A deadly fungal outbreak is spreading across Ourania. The Alfar failed to contain it. People are dying. Maellyn is recruited to lead a team of her fellow students to help find a cure.

Neil and Riagan learn of Mainyu's return during a mission on Siavash, the Dahaka home planet. But for reasons they cannot fathom, the Space City Council will not go after the Dahaka leader, despite the attack he orchestrated against them. To make matters worse, scientists aboard Space City are secretly supporting the Dahaka.

As they struggle to save lives, can they overcome the wedges their separate missions are driving between them before the consequences change their futures forever?