Mel is on the run from foreign mercenaries who want access to the zombie that dwells within him. It has terrifying powers which can give them a huge military edge. While on the run Mel meets Matt Black, a lad cynical and world-weary way beyond his years---he is tormented by difficult questions about the meaning of life (always assuming that life has any meaning, as Matt would say ). They meet Indigo, a mysterious girl of about their own age. The mercenaries attack by night. They have secret weapons that render Matt and Mel powerless to act. But not so Indigo, who has her own, unique way of repulsing the invaders. This effort, however, takes a huge toll on her, and she lapses into a coma. Leaving her with her parents, Matt and Mel set out to a secretive village in the east where a man in brown will provide sanctuary. Matt is promised answers to all his questions from a hooded figure on a windswept hilltop. But will it be enough to convince Matt that his life is, indeed, worth living? And will they make it to the village of San Stephan in time? 4th in a series of books written as thrillers designed to take young adults on life adventures filled with mystery and suspense.