Matthai Valtrellin, reluctant heir to a galactic dynasty, never questioned his role—until a mysterious woman appears, heralding impossible news. Within days, the foundations of his reality and civilization shatter.

On Earth, microbiologist Kat Miller's career is over, her body is failing … and she's losing her grip on reality. An unsettling job offer from a ruthless heiress is her last chance at answers—and a cure for her bizarre illness.

With lives destined to intertwine, eight heroes—including a four-armed gladiator, luck-obsessed smuggler, brooding politician, hacktivist, and pop star—must unravel a mystery that threatens both civilizations.