited by rebels and tearing through black market arenas, Earl is leaving a trail of broken bodies in his wake. He doesn’t care about causes or politics, and he certainly doesn’t care about the people around him. He only cares about getting stronger. The rebels think they’ve mastered Earl. The Archons think they own Adam. But as the borders bleed and shadows wrestle in the deep dark of the cosmos, they’re all about to learn the same lesson. No one controls the Henshaw brothers.