Lilian has only a few months remaining in her Trial by Ordeal.
The Battle of Serengeti is over. The Despoilers are defeated. Bright Star prepares for humanity's first voyage beyond known space in more than two centuries, and the Nightingale waits to carry that dream into the beaconless expanse.
But peace proves as dangerous as war.
Returning to Fortuna for the Nightingale's hull launch, Lilian struggles to recover from the wounds left by battle. A voyage that was intended as respite takes on deadly danger as new threats emerge from unexpected quarters. Odds managers face ruin if she survives. Powerful interests move against Bright Star, and old adversaries return to threaten Lilian's trial. And the extraordinary insights that have guided her through disaster continue to grow stronger, revealing patterns no one else can see.
Lucius Mercio has spent years building Serengeti into one of the most powerful commercial interests in the Twelve Systems. Ruthless, brilliant, and feared by allies and enemies alike, he has overcome every challenge placed before him.
Yet some dangers cannot be bought, bargained with, or destroyed.
As Bright Star races toward launch and unseen enemies close in, Lilian and Lucius must confront threats born of prophecy, ambition, and betrayal.
Because the greatest threat to the Twelve Systems may not lie in the darkness beyond known space.
It may already be waiting at home..
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THE TWELVE SYSTEMS CHRONICLES
The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1
Bright Star: The Apprentice, Volume 2
Transgressions: The Apprentice, Volume 3
Fortuna: The Apprentice, Volume 4
Serengeti Valor: The Apprentice, Volume 5
Nightingale: The Apprentice, Volume 6
Bond Proof: The Apprentice, Volume 7
Chalice Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 1
Shield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2
Thorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3
