Power. Influence. Control. In New Caelus, the political capital of Imperium, everyone wants something, but very few will attain it... Imperium, one of the most powerful societies in the universe, stands on the edge of a generation-defining election. The Imperial people must decide: Will they continue backing the Expansionist Party, which seeks to destroy their greatest rival, the Core, through overwhelming military force, or will they turn to the Affiliate Party, which aims to weaken the Core through political pressure? Power in Imperium rests with the Keepers, the elite ruling class. From their ranks, seven Lord Regents serve as joint rulers, each guided by a Prophate-a religious adviser tasked with offering spiritual counsel. Some Prophates are content with their place in Imperial society, while others are more political, with ambitions that perhaps exceed their of¿ce... Raelynn Mabry, a recent graduate of the Keeper system, is unexpectedly drawn into this world of power and intrigue when she begins working for Lord Regent Levin Liston, the enigmatic leader of the Affiliate Party. As his protégé, Raelynn is thrust into Liston's bitter political struggle against Lord Regent Cyno Banner, the formidable leader of the Expansionist Party. Liston is pursuing a controversial alliance with the Civitan, a former Core-governed territory that fought against Imperium in the devastating decades-long Glass War. While some Imperials distrust the Civitan, others think it can help Imperium force the Core into submission. Caught in the middle, Raelynn must navigate shifting loyalties and hidden agendas. As Election Day approaches, choices are made, and alliances are drawn-or destroyed. The future of Imperium hangs in the balance, and the stakes have never been higher.