Easy to read full book summaries for any book.
The book is set in a war-torn world where different factions, including the Republic, the Society, and the Obsidians, are vying for power. The story follows multiple characters, including Darrow, Lysander, Virginia, Ephraim, and Lyria, as they navigate the complexities of war, loyalty, and identity. Darrow, the leader of the Free Legions, is fighting against the Society, while Lysander, a Gold, is struggling with his own morality and sense of purpose. Virginia, the former Sovereign, is trying to survive and resist her captors, while Ephraim, a skilled but troubled freelancer, is working with the Obsidians to take down their enemies. Lyria, a young Red woman, is fighting for survival and seeking revenge against those who have wronged her. Throughout the book, the characters face numerous challenges, including battles, betrayals, and personal struggles, as they try to achieve their goals and find their place in the world. The story is a complex and epic tale of war, politics, and human nature, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and the true cost of conflict. Ultimately, the book builds towards a climactic showdown between the different factions, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
The story takes place in a war-torn setting where the protagonist, Darrow, is visiting a group of blind and wounded soldiers. He meets a old Red man named Dago, who is a Helldiver and someone from Darrow's past. Dago gives Darrow a handful of Martian soil as a symbol of their connection and a reminder of their home planet. Darrow then departs and boards a shuttle, where he reviews reports and strategies for the upcoming battle. He also has a conversation with his niece, Rhonna, who is concerned about his well-being and wants to prove herself as a valuable member of the team. Darrow then speaks with Orion, a skilled but troubled commander, who expresses her doubts about the Republic and its people. Orion's words strike a chord with Darrow, who is also struggling with his own doubts and fears about the war and the future of the Republic. Despite their differences, Darrow and Orion share a moment of understanding, and Darrow reaffirms his commitment to their mission and his role as a leader.
The story shifts to the perspective of Lysander, who is on a mission to meet with Atalantia, the ruler of the Core, alongside Diomedes, the eldest son of Romulus au Raa. As they approach Atalantia's flagship, the Annihilo, Lysander reflects on the ship's history and his own complicated past with Atalantia, who was like a guardian to him in his childhood. Diomedes and Lysander discuss the potential dangers of their mission and the complexities of Atalantia's character, with Lysander describing her as a "velvet buzzsaw" with a savage brain and charismatic personality. Meanwhile, Diomedes's sister, Seraphina, expresses her distrust of Lysander and the Core, and Lysander worries about the potential consequences of their meeting, including the possibility that Atalantia may see him as a rival or threat to her power.
Darrow arrives on Mercury, a planet with a tumultuous environment, to meet with Imperator Cadus Harnassus, a skilled but ambitious commander. Harnassus has been working on excavating an ancient engine, a Storm God, which was discovered imprisoned in the ice. Darrow is accompanied by Orion, who has been working on installing hardware in the engine, and they discuss the potential risks and benefits of activating the machine. Despite Harnassus's reservations and potential sabotage, Darrow decides to activate the engine, and after a tense moment, it roars to life, rising into the air and creating a low-gravity field. The successful activation of the Storm God is a crucial step in Darrow's plan, but it also raises concerns about the potential consequences of playing with such powerful technology.
Lysander and Diomedes arrive on the Annihilo, Atalantia's flagship, where they are met with a show of force by the Ash Guard and the Core Golds. Lysander is reunited with Ajax, his former friend and ally, who has undergone significant physical and emotional changes. Ajax is now a confident and powerful warrior, but also hot-headed and prone to outbursts. The reunion is tense, with Ajax subjecting Diomedes to a series of insults and challenges, including a demand that he remove his cloak bearing the Storm Knight crest. Diomedes complies, but Ajax's behavior becomes increasingly aggressive, culminating in him urinating on the cloak. The scene ends with Lysander caught between his loyalty to Ajax and his growing unease with the Core's brutal and arrogant culture.
Darrow briefs a group of officers on Operation Voyager Cloak, a plan to lure Atalantia's army into a trap on Mercury. He reveals that the operation involves allowing the enemy to breach their shields and then annihilating them in a killbox. The officers are tasked with forming BlueReach Seven, a backup plan in case the main operation fails. Darrow then meets with Imperator Harnassus, who expresses his disagreement with the plan and accuses Darrow of being reckless and inhuman. Darrow responds by threatening to use Howlers to detain Harnassus if he doesn't comply. Harnassus eventually salutes and agrees to follow Darrow's orders, but not before expressing his distrust and anger. Meanwhile, Darrow receives a message from Pup One, indicating that the Fear Knight has not taken the bait and is instead moving towards the city of Angelia. Darrow is forced to re-evaluate his plan and sends a team to reconnoiter Angelia. He also shares a moment with Orion, who is tasked with leading the storm pilots, and reveals to Rhonna the location of a master switch that can control the Storm Gods in case he is killed in battle.
Lysander meets with Atalantia, the ruler of the Core, and is reunited with his former friend Ajax. Atalantia has changed since Lysander last saw her, now appearing as a skilled and ruthless warrior rather than the carefree socialite he once knew. The meeting is tense, with Atalantia's allies, including the Primuses of various houses, expressing their distrust and skepticism of Lysander's intentions. Lysander reveals that he was a ward of Cassius, the arch-traitor, for ten years, which sparks a mixture of shock, disgust, and amusement among the gathered Golds. Diomedes, the son of Romulus au Raa, arrives with his sister Seraphina to negotiate a potential alliance between the Rim Dominion and the Society remnant. Atalantia proposes an alliance, but only if the Raa prove their commitment by participating in an Iron Rain, a high-risk military operation. Seraphina agrees to participate, despite her brother's reservations. Lysander, seeking to prove himself and earn a scar, asks to join the Iron Rain as well, and Atalantia grants his request, assigning him to fall with Ajax. The chapter ends with Lysander and Ajax preparing for the impending battle, while Atalantia seems to be manipulating events to further her own ambitions.
Darrow and his team, including Rhonna and Thraxa, track the Fear Knight to the desert near the city of Angelia, where they discover a forest of corpses erected in front of the city. The Fear Knight's trail leads them to believe he is heading towards Angelia, and Darrow decides to push in and investigate. He contacts Orion to inquire about spooling up the Storm Gods without revealing their plan, and she explains the limitations and potential consequences of activating the machines. Darrow orders her to initiate Operation Tartarus, which will create a storm, and he plans to use this to his advantage in the upcoming battle. Meanwhile, Alexandar, who has been tracking the Fear Knight with Thraxa, is found exhausted and haunted, and Darrow realizes that he may have pushed his team too hard. The chapter ends with Darrow preparing to face the Fear Knight and the impending battle, using the storm as a strategic element to outmaneuver his enemy.
Lysander prepares for the Iron Rain, a high-risk military operation, alongside Ajax and other Golds. As he undergoes the pre-mission rituals and briefings, he reflects on his decision to participate and the potential consequences of the operation. He also shares a moment with Pytha, who expresses her concerns and reveals a hidden past as a former equites. The chapter culminates with the Gold legionnaires performing the Blood Benediction, a ritual to prepare for battle, and Ajax outlining the mission objective to take Heliopolis, a key location in the war. Lysander is aware that this move is a betrayal of their alliance with Scorpio au Votum, and he feels a sense of unease and disappointment. As the mission begins, Lysander is determined to prove himself and earn a scar, while also navigating the complexities of his relationships with Ajax, Seraphina, and Kalindora.
Darrow and his team investigate the city of Angelia, where they discover a gruesome forest of corpses and a trail of clues leading them to a hidden communications center. There, they uncover evidence of a sinister plot by the Fear Knight, Atlas, to overload the city's nuclear reactor and destroy the surrounding area. As they work to evacuate the city, Darrow realizes that Atlas's plan is not just to cause destruction, but to buy time for a larger attack by Atalantia's forces. The northern shield chain is breached, and the Gold Armada begins to bombard the planet. Darrow devises a plan to rally his armies and launch a counterattack, using the storm as cover. He sends Thraxa to lead the tank legions and prepares to face the enemy, knowing that the battle ahead will be fierce and potentially disastrous. With the fate of the Free Legions hanging in the balance, Darrow rallies his troops and prepares to make a stand against the overwhelming forces of the Gold Armada.
Lysander prepares to embark on the Iron Rain, a high-risk military operation, alongside Ajax and other Golds. As he launches from the Annihilo, he reflects on his decision to participate and the potential consequences of the operation. Despite his initial fear, Lysander uses the Mind's Eye to calm himself and focus on the mission. He recalls a memory of Octavia, who taught him to harness his fear and use it to his advantage. As the starShells descend onto the planet, Lysander is struck by the majesty of the invasion and the scale of the conflict. He feels a sense of patriotic pride, but it is short-lived as he realizes the devastating consequences of war. The Gold Armada breaches the planet's shields, and Lysander's century streams into the hellmouth, a corridor of protective fire. The chaos of the battle overwhelms Lysander's senses, but he manages to follow Ajax's lead and avoid deadly attacks. As they dive toward the Hesperides range, Lysander's decade is ambushed by railguns, and they fight to clear the mountain range. Despite the intensity of the battle, Ajax offers Lysander words of encouragement and criticism, pushing him to improve his flying skills.
Darrow's army is under attack by Atalantia's forces, with mushroom clouds and pillars of particle beams devastating the landscape. As Darrow's shuttle, the Necromancer, attempts to escape the bombardment, it is pursued by enemy ripWings and suffers significant damage. Darrow and his team make an emergency landing on a skyhook, where they prepare to launch a counterattack using starShells and Drachenjägers. However, before they can depart, an omega-atomic bomb strikes Red Reach base, annihilating Darrow's Second Army and causing widespread destruction. Darrow is left to pick up the pieces and regroup with his remaining forces, including the Helldiver Legion, to launch a desperate bid to retake the initiative and prevent Atalantia's army from besieging the city of Tyche. With his long-range communications down, Darrow gives orders for his remaining forces to break out and make for Tyche, hoping to relieve the siege and clear a path for the First Army's retreat. The Helldiver Legion, with Darrow at their lead, prepares to ride into battle, determined to fight back against Atalantia's forces and protect the Republic.
Lysander and his allies, including Ajax and the Gold legionnaires, launch a massive invasion of the planet Mercury as part of their campaign to capture the city of Heliopolis. However, their plans are soon disrupted by a massive sandstorm, which destroys many of their ships and equipment. Lysander realizes that the storm is not a natural phenomenon, but rather the result of a Storm God, a powerful technological device that can control the weather. He believes that Darrow, the leader of the opposing forces, has activated the Storm God to hinder their advance. Despite the challenges posed by the storm, Ajax decides to press on with their mission to capture Heliopolis, and tasks Lysander with leading a team to destroy the Storm God. Lysander accepts the challenge, and with the help of Kalindora and Seraphina, sets out to complete his mission and prove himself to Ajax and Atalantia.
Darrow leads a counterattack against Atalantia's forces, utilizing the storm created by Orion to gain the upper hand. With his army of Drachenjägers and starShells, they launch a surprise attack on the enemy division, catching them off guard and unprepared. The battle is intense, with Darrow and his team cutting through the enemy lines and taking down key targets, including a giant blue titan and the standard of the Votum legion. Darrow personally confronts and kills Scorpio au Votum, a high-ranking Gold, and seizes the standard as a trophy. As the battle subsides, Darrow's army emerges victorious, having suffered relatively minimal losses, and they press on towards Tyche, ready to face Atalantia and her forces. Darrow's confidence and determination grow, fueled by his desire for revenge against Atalantia and his commitment to protecting the Republic.
Lysander and his team, including Seraphina and Kalindora, navigate through a treacherous storm on Mercury, their progress slowed by powerful winds and limited visibility. As they journey on, they encounter Cicero, the son of Scorpio au Votum, and his Scorpion Legion, who are also seeking to capture the city of Heliopolis. Lysander forms an uneasy alliance with Cicero, agreeing to work together to destroy the Storm God, a powerful technological device that is fueling the storm and threatening to devastate the planet. As they approach the eye of the storm, they are met with a surreal and deadly landscape, where the Storm God floats above the desert, surrounded by a swirling vortex of sand and clouds. The team prepares to engage the Storm God, but their plans are disrupted by a sudden attack that kills Seraphina, leaving Lysander and the others to regroup and face the challenges ahead.
Darrow arrives at the city of Tyche, the ancestral home of the gens Votum, to find it being devastated by a massive storm surge caused by Orion's uncontrolled use of the Storm Gods. The city is drowning, and the Ash Legions are trying to escape through the gravLoop. Darrow is forced to initiate an override to shut down the Storm Gods, which results in Orion's death. He then receives news that Heliopolis is under assault by Ajax's legions. Darrow decides to send Rhonna to find the Morning Star and Thraxa, and to have them relieve Heliopolis, while he takes his armor through the mountains to meet them. Meanwhile, Alexandar requests permission to enter the city to lend aid, which Darrow initially denies, but later grants, allowing him to take his knights to help the civilians. Darrow gives Alexandar his wolfcloak and tells him to hold Atalantia's army as long as he can before making his way to Heliopolis. With a heavy heart, Darrow watches as Alexandar and his knights depart towards the drowning city, and then heads back to his men to lead them towards the battle in the desert.
Lysander awakens in his damaged starShell, struggling to free himself from the sand. He learns of Seraphina's death and the destruction of the Storm God, and soon discovers that Ajax has betrayed him, leaving him and his men stranded in the desert. With limited resources and no way to communicate with their allies, Lysander and his remaining forces prepare to face an incoming enemy army, led by Darrow. As the enemy approaches, Lysander reflects on his past and the lessons he learned from Octavia, and he decides to stand his ground and fight alongside his men, rather than abandoning them to save his own life. The battle is intense, with Darrow using his characteristic tactics to outmaneuver and overwhelm Lysander's forces. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Lysander engages Darrow in a fierce duel, but he is ultimately defeated and left severely injured, his body burning from the flames of a downed starShell.
Darrow's forces emerge from the desert, battered and exhausted, to find Heliopolis under siege by Ajax's army. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Darrow's men fight valiantly, but the battle is intense and chaotic. Darrow himself is captured by the Fear Knight's men, but he manages to escape with the help of a gravity anomaly caused by the moonBreaker, the Morning Star. As the First Army arrives, led by Thraxa, the tide of the battle turns, and the enemy lines begin to break. Darrow, however, is severely injured and exhausted, and his body begins to shut down. With the help of Rhonna and Screwface, he is taken to the Mound of Votum, where he collapses, too tired and wounded to move. The medicus administers medicine to ease his pain, and Darrow watches as the night falls, listening to the sounds of screams, gunshots, and wailing machines. Eventually, Harnassus, Colloway, and Thraxa arrive, bearing the standards of the defeated enemy legions, and declare victory.
Virginia, the Sovereign, addresses the citizens of the Republic in a televised speech, revealing that the Free Legions have achieved a miraculous victory against the Society's forces on Mercury, despite being outnumbered and outgunned. However, she emphasizes that the legions are still in peril, surrounded and outnumbered, and that their time is running out. Virginia criticizes the Senate for their inaction and fear, urging them to send aid to the Free Legions and to reject the false promises of peace with the enemy. She calls upon the people to stand united and to beseech their senators to take action, warning that if they do not, the Republic will sink back into darkness and tyranny. Virginia's speech is a passionate plea for unity and action, and she concludes by sending a message of hope to her husband, Darrow, and the Free Legions, promising that she will come for them and that they have not been abandoned.
Virginia, the Sovereign, reflects on the city of Luna, a place of contradictions and complexities, as she prepares to address the Senate and make a case for sending aid to the Free Legions on Mercury. She meets with Holiday ti Nakamura, her trusted centurion and Dux of the Lionguard, to discuss the situation and the potential consequences of their actions. Virginia reveals her plan to appoint Nakamura as a senator, citing her reputation, skills, and lack of ego as qualifications. Meanwhile, Virginia receives a call from Dancer, a senator and former ally, who expresses his concerns about the war effort and the potential risks of sending a fleet to Mercury. He warns Virginia that the Golds will not hesitate to attack Luna if they perceive weakness, and that the Free Legions are likely to be defeated without Darrow's leadership. The conversation turns tense as Dancer accuses Virginia of being power-hungry and willing to risk everything for her own ambitions. Virginia denies these accusations, but the conversation ends with a sense of unease and foreboding. After the call, Virginia asks Nakamura if she would be willing to kill Dancer if ordered to, and Nakamura refuses, citing her loyalty to the Republic and its leaders. The chapter ends with Virginia acknowledging the potential dangers and complexities of her situation, but expressing confidence in her ability to navigate them.
Virginia, the Sovereign, prepares for a crucial vote in the Senate to expand her powers and save the Free Legions on Mercury. She meets with Daxo au Telemanus, her closest confidant, in his personal skyhook, Dictaeon Antron, which is designed to resemble a brain. Daxo has assembled an army of politicos who will work to secure the necessary votes. Virginia also meets with Publius cu Caraval, the Tribune of the Copper bloc, who is hesitant to vote for the bill due to concerns about the Silvers' demands. Virginia hints that she may be able to secure the Silver vote without making concessions, and Publius agrees to consider her proposal. Meanwhile, Daxo reveals that he lured Publius to the meeting by telling him that Darrow sent a message asking for his help. Virginia and Daxo discuss their strategy, and Virginia decides not to let Daxo deal with Sevro, a key player in the situation. Instead, she chooses to use her own assets to secure the votes needed to pass the bill. The chapter ends with Virginia addressing her political army, urging them to fill a holographic pyramid representing the votes needed to secure a majority, and promising that they will endure the challenges ahead and emerge victorious.
The chapter introduces Ephraim, a character who has suffered a catastrophic collision and is left severely injured. As he awakens, he finds himself in a desperate state, pinned to the floor with a broken leg and a bullet wound in his chest. He is eventually rescued by scavengers, who free him from the wreckage. Ephraim's memories and guilt return, and he becomes desperate for a fix of zoladone, a substance he is addicted to. However, a young boy who has been watching over him refuses to give him the medication, citing the horrific events that occurred when a group of Praetorians were given zoladone and committed atrocities. The boy, who has Ephraim's engagement ring, tells him that he will only return it when Ephraim asks for it back, implying that Ephraim must first confront his addiction and take responsibility for his actions. As Ephraim lies awake, he is haunted by memories of his past and the people he has lost, including Volga. The chapter ends with Ephraim whispering the motto of his former legion, a creed that has been drilled into him, as he struggles to come to terms with his addiction and his past.
Ephraim, still recovering from his injuries, finds himself in a luxurious suite in the Eagle Rest citadel on Mars. He meets a shaman who seems to know more about him than he should, and warns Ephraim of the arrival of Valdir the Unshorn, a powerful and feared warlord. Despite his attempts to escape, Ephraim is caught by Valdir, who is determined to punish him for his past transgressions, including stealing children. Valdir subjects Ephraim to a brutal and humiliating treatment, shooting him with a tacNet and dragging him back to the citadel. As Ephraim is taken away, he reflects on his past mistakes and the consequences that have led him to this point, and he wonders if he will be able to escape or find a way to redeem himself.
Ephraim, still recovering from his injuries, is taken to meet Sefi, the Queen of the Obsidians, who is determined to create a new kingdom for her people. She reveals that she has been working to unite the Obsidians and create a new society, where they can live and thrive without the oppression of the Republic. Ephraim is impressed by the scale of her operation and the skills of her people, who are learning from various Colors, including master mechanics, navigators, and doctors. Sefi asks Ephraim to teach her skuggi, a group of young Obsidian assassins, to become more practical and versatile, able to melt into the city and exist behind enemy lines. In return, she offers to release Volga and Lyria, members of Ephraim's gang, who are being held by the Julii. Ephraim agrees to work with Sefi, but only on the condition that he is paid a significant amount of money and that the contract is drawn up with Amani Guild specs. Sefi agrees, and they seal their deal with a handshake. Additionally, Sefi asks Ephraim to bring Pax, the Reaper's son, close to her, as she may need him as insurance in the future.
Ephraim ti Horn, a skilled but troubled freelancer, stands before a group of 200 young Obsidian assassins, known as skuggi, in a hangar. He introduces himself and boasts about his past exploits, including stealing high-profile targets. The skuggi are skeptical, but Ephraim aims to teach them unconventional domestic warfare skills, such as spycraft, surveillance, and subverting security systems, to help their Queen, Sefi, build a new kingdom. However, he soon realizes that only half of the skuggi speak Common, making his task more challenging. Despite this, Ephraim is determined to transform the skuggi into "ghost soldiers of the city jungle," capable of operating undetected and owning the underworld. With his unorthodox methods and expertise, Ephraim sets out to mold the skuggi into a formidable force, but faces an uphill battle due to the language barrier and the skuggi's initial skepticism.
Virginia, the Sovereign, meets with a group of powerful Silver industrialists, known as the Zenith Ring, to discuss their demands in exchange for their support in the war effort. The industrialists, led by Senator Britannia ag Krieg, present a list of outrageous demands, including the cessation of federal tax-shelter provisions and the elimination of automation limits. Virginia, tired of their extortionate tactics, decides to take a stand and refuses to agree to their demands. She makes a dramatic exit, giving them an ultimatum: either they vote with her, or she will punish them proportionally. Quicksilver, a powerful and enigmatic figure, seems to be hiding something and is working on a mysterious project. Virginia's actions spark a confrontation, and she walks out on the meeting, confident that she can find alternative support and that the industrialists will eventually come begging.
Virginia, the Sovereign, discovers the gruesome remains of the Duke of Heads, the chief assassin of the Syndicate, at the hands of Sevro, her brother's best friend. She reflects on the escalating violence and the manhunt that has been sparked by the Syndicate Queen's highest-priced contract in history. Virginia then meets with her spymaster, Theodora, and her centurion, Holiday, to discuss their plan to extract information from the Duke of Hands, a key figure in the Syndicate. They use a blacksite to interrogate the Duke, who is revealed to be a custom hybrid with exceptional physical attractiveness and pheromonal abilities. However, Virginia has anticipated this and uses her neurological defense systems to counter his effects. She then proceeds to manipulate the Duke, using her knowledge of his brain patterns and predictive behavior to extract information from him. The chapter ends with Virginia revealing that she has been using the Duke to test an evolving technology and that she has finally received the signal she was waiting for, marking the beginning of a new phase in her plan.
Virginia, the Sovereign, meets with Sevro, her son's godfather, and his team of Howlers to discuss the location of her son, Pax. Sevro is initially resistant to sharing information, but Virginia uses her knowledge and skills to deduce the truth about Victra's plan to ransom the children. She reveals that she knows Victra is working with Sefi, the Queen of the Obsidians, to steal Quicksilver's helium mines on Mars. Virginia proposes that she will allow Sefi to take the mines in exchange for a defensive military alliance with the Republic and a helium contract. Sevro is impressed by Virginia's intelligence and strategic thinking, and he eventually agrees to report for duty and follow her orders. The meeting takes a darker turn when Sevro is tasked with interrogating the Duke of Hands, a key figure in the Syndicate, using a psychoSpike, a device that can erase a person's memories and personality. The Duke is left a blank slate, and Sevro is shocked by the effectiveness of the device. The chapter ends with Virginia proposing to communicate with the traitor, Dancer, who has been revealed to be working with the Syndicate.
Ephraim continues to train the Obsidian skuggi, teaching them the game of Karachi and the art of deception. Despite initial difficulties due to the language barrier and the skuggi's tendency to be blunt and honest, Ephraim makes progress with the group, particularly with Freihild, who proves to be a quick learner. As Ephraim interacts with the skuggi, he begins to understand their culture and dynamics, including the complex relationships between Valdir, Freihild, and Sefi. Meanwhile, Pax, the Reaper's son, observes Ephraim's interactions with the skuggi and provides insight into their behavior and motivations. As the day comes to a close, Ephraim reflects on his role in teaching the skuggi and the potential consequences of his actions, while also forming a bond with Pax, who is eager to learn and prove himself.
Virginia, the Sovereign, meets with Dancer, a senator and former ally, in a tense and emotional encounter. She reveals that she has discovered evidence of the Syndicate's involvement in the kidnapping of her son, Pax, and that Dancer has been unknowingly compromised by the Syndicate's Duke of Hands. The meeting is fraught with anger, shame, and regret, but ultimately, Dancer agrees to support Virginia and provide her with the votes she needs to pass a crucial bill. The chapter explores the complex relationships and motivations of the characters, including Dancer's past trauma and his loyalty to Virginia's family. As the meeting concludes, Virginia and Dancer form an uneasy alliance, united against their common enemies and determined to rescue the Free Legions and bring down the Syndicate.
Virginia, the Sovereign, stands in the Ocular Sphere, a glass chamber that allows her to view the Earth and other planets. She reflects on her life, her father's wisdom, and the weight of her responsibilities as a leader. She is joined by Sevro, Daxo, and Kavax, who discuss their plans to rescue her son, Pax, and bring down the Syndicate. Kavax, who is struggling with his own mortality, shares a heartfelt moment with Virginia, expressing his admiration for her bravery and kindness. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, Sevro and Daxo engage in their usual banter, while Virginia remains focused on her goals, determined to save her husband, Darrow, and prove her faith in democracy. The chapter ends with a sense of anticipation and foreboding, as the characters prepare for the battles to come.
The day of the crucial vote in the Senate has arrived, and Virginia, the Sovereign, is determined to pass a resolution to grant her wartime imperium over the defense fleets. However, the proceedings are disrupted by a violent and deadly attack on the Vox Populi senators, including Dancer, who dies a gruesome death. The Wardens, who are supposed to be neutral, seem to be complicit in the attack, and the Forum is thrown into chaos. As the mob of lowColors, fueled by rage and stims, storms the Senate pit, Virginia and the remaining Optimates, including Daxo, fight for their lives. Despite their bravery, they are vastly outnumbered, and Daxo ultimately falls to the mob. Virginia is beaten, raped, and mutilated by the crowd, and as she lies helpless, she sees Daxo's head being hacked off and tossed around like a trophy. The perpetrator is revealed to be Lilath, the Queen of the Syndicate, who was thought to be dead. The chapter ends with Virginia's world shattered, her body broken, and her spirit crushed by the brutality and betrayal she has witnessed.
Darrow attends the Fading Dirge, a ceremony to honor the dead, where he and his officers pay their respects to the fallen Martians. The ceremony is marred by the smell of rotting bodies and the reality of their situation. Darrow's thoughts are consumed by the loss of his friends and allies, including Orion and Alexandar. He is approached by Rhonna, who is still recovering from her injuries, and they share a moment of grief and reflection. Darrow then meets with his officers, including Harnassus and Thraxa, to discuss their chances of escape and the dwindling supplies of anti-radiation medication. The meeting is tense, with Harnassus and Thraxa at odds over how to proceed. Darrow remains resolute in his faith in the Republic and his wife, Virginia, and refuses to consider surrender. The chapter ends with the arrival of a tightbeam message from Atalantia, requesting an audience with Darrow and claiming it concerns his wife.
Darrow is in a desperate situation, having just witnessed the brutal attack on the Senate and the possible death of his wife, Virginia. Atalantia, the ruler of the Society, offers him a deal: surrender his army and submit to her rule, and she will spare the lives of his men. However, Darrow is aware that this is a bluff, and that Atalantia needs him to surrender in order to free up her ships to attack the Republic. He realizes that his strategy of waiting for the Republic to come to his aid is no longer viable, and that he must make a new plan. Darrow calls a meeting with his high command and reveals the conversation with Atalantia, telling them that he believes the Republic is compromised and that they cannot trust the authority of the Senate. He then gives them the freedom to decide the fate of the army, asking only that they consider what is best for their men and the Republic. As Darrow waits for their decision, he is filled with a sense of despair and doubt, wondering if he has made a mistake by pursuing his goal of revolution and putting his family in harm's way.
Lysander, severely injured and disfigured, walks through the desert with a group of survivors, including Kalindora and Cicero, after the devastating battle on Mercury. As they navigate the harsh environment, they share stories and reflect on their past experiences, including Cicero's tale about Nero au Augustus and a young Darrow. The group faces numerous challenges, including dehydration, radiation poisoning, and the threat of enemy patrols. Cicero reveals that they will soon run out of water and suggests that they may need to abandon some of their own to survive, which Lysander vehemently opposes. Despite their differences, the group presses on, driven by their determination to reach the safety of Erebos. Lysander's memories of his grandmother, Octavia, and his past training continue to haunt him, and he struggles to come to terms with his current situation and the consequences of his actions.
Darrow is awoken by Screwface, who takes him to a private moment on the beach where Martians are performing a ritual to cleanse themselves of their sins. Darrow feels out of place and decides to leave, but Screwface convinces him to follow him to investigate a group of stealth hulls that have appeared offshore. As they explore the hulls, they discover that they contain thousands of cylinders filled with radiation medicine, food, and materiel, stamped with the Republic's symbol. Darrow receives a message from his wife, Virginia, who informs him that she has sent the supplies and will come to Mercury to rescue him, regardless of the Senate's decision. The high command decides to reject Atalantia's surrender terms and instead launches a barrage of particle cannons at her dreadnought. In response, Atalantia retaliates, but the shields hold. Imperator Harnassus delivers a passionate speech, refusing to surrender and vowing to follow Darrow, the Reaper of Mars, to victory or death. The officers pledge their loyalty to Darrow, and he sits in the chair, symbolizing his acceptance of their trust and his determination to lead them to victory and return home to his family.
Lyria, a young woman from a low-color family, is being held in a prison cell by the Julii, a powerful Gold family. She has been subjected to physical and psychological torture, including starvation, noise, and light manipulation. As she lies on the cold floor, she reflects on her past and the events that led her to this point. She remembers her family, her brothers, and her life before the war. She also recalls the stories of Darrow, the Reaper, and how she used to blame him for her family's situation. However, as she begins to eat and sleep again, Lyria starts to regain her strength and her sense of self. She finds a message written in blood on a piece of cloth, supposedly from a prisoner named Volga, and it sparks a mix of emotions in her, including rage and a desire to connect with someone. Lyria decides to respond to the message, writing her own name and a brief introduction in blood on the back of the cloth. This small act of defiance and connection gives her a sense of hope and purpose, and she begins to see a way to survive and potentially escape her prison.
Ephraim's story continues as he finds himself on a military shuttle with Pax, Electra, and Ozgard, headed to an unknown destination. The shuttle eventually docks with a cruise liner, the Heart of Venus, which has been converted into a military base for Sefi's Obsidian army. Ephraim is reunited with his skuggi, a group of young Obsidian assassins he has been training, and they are all summoned to meet with Sefi. In a dramatic and disturbing scene, Sefi orders the execution of one of her Pinks, Amel, who is revealed to be a traitor passing information to the Golds. Sefi then reveals that she has learned of the coup in the Senate and the possible death of Virginia au Augustus, and that she plans to strike against the Republic by taking control of the helium mines on Mars. She tasks Ephraim with preparing his skuggi to help lower the defense grids, and Ephraim agrees, despite his reservations. The chapter ends with Ephraim reflecting on the gravity of the situation and the morally complex world he finds himself in.
Lysander wakes up feeling tired and in pain, with a fever and an infected wound on his face. He and his companions, including Kalindora and Cicero, set out on a trek across the desert, searching for safety and water. Along the way, they encounter a hydra burrow, which Cicero identifies as a danger to them. They take a break to rest and drink water, during which Kalindora shares a poem with Lysander and they discuss their desires for the future. As they continue on their journey, they spot a herd of sunbloods racing across the desert, but soon realize that they are being chased by a massive sandstorm. The group tries to reach the wreckage of a nearby bomber to take shelter, but Lysander is too injured to keep up and tells Kalindora to leave him behind. With no other option, he uses his razor to expand a nearby hydra burrow and takes shelter inside just as the sandstorm hits.
Lysander, severely injured and stranded in the desert, takes shelter in a hydra burrow to escape a massive sandstorm. After the storm passes, he emerges to find that his companions, Kalindora and Cicero, are gone, and he is left alone to face the dangers of the desert. Lysander soon discovers that he is being hunted by seven Peerless Scarred, led by Seneca, who have been sent by Ajax to kill him. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Lysander uses his skills and the Mind's Eye meditation to defeat his attackers, taking them down one by one. As he fights, he reflects on his past and the lessons he learned from his grandmother, Octavia. After killing Seneca, Lysander is approached by Apollonius au Valii-Rath, a mysterious and powerful figure who has been following him. Apollonius offers to help Lysander, but Lysander refuses, choosing instead to continue on his own and forge his own path. With his newfound determination and sense of purpose, Lysander sets out into the unknown, ready to face whatever challenges come his way.
Ephraim attends a war ritual called the Kjrdakan, where Sefi, the Queen of the Obsidians, leads her warlords in a ceremony to determine their strategy for the upcoming battle. Despite initial reservations, Ephraim submits a tactical brief outlining his plan to neutralize Quicksilver's mine security, which Sefi accepts over Valdir's more aggressive approach. The Obsidians then engage in the Lord Wager, a ritual where they offer sacrifices to seal their commitment to the battle plan. Ephraim, feeling insulted by the Obsidians' skepticism of his plan, makes a bold wager by cutting his hand and letting his blood drip into the ritualistic rib cage, earning their respect. Sefi matches his wager, slicing a chunk of flesh from her arm and tossing it into the ribs, sealing their pact. The chapter ends with Sefi acknowledging Ephraim's worth and inviting him to the Hunt of the Last Light if they emerge victorious, while also warning him that he will be killed if they fail.
Ephraim ti Horn, a skilled but troubled freelancer, finds himself on a military shuttle with Pax, Electra, and Ozgard, heading to Mars to help Sefi, the Queen of the Obsidians, take control of Quicksilver's helium mines. Ephraim had been training a group of young Obsidian assassins, known as skuggi, to help with the mission. However, things take a turn when Ozgard gives Ephraim a bag of "spirit berries" that turn out to be a hallucinogenic substance. Under the influence of the berries, Ephraim experiences a surreal and intense journey, witnessing the Obsidians' war ritual and their descent onto the Martian surface. As the Obsidians launch their attack on the mines, Ephraim joins the battle, feeling a sense of pride and purpose. Despite being unarmored and armed with only a mop, Ephraim charges into the fray, surrounded by Sefi's warriors and hunter-killer robots. The chapter ends with Ephraim in the midst of the chaos, unsure of what will happen next.
Lysander, severely injured and disfigured, navigates the harsh desert environment of Mercury, driven by his determination to survive and ultimately change the Gold society. He reflects on his past and the lessons he learned from his grandmother, Octavia, and grapples with the moral implications of his actions. As he journeys on, Lysander comes across a gruesome scene of impaled humans, a brutal display of the Society's tactics, and is met with a mixture of emotions, including sadness, anger, and a sense of responsibility. He attempts to show mercy to the victims but is thwarted by a trap set by the Gorgons, Atlas's elite warriors. Lysander is captured and left to suffer, a victim of his own attempted decency, as the Gorgons prepare to take him away, likely to face further punishment or interrogation.
Lysander, severely injured and disfigured, is being held captive by the Gorgons, an elite group of warriors, in a cave. He is chained to the wall along with ten other prisoners, all of whom are Golds and seem to be Howlers, loyal to Darrow. The prisoners are from various backgrounds, including Martian and Elysian, and are being held for unknown reasons. Lysander learns that they have been captive for some time and are being interrogated by their captors. He decides to adopt a false identity, "Cato au Vitruvius," to protect himself and gathers information about his fellow prisoners, including Alexandar au Arcos, a grandson of Lorn and a cousin of Kalindora. As Lysander navigates his situation, he must use his wits to survive and potentially escape, all while trying to understand the motivations of his captors and the true nature of his imprisonment.
The chapter revolves around Ephraim's experiences with the Obsidians, a group of warriors, as they engage in a hunt for a massive ice drake on the planet Mars. Ephraim, who has been training a group of young Obsidian assassins, is invited to join the hunt, which is led by Sefi, the Queen of the Obsidians. The hunt is a significant event, and Ephraim is impressed by the Obsidians' skills and traditions. However, things take a turn when Sefi is unable to draw her bow, and Ephraim is forced to take a shot with a rifle to save her and her companion, Pax. The chapter explores the themes of community, tradition, and loyalty, as well as the complexities of Ephraim's relationships with the Obsidians and their leader, Sefi. As the night wears on, Ephraim reflects on the fleeting nature of the moment and the impermanence of the Obsidians' way of life, and he wonders if he can find a place among them. Meanwhile, tensions and secrets simmer beneath the surface, including Sefi's mysterious ailment and Valdir's apparent infatuation with Freihild, one of Sefi's companions.
The chapter continues with Ephraim's story, where he is on a mission with Ozgard and Freihild to prepare for the Godspeak ritual. As they wait for Freihild to return with nightgaze, Ozgard shares his backstory with Ephraim, revealing his troubled past and how he became a shaman. Ozgard's story is one of deception and manipulation, but also of a deep desire to belong and find meaning. He believes that Ephraim is destined to play a crucial role in Sefi's rise to power and that he has been chosen by the gods to watch over her. Meanwhile, Ephraim is skeptical of Ozgard's claims and motivations, but is drawn to the old shaman's charisma and conviction. As they explore the ruins of the Valkyrie Spires, they stumble upon a field of nightgaze, a rare and sacred flower. However, their moment of wonder is short-lived, as they soon discover Freihild's lifeless body, pierced by arrows and hanging from a hook. The scene takes a dark turn as Ephraim and Ozgard are confronted by a giant, pale-skinned Obsidian warrior, who is unlike any they have ever seen. The warrior is massive, with metal limbs and a twisted, nightmarish appearance. He speaks in a strange, alien language, and his presence is accompanied by an unspeakable horror. The warrior kills Ozgard, crushing his hand and gouging out his eye, and then gives Ephraim a gruesome gift: Freihild's heart. The warrior claims that he has come to contest Sefi's claim to be the Queen of All Volk, and that she is now his prey. As the warrior disappears into the darkness, Ephraim is left shaken and traumatized, holding Freihild's heart and wondering what horrors lie ahead.
The chapter revolves around Ephraim's experiences with the Obsidians, a group of warriors, as they deal with the aftermath of Freihild's death. The Obsidians are unsure if they believe Ephraim's story about the Ascomanni, a mythical group of warriors from the far reaches of the solar system. Valdir, one of the Obsidian leaders, accuses Ozgard, the shaman, of lying about the Ascomanni and poisoning his drink, which leads to a confrontation. Sefi, the Queen of the Obsidians, reveals that she has a terminal illness, known as yellow death, which is a result of a designer poison given to her by Atalantia. She explains that she wants Volga, a young woman with Ragnar's blood, to be her heir and unite the tribes, but Ephraim is skeptical and opposed to the idea, believing that Volga deserves better than to be used as a pawn in Sefi's plans. The chapter ends with Ephraim's defiant statement, refusing to let Sefi use Volga as her heir.
Lyria, a young Red woman, is being held in a cell on the JBS Pandora, a ship owned by House Julii. She has been exchanging letters with Volga, a genetically engineered Obsidian warrior, and has learned about Volga's past and her desire to escape. Lyria is eventually released from her cell by Fig, a mercenary who works for Julii, and is taken to a barracks locker room where she meets a Sol Guard named Paxton. After showering, Lyria discovers a hidden blade in the wall that can be activated by a specific sequence of events, and a tunnel opens up, revealing a membrane that seems to be growing and pulsing with life. Fig appears, and her body undergoes a strange transformation, with her skin rippling and thickening like scales. She pulls out a pistol as dark shapes emerge from the membrane, falling to the floor and appearing to be asleep.
Lyria finds herself in a desperate situation as she and Volga are attacked by a group of mysterious and terrifying creatures in the shower block of the JBS Pandora. The creatures, who appear to be genetically engineered warriors, are able to survive in vacuum and are nearly unstoppable. Lyria and Volga manage to escape the shower block, but not without injury, and find themselves drifting in a hallway with no gravity. They soon discover that the creatures have breached the ship's hull and are pouring in, and that Fig, their captor, has survived the initial blast and is making her own escape. As Lyria and Volga try to find a way to safety, they realize that the ship is being overrun by the creatures and that their chances of survival are slim. The chapter ends with Lyria struggling to come to terms with the fact that she may not survive, and that her death could leave her brother Liam an orphan.
Lyria and Volga navigate the destroyed ship, avoiding the monstrous Ascomanni warriors and trying to find a way to escape. They encounter a group of Julii soldiers, but are soon attacked by the giant Ascomanni warrior, Volsung Fá, who recognizes Volga and seems to be searching for her. The two women manage to escape and make their way to a pilot ready room, where they find Fig, who has been hiding in a locker. Volga confronts Fig, who reveals that she has a nanotech emergency defense system installed in her body. Lady Barca's voice comes over the coms, announcing that the ship is being evacuated and that a purge protocol will be initiated in ten minutes. Fig suggests that the hangars will be a slaughterhouse and offers to take Lyria and Volga to an emergency escape craft that is not in the schematics. The three women must decide whether to trust Fig and follow her to the escape craft, or to try and find another way off the ship.
The chapter continues with Lyria's story, where she and Volga navigate the wreckage of the ship and try to find supplies and survivors. They eventually find Fig, who is mortally wounded and barely alive. As Lyria tries to comfort Fig, a metal squid-like object emerges from Fig's face and attaches itself to Lyria's nasal passage, causing her immense pain. The object, which seems to be some kind of advanced technology, implants itself in Lyria's brain and takes control of her body. Fig's voice is replaced by a soft female voice that claims Lyria is now "Figment" and tells her not to report for duty. The chapter ends with Lyria in a state of shock and horror, unsure of what has happened to her or what the consequences of the implant will be.
Lyria, a young Red woman, finds herself in a desperate situation after escaping from a ship that was attacked by mysterious creatures known as Ascomanni. She is with Volga, a genetically engineered Obsidian warrior, and they come across Victra, a pregnant Gold woman who is also a survivor of the attack. Victra is revealed to be a complex and cunning character who has a history with Lyria and Volga. As they try to survive and find a way to escape, they are pursued by the Red Hand, a group led by Harmony, who has a personal vendetta against Victra's family. Lyria is torn between her desire for revenge against Harmony, who killed her family, and her need to protect herself and Volga. The group decides not to engage in a confrontation with Harmony and instead focuses on finding a way to escape and survive. Along the way, Lyria discovers that she has a strange connection to the metal squid-like object that implanted itself in her brain, and she begins to experience strange and heightened senses. The chapter ends with the group setting out to find a com array or a boat to take them south across the sound, pursued by the Red Hand and facing numerous dangers and uncertainties.
Ephraim, a skilled but troubled freelancer, finds himself in a desperate situation as he navigates the complexities of his relationships with the Obsidians, a group of warriors, and their leader, Sefi. The city of Olympia is in chaos after a brutal attack on the Pandora, a ship carrying Victra, a pregnant Gold woman, and the Obsidians are being blamed for the attack. Ephraim knows that Sefi would not have ordered the attack, and he believes that Volsung Fá, a powerful and mysterious figure, is behind the attack. As the situation escalates, Ephraim must use his skills and cunning to survive and protect the children, Pax and Electra, who are being targeted by the Obsidians. He manages to rescue them and escape in his ship, the Snowball, but not before discovering that he has been implanted with a tracker and a heartspike, which could be used to control him. With the help of Pax and Electra, Ephraim sets out to find Victra and uncover the truth behind the attack, determined to take matters into his own hands and fight against those who seek to destroy the people he cares about.
Virginia, the former Sovereign, is being held captive and subjected to a form of psychological torture, known as the Pandemonium Chair, in an attempt to extract information from her. The chair uses advanced technology to stimulate her brain, causing her to experience vivid memories and emotions, but also rendering her unable to move or speak. Meanwhile, Publius, the leader of the Vox Populi, delivers a grandiose speech, justifying his actions and revealing his plans to remake the world into a classless, egalitarian society. He claims to be different from Virginia, who he sees as a symbol of the old, corrupt system, and announces that she will be put on trial and executed for her supposed crimes. As the scene unfolds, Virginia's thoughts and memories are interwoven with the events of the story, revealing her past, her relationships, and her determination to survive and resist her captors.
The chapter begins with Virginia, the former Sovereign, being held captive and put on trial by the People's Tribunal, comprised of radical Vox senators. However, the trial is disrupted by the arrival of Lilath, the Queen of the Syndicate, and her men, who are revealed to be the true power behind the scenes. Lilath takes control of the situation, killing some of the senators and enslaving the rest, including Publius, using dog collars and leashes. The true ruler of the Republic is then revealed to be an abomination, a young boy with flaxen hair and reptilian eyes, who is the son of Augustus. The abomination taunts Virginia and the enslaved senators, forcing them to eat the brains of their dead comrades. The chapter ends with the abomination declaring the natural order has resumed, with him as the ruler of the Republic, and his men pledging their loyalty to him.
Virginia, the former Sovereign, is being held captive by Lilath and her Boneriders, and is forced to witness the brutal treatment of her allies, including Sevro, who is beaten and threatened by the clone of her brother, Adrius. The clone, who claims to be the true ruler of the Republic, reveals that he was created by Lilath using his DNA and has been manipulating events from behind the scenes. He intends to use Sevro as a pawn in his game of power and plans to break his mind and strip him of his memories and identity. Virginia is paralyzed and unable to intervene, and is forced to watch as Sevro is dragged away, leaving her feeling helpless and horrified. The clone, who refers to Virginia as his sister, claims that he wants to give her a second chance and allow her to rule with true dominion over the people, but his words are laced with menace and manipulation.
Virginia, the former Sovereign, is being held captive by Lilath and her Boneriders. She engages in a battle of wits with the clone of her brother, Adrius, who is the true ruler of the Republic. The clone is a complex and nuanced character, raised by Lilath to believe he is a god, but struggling with his own identity and purpose. Virginia uses her knowledge of her brother's past and their shared experiences to connect with the clone and gain his trust. She solves a series of puzzles with him, and they engage in a philosophical discussion about the nature of evil and cruelty. Virginia reveals that she has been working on a research project involving the Pandemonium Chair and the psychoSpike, and offers to share her knowledge with the clone in exchange for his trust. The clone is intrigued and begins to question Lilath's influence over him. As the conversation progresses, Virginia sees an opportunity to manipulate the clone and potentially turn him against Lilath. She gives him a night lily, a symbolic gesture that he accepts, marking a turning point in their relationship.
Virginia, the former Sovereign, is being held captive by Lilath and her Boneriders in the Citadel of Light. She is forced to participate in a twisted game with the clone of her brother, Adrius, who is the true ruler of the Republic. However, Virginia manages to outsmart them and escapes through a hidden tunnel, severely injured and bleeding. She makes her way to a fallback bunker, where she uses a medical station to cauterize her wounds and amputate her infected fingers. She then contacts Kavax, who is on the bridge of his flagship, the Reynard, and informs him of her situation. Kavax sends a team to extract her, and she is rescued by Holiday ti Nakamura and her squad. As they escape, Virginia learns that Heliopolis is on the brink of falling, and that Darrow's whereabouts are unknown. She also discovers that Ephraim ti Horn has abducted Pax and Victra, and that the Rim has made a secret alliance with the Core. The chapter ends with Virginia deciding to retreat to Mars, leaving Sevro and her other friends behind, in order to regroup and defend the planet against the impending attack.
Darrow visits Sevro's private quarters, known as "Sevro's Palace," in search of sardines for Glirastes, the Master Maker. Sevro's room is filled with his prizes and trophies from past battles, as well as sentimental items and memories. Darrow reflects on Sevro's past and their complicated relationship, and he comes to a realization about the importance of family and not closing himself off to them, even in times of war. He also finds the slingBlade he used at the Institute, which holds significant meaning to Sevro. Meanwhile, Darrow's body is still recovering from the effects of Sevro's traps, which he triggered when he entered the room.
Lysander, a Gold, is being held captive by the Gorgons, an elite group of warriors, in a cave on Mercury. He is subjected to torture, including the use of a time-dilation drug, but refuses to reveal his true identity. When the Fear Knight, Atlas au Raa, returns, Lysander is brought before him. Atlas is a complex and nuanced character, with a deep sense of intellectual presence and a scar above his throat. He reveals that he has been testing a new chemical weapon, omnicide, which will be used to attack Heliopolis, and that he has been outsourcing his work. Lysander learns that Atlas's son, Ajax, is in a sexual relationship with Atalantia, the ruler of the Society, and that Atlas has been trying to undermine her plans. Atlas agrees to help Lysander escape and potentially stop the attack on Heliopolis, but only if Lysander can make it look like he was taken by force. Lysander uses his skills to overpower Atlas and make it seem like a genuine escape. With the help of the other prisoners, including Alexandar and Drusilla, Lysander navigates the tunnel system and prepares to make a break for freedom. Along the way, they discover a map, a go-bag, and a datapad belonging to the Fear Knight, which they use to their advantage. As they escape, they are pursued by the Gorgons, but manage to stay one step ahead. Lysander is given a stimulant to help him keep up with the others, and they press on, determined to stop the attack on Heliopolis and bring Atlas to the Sovereign.
Lysander and a group of Golds, including Alexandar and Drusilla, escape from the Gorgons through a network of tunnels and caves on Mercury. They use a map provided by the Fear Knight to navigate the tunnels and eventually find a hidden exit. As they emerge from the caves, they are pursued by the Gorgons and other Society forces. Alexandar contacts Darrow, the leader of the Free Legions, and requests support. Darrow responds by deploying his artillery and launching a counterattack against the Society forces. Lysander and the others manage to escape the pursuing forces and make their way to a heavy shuttle, where they are met by Darrow himself. However, not all of them survive the escape, and Drusilla is fatally injured in the process. The chapter ends with Lysander feeling a sense of calm and presence as Darrow stands over him, roaring for retreat.
Darrow visits Sevro's quarters, where he reflects on their complicated past and finds a slingBlade that holds significant meaning to Sevro. Meanwhile, Alexandar, a Gold who was captured and brutally tortured by the Society, is rescued and brought to the medical bay. Darrow is filled with rage and a desire for revenge, but he resists the urge to harm the Fear Knight, who is being held captive. Instead, he orders Thraxa to extract information from him using methods within the bounds of the New Compact. Darrow also meets with Glirastes, the Master Maker, who demands that a man named Cato au Vitruvius be released from prison. Cato is revealed to be a complex and intriguing character, with a rare dialect and unusual background. Darrow's team analyzes Cato's story and finds that he may be telling the truth, but they require further investigation to confirm his identity and intentions.
Lysander, a Gold, is being interrogated by Darrow, the leader of the Free Legions, after being rescued from the Gorgons. Lysander, who has been pretending to be a character named Cato au Vitruvius, uses his skills of deception to convince Darrow of his false identity. Darrow is suspicious but eventually decides to release Lysander into the custody of Glirastes, a Master Maker and an ally of Darrow's, due to Glirastes's request. Lysander is given conditions for his release, including not leaving Glirastes's estate and submitting to inspections by Darrow's guards. As Lysander leaves with Glirastes, he reflects on his situation and the fact that he has successfully deceived Darrow, at least for the time being.
Darrow observes Cato, also known as Lysander, as he boards a flier with Glirastes, a Master Maker. Thraxa and Harnassus discuss Cato's skills and Glirastes's reaction to his presence, with Thraxa suggesting that she could have extracted information from Glirastes if given the chance. Darrow is troubled by Cato's unremarkable demeanor, wondering how he survived the escape from the Gorgons while other soldiers did not. He decides to monitor Cato's activities, using a monitor spike to track his movements and determine if he is a spy for Atalantia or if Glirastes has been compromised. Darrow's goal is to uncover the truth about Cato's identity and intentions, and to protect his own interests and the security of his team.
Lysander, a Gold, is being held captive by the Gorgons, but manages to escape and makes his way to the home of Glirastes, a Master Maker and an ally of Darrow's. Lysander uses his skills of deception to convince Glirastes of his false identity, but eventually reveals his true intentions and story. Glirastes is torn between his loyalty to Darrow and his growing distrust of the Rising's methods. Lysander manipulates Glirastes into helping him by playing on his emotions and sense of responsibility, using a story about the destruction of Tyche and the Water Colossus to guilt trip him into cooperation. Glirastes eventually agrees to help Lysander, and his staff pledges their loyalty to Lysander, addressing him as the "Heir of Silenius". Lysander tasks Glirastes with gathering influential and loyal individuals from each Color to join him in taking back Heliopolis from the Martian marauders, not for the benefit of any particular faction, but for the city and the Society itself.
The chapter revolves around Lyria, Volga, and Victra, who are on the run from the Red Hand. They take shelter in a small village, where Victra gives birth to her baby, a boy named Ulysses. Lyria reflects on her past and her relationships with her family, while Victra shows a softer side as she cares for her newborn. Meanwhile, Volga is tasked with using the village's transmitter to send a cryptogram to Victra's people, in the hopes of securing their help. The group's dynamics are complex, with Victra's pregnancy and new motherhood bringing out a more vulnerable side, while Lyria and Volga work together to ensure their safety. As they navigate their situation, they must also contend with the threat of the Red Hand and the challenges of their own complicated pasts.
The chapter follows Lyria as she tries to protect Victra and her newborn baby, Ulysses, from the Red Hand. Despite their efforts, they are ambushed by the Red Hand, and Victra is forced to flee with Ulysses. Lyria tries to follow, but becomes lost in the storm and eventually returns to the village, where she discovers that the Red Hand has taken Victra and Ulysses. The chapter ends with Lyria finding Ulysses's lifeless body nailed to a tree, a horrific and devastating discovery that leaves her in shock and grief.
Lyria, still reeling from the death of Ulysses, seeks refuge in a village where she meets a woman named Maeve, who has lost her own daughter to the Red Hand. Lyria learns that the Red Hand is planning to take more girls from the village to be wives, and she decides to take action. She discovers a mysterious orb, known as Figment, which contains various devices and tools, but no clear instructions on how to use them. Despite the orb's cryptic messages and lack of functionality, Lyria is determined to use it to her advantage. She enlists Maeve's help to prepare herself for a dangerous mission, using the orb's contents to create a disguise and plan her attack. With a newfound sense of purpose, Lyria sets out to infiltrate the Red Hand and rescue the girls, including Maeve's daughter Mora, and exact revenge on Harmony and her followers.
Lyria, a young Red woman, is taken by the Red Hand, a group of violent and oppressive men, to be used as a brood sow. She is forced to undergo a medical examination and is given a cup of bitter wine that makes her feel woozy. Lyria is then lined up with other girls to be chosen as wives by the Red Hand's heroes. Harmony, the leader of the Red Hand, gives a speech about the importance of the girls' role in carrying the bloodline of their people and bearing children to become future warriors. Lyria is forced to pretend to be obedient and enthusiastic, but she has secretly planned with some of the other girls to resist and fight back. As Harmony finishes her speech, Lyria and the other girls are prepared to be paired off with their husbands, and Lyria readies herself for the impending violence and her chance to strike back.
Lyria, a young Red woman, is forced to participate in a wedding ceremony with Duncan, a member of the Red Hand, a group of violent and oppressive men. Despite being drugged and disoriented, Lyria uses her wits to manipulation Duncan into taking her to the mines where the Red Hand is holding Obsidian slaves, including Volga. Lyria's goal is to find Victra, a Gold woman who is also being held captive, and to exact revenge on the Red Hand. As she navigates the mines and the Red Hand's stronghold, Lyria uses her cunning and resourcefulness to gather information and to plan her next move. She eventually discovers the location of Victra and sets out to rescue her, but not before killing Duncan using a toxic acid that she obtained from a parasite that has been implanted in her body. With Duncan dead, Lyria escapes and begins to make her way to Victra, determined to free her and to take down the Red Hand.
Lyria, a young Red woman, is being held captive by the Red Hand, a group of violent and oppressive men. She is tied to a table and being interrogated by Harmony, the leader of the Red Hand, who is trying to extract information from her about how she killed one of her men, Duncan. Lyria refuses to cooperate and is subjected to physical torture, including having her fingers broken with a hammer. However, she is rescued by Freckles, a young Red girl who had been taken by the Red Hand earlier. Freckles shoots and kills Picker, one of Harmony's men, and then cuts Lyria free. Together, they escape and make their way to the Can, a fortress that serves as the Red Hand's headquarters. Along the way, they encounter other girls who have been taken by the Red Hand, and Lyria comes up with a plan to rescue them. As they navigate the Can, Lyria discovers that she has a strange connection to a parasite that has been implanted in her body, which gives her a sense of awareness and intuition. She uses this connection to avoid detection by the Red Hand and to find a way to send a signal for help. Freckles, who has experience with radio signals, helps Lyria to broadcast a message, and they hope that it will reach someone who can come to their rescue.
Ephraim, Electra, and Pax have been searching for Volga and Lyria for two weeks, but to no avail. However, they finally receive a weak signal from Lyria, who is under siege at the Red Hand headquarters and calls for aid from all enemies of the Red Hand. Ephraim is cautious and wants to gather more men before attempting a rescue, but Pax suggests boosting Lyria's signal to get help from others. They discuss their options, including contacting the Republic, the Obsidians, or other potential allies, but each option comes with significant risks. Ultimately, they decide to try and boost Lyria's signal, hoping to get help from someone who can aid in the rescue.
Lyria, a young Red woman, is being held captive by the Red Hand, a group of violent and oppressive men. She is thrown into a cell with Victra, a pregnant Gold woman who has been brutally treated by the Red Hand. Lyria uses her cunning and resourcefulness to manipulate the situation, pretending to have information about the Julii's other daughters in order to gain Harmony's attention. Meanwhile, Victra is furious and seeking revenge against the Red Hand for killing her baby. When Lyria creates a diversion, Victra breaks free from her cell and begins to kill the Red Hand men, using her strength and combat skills to take them down. Lyria joins Victra, and together they fight their way through the Red Hand's stronghold, using grenades and guns to take out their enemies. As they navigate the tunnels and fight off the Red Hand, Lyria and Victra develop a tentative alliance, with Victra agreeing to help Lyria and the other girls escape in exchange for Lyria's help in taking down the Red Hand. The chapter ends with Lyria and Victra launching a final attack on the Red Hand, using the grenades to devastating effect and beginning to turn the tide of the battle in their favor.
Lyria and Victra finally confront Harmony, the leader of the Red Hand, in a tunnel. Victra is about to kill Harmony when Lyria intervenes, suggesting they let her suffer a more gruesome fate. They throw Harmony into a pit of pitvipers, where she will be paralyzed and eventually consumed from the inside out. As they escape the tunnel, they hear Harmony's screams echoing behind them. The slaves and wives of the Red Hand have risen up and are taking revenge on their captors. However, their celebration is short-lived, as a torchShip appears on the horizon, threatening to destroy the mine and everyone in it. Lyria reveals that she sent out a signal for help, but it's unclear if anyone received it. Just as all hope seems lost, dots appear on the scanner, indicating that someone may be coming to their rescue.
The chapter revolves around Ephraim, a skilled but troubled freelancer, as he navigates the complexities of his relationships with the Obsidians, a group of warriors, and their leader, Sefi. After rescuing Lyria and Volga from the Red Hand, Ephraim decides to return to Olympia to inform Sefi that Xenophon is the traitor behind the attack on the Pandora. Volga wants to accompany him, but he refuses, knowing that the Obsidians will not forgive him for his past transgressions. Before leaving, Ephraim takes Volga to visit the monument of his former partner, Trigg, and comes to realize that he has found a new sense of purpose and belonging with Volga. He promises to return to her and sets out on his mission to warn Sefi, determined to make things right and protect the people he cares about.
The chapter revolves around Ephraim ti Horn, a skilled but troubled freelancer, as he navigates the complexities of his relationships with the Obsidians, a group of warriors, and their leader, Sefi. Ephraim returns to Griffinhold, the Obsidian stronghold, to inform Sefi that Xenophon, her trusted advisor, is a traitor working for the Golds. However, upon his arrival, Ephraim discovers that Xenophon has convinced Sefi of his loyalty, and she has turned against him. Ephraim is captured and brought before Sefi, who accuses him of treason and sentences him to death. As Ephraim awaits his execution, he reflects on his past and the events that led him to this point. Meanwhile, Xenophon reveals his true intentions and allegiance to Atlas au Raa, a powerful Gold, and his plan to bring about a catastrophic event that will reshape the solar system. The chapter ends with the arrival of Volsung Fá, the leader of the Ascomanni, a group of powerful and mysterious warriors, who is revealed to be the true father of Ragnar Volarus, Sefi's ancestor. Fá's arrival marks a significant turning point in the story, as he is poised to disrupt the balance of power in the solar system and challenge the authority of the Obsidians and the Golds.
The chapter revolves around Ephraim's experiences with the Obsidians, a group of warriors, as they face a challenge from Volsung Fá, a powerful and mysterious figure who claims to be the father of Ragnar Volarus, the legendary founder of the Obsidians. Volsung is a formidable warrior with a complex past, having been a slave and a conqueror, and he seeks to overthrow Sefi, the current leader of the Obsidians, and take control of the group. Sefi, who has been struggling with her own identity and purpose, is forced to confront Volsung in a brutal and intense battle. Despite her skills and strengths, Sefi is ultimately defeated and killed by Volsung, who then takes her place as the leader of the Obsidians. The chapter ends with Volsung declaring his intention to sack the city and take its treasures, and to remind the people of the Allfather's truth: that the world is yours if you can take it.
The chapter revolves around Ephraim, a skilled but troubled freelancer, as he navigates the complexities of his relationships with the Obsidians, a group of warriors, and their leader, Sefi. Ephraim is captured by Volsung Fá, the leader of the Ascomanni, a group of powerful and mysterious warriors, who seeks to overthrow Sefi and take control of the Obsidians. Ephraim is brought before Fá, who reveals his plan to mold Volga, Sefi's heir, into a powerful warrior like himself. However, Ephraim has other plans and uses a bomb hidden in his scarabSkin to kill Xenophon, Fá's advisor, and injure Fá. Despite being severely injured, Fá manages to pull out Ephraim's heart and takes a bite out of it, declaring Ephraim "worthy" before doing so. The chapter ends with Ephraim's life slipping away as he stares up at the sun, waiting for it to darken.
Lysander, a Gold, is preparing to put his plan into action to take back Heliopolis from the Martian marauders. He has been working with Glirastes, a Master Maker, to gather loyalists and resources for the mission. As Lysander waits for the right moment to strike, he receives an unexpected visit from Alexandar au Arcos, the crown prince of the Free Legions, and his companion Rhonna, Darrow's niece. Alexandar is unaware of Lysander's true intentions and has come to visit him before departing for battle. Lysander must navigate this unexpected encounter while keeping his plans hidden, all the while trying to maintain his cover as a loyal prisoner under house arrest. Meanwhile, Glirastes has left Lysander a gift, the Horn of Helios, which has the power to summon legions, and Lysander is eager to put it to use. With time running out, Lysander must find a way to get rid of his visitors and set his plan in motion.
Darrow is on high alert after discovering a cryptic poem from the Fear Knight, Atlas, and is trying to decipher its meaning. He visits Atlas in his cell, where Atlas remains uncooperative despite Darrow's attempts to extract information from him. Meanwhile, Darrow is also investigating a mysterious individual named Cato au Vitruvius, who has been acting suspiciously. As Darrow delves deeper into Cato's activities, he discovers a shocking truth: Cato is actually Lysander au Lune, a high-ranking Gold. Darrow immediately orders his team to apprehend Lysander and destroy a potentially deadly EMP device that Glirastes, a Master Maker, has been working on. Darrow informs his team that an omega-level enemy asset has been discovered inside the city and that they should prepare for heavy enemy contact, as an attack is imminent. He also secretly warns Rhonna and Alexandar, who are with Lysander, to be cautious and wait for the Howler strike team to arrive.
Lysander, a Gold, is preparing to put his plan into action to take back Heliopolis from the Martian marauders. He is visited by Alexandar au Arcos, the crown prince of the Free Legions, and his companion Rhonna, Darrow's niece. However, Lysander soon discovers that they are not what they seem, and he is forced to take drastic action to protect himself and his plan. He uses his skills and cunning to overpower them, and in a shocking turn of events, he shoots and kills Alexandar. The chapter ends with Lysander reflecting on the consequences of his actions and the true nature of his loyalty and honor.
Darrow and his team, the Howlers, launch a surprise attack on Lysander's location, but he manages to evade them and escape. Meanwhile, Rhonna is found severely injured and Alexandar is killed by Lysander. As Darrow and his team pursue Lysander, they engage in a fierce battle, with Lysander using his advanced gravBoots to stay ahead. However, Darrow eventually gains the upper hand and Lysander is forced to bail out, crashing into a pool in the Water Gardens. Just as Darrow is about to capture him, a massive EMP blast disables the city's power and technology, plunging everything into darkness. The blast also causes widespread destruction, including the shutdown of the city's shield generators and the crash of ships in the spaceport.
The chapter describes the aftermath of an EMP blast that disables the city's power and technology, causing widespread destruction and chaos. Lysander, a Gold, navigates the dark streets and rooftops, using his skills and cunning to evade capture and reach the Hippodrome, where he meets with a group of loyalists and Obsidian stablehands. They provide him with a suit of armor and a powerful horse, Blood of Empire, which he rides into the Hippodrome. There, he rallies a group of Praetorians, who have been thought to be extinct, and prepares to lead them into battle. Lysander blows a note on the Horn of Helios, summoning the herd of Votum horses, and the Praetorians mount up, ready to ride with him. Kalindora, a skilled warrior, joins him, despite her initial reservations, and Lysander sets out to reclaim glory for the Society and lead his army to victory.
The chapter describes the chaos and destruction in Heliopolis after an EMP blast disables the city's power and technology. Darrow, the main character, finds himself in the midst of the chaos, fighting for survival against a mob of lowColors who are trying to kill him. He eventually manages to escape and begins to rally his men, including the Howlers, to prepare for an impending attack by Lysander's forces. Darrow orders his men to barricade the main boulevards leading south and to hold the line, using conventional weapons and dark-age training to fight against the Golds. He assigns different boulevards to various Howlers and decides to hold the Via Triumphia with Thraxa, anticipating that Lysander will try to make a name for himself by slaughtering Darrow's men. The chapter ends with Darrow and his men preparing for battle, knowing that their chances of survival are slim, but determined to fight for their freedom and the Republic.
Darrow's forces are vastly outnumbered and outgunned as they prepare to face Lysander's cavalry charge in the streets of Heliopolis. Despite being aware of the impending doom, Darrow rallies his men and forms a plan to take down Lysander, who is determined to make a name for himself in slaughter. The Golds, riding powerful sunblood horses, charge into the plaza, and Darrow's men are quickly overwhelmed. The horses trample and kill many of Darrow's soldiers, and the Golds on foot wreak havoc with their razors. Darrow, donning his helmet and wielding his razor, prepares to face Lysander, who is riding at the forefront of the charge. As the battle rages on, Darrow's men are brutally slaughtered, and he is forced to watch as they are cut down by the Golds. Despite the chaos, Darrow remains determined to kill Lysander and save his people. With a fierce cry of "For the Republic!", Darrow charges into the fray, ready to face Lysander and the Golds in a desperate bid for survival.
The chapter describes the intense battle between Lysander and Darrow in the streets of Heliopolis. Lysander, riding his horse Blood of Empire, navigates the chaos of the battle, using his skills and cunning to evade capture and take down his enemies. He eventually spots Darrow, who is fighting with a small group of Obsidians, and decides to pursue him. The two engage in a fierce duel, with Lysander using his razor to deadly effect. However, Darrow proves to be a formidable opponent, and the two clash in a flurry of steel and horseflesh. Lysander manages to gain the upper hand, striking Darrow with Kalindora's razor and shattering his own razor in the process. Despite being severely injured, Darrow manages to escape, leaving Lysander to ponder the consequences of their battle. The chapter ends with Lysander holding the hilt of Darrow's shattered slingBlade, a symbol of their intense and brutal conflict.
Darrow, severely injured and exhausted, finds himself in a desperate situation as Lysander's forces close in on the Mound, the last stronghold of the Free Legions. Despite his efforts to rally his men, Darrow is forced to confront the reality of their situation: the city is lost, and Atalantia's ships are arriving to finish them off. As the survivors assemble at the Mound, Darrow reflects on the futility of their situation and the sacrifices they have made. In a poignant moment, he shares his thoughts with Harnassus, who has come to terms with their impending defeat. Darrow then stands alone in the tower, watching as the friction trails from Atalantia's starShells illuminate the dark sky. In a moment of introspection, he realizes that his search for hope in the world has been misguided and that the true nature of the world is to consume. Nevertheless, he finds solace in the memories of his loved ones and the beauty they brought to his life. Just as Darrow is preparing for the end, he is surprised by the arrival of Cassius, a character from his past, who offers to help him in his final moments.
The chapter describes the aftermath of the battle in Heliopolis, where Lysander's forces have emerged victorious, and Darrow's army is in full retreat. Lysander, severely injured and exhausted, reflects on the consequences of his actions and the true nature of his loyalty and honor. He is met by Ajax, who is filled with hate and resentment towards him, and the two engage in a tense confrontation. Meanwhile, Cassius, a character from Darrow's past, appears in a advanced ship, the Archimedes, and rescues Darrow from the clutches of the Golds. The chapter ends with Lysander feeling a sense of confusion and purpose, as he realizes that the war is far from over, and that he has a new role to play in the conflict.
The chapter begins with Lyria attending the funeral of Ulysses, Victra's son, on Mars. Victra is grieving and eventually swims out to sea, following a Julii tradition. She later returns and reaffirms her oath to protect her friends and family. The ArchGovernor of Mars, Kieran O'Lykos, arrives with news that Heliopolis has fallen and Darrow is dead. He reveals that Volsung Fá, the leader of the Ascomanni, has offered to leave Mars in exchange for Volga, who is revealed to be the granddaughter of Ragnar Volarus and Fá's only living heir. Volga agrees to go with Fá to save millions of lives, despite Lyria's objections. The chapter ends with Lyria watching as the Obsidian ships depart, and she is approached by Pax, who reveals that he has been investigating her condition and believes he can help her. He also offers to help her find her brother Liam, and provides her with a holoMap of the inner asteroid belt, mentioning a city called Oculus.
The chapter revolves around Lysander, a Gold, as he prepares to participate in a Triumph, a celebratory event, after the recapture of Heliopolis from Darrow's forces. Lysander is met with a mix of emotions, including admiration and resentment, as he navigates the complexities of his relationships with Atalantia, the ruler of the Society, and other key figures. He reflects on his past and the lessons he learned from his grandmother, Octavia, and grapples with the moral implications of his actions. The chapter culminates with Lysander's participation in the Triumph, where he is honored for his role in the recapture of Heliopolis. However, the celebration is marred by tension and uncertainty, as Lysander's actions and alliances are scrutinized by Atalantia and others. The chapter ends with Lysander and Atalantia sharing a intimate moment, as they begin to navigate their complicated relationship and the implications of their union.
Lysander visits Kalindora, a dying Gold, in a villa by the sea, where she reveals a shocking truth about his mother's death and the role of his grandmother, Octavia, and Atalantia in the tragedy. Kalindora confesses that she and Atalantia planted a bomb on Lysander's parents' shuttle, killing them, and that Octavia had used a machine called Pandemonium to erase Lysander's memories of his mother. Kalindora urges Lysander to take action against Atalantia and fulfill his duty as the last heir of Silenius to repair the damage done to their people. Lysander is torn between his loyalty to Atalantia and his growing sense of morality, and he eventually leaves Kalindora's side, only to be summoned by Atalantia later that night. As Lysander navigates his complicated relationships and alliances, he is forced to confront the darkness within himself and the true nature of his family's legacy.
The chapter begins with Virginia, the former Sovereign, reflecting on her past and her connection to the planet Mars, where she was born and raised. She has returned to Mars after fleeing from the Abomination, a powerful and twisted being who has taken over the Republic. As she descends onto the planet's surface, she is greeted by a massive crowd of people, all of whom are holding red-clenched fists above their heads, a symbol of their loyalty and support for her and the Republic. Virginia is met by her son, Pax, who has grown and changed since she last saw him. He is now more mature and determined, and he has been working with Electra, a young and skilled warrior, to take down their enemies. Virginia also meets with Victra, a powerful and fierce warrior who has lost her son and is seeking vengeance against those responsible. Victra is training with her knights, preparing for battle, and she is furious with Virginia for not doing more to help her husband, Sevro, who is being held captive by the Abomination. Despite their differences, the two women share a moment of understanding and solidarity, and they vow to work together to take down their enemies and bring salvation to their loved ones. The chapter ends with the news that Earth has fallen to both the Rim and the Golds, and that Lune has bridged the divide between the two factions, setting the stage for a massive and devastating war.
Lysander, a Gold, sets a trap for Apollonius, a powerful and mysterious figure, by preparing a grand feast in the desert and summoning him to meet. Apollonius arrives, and the two engage in a conversation about their past and their interests. Lysander reveals that he has learned the truth about his family's legacy and the secrets that have been kept from him. He proposes an alliance with Apollonius, offering him the freedom to pursue his desires without the burden of rule, in exchange for his help in taking down their common enemies, including Atalantia, Ajax, Atlas, and Darrow. Apollonius is intrigued by the proposal and agrees to form an alliance with Lysander, sealing their pact with a handshake. The chapter ends with the two looking out at a graveyard of tyrants, a circle of statues of former Sovereigns, which Lysander has restored to point towards Mars, symbolizing their unfinished task.