Aryx is dying. A powerful thaumaturgist has disappeared. While Aryx conceals his illness from Sebastian, the hunt for the missing thaumaturgist takes them across the galaxy, but they are soon embroiled in an age-old conspiracy. Espionage may be the key to releasing the ITF's grip on the galaxy; even with Karan and Monica's help, breaking into an ITF-controlled installation is no simple feat. With Sebastian unaware that Aryx's health is in rapid decline, things may be about to take a turn for the worse.