After years of service in the Royal Navy, Lieutenant Alexis Carew finds herself adrift-physically and emotionally-on her homeworld of Dalthus IV. Haunted by injuries and political intrigue from her last mission, Alexis struggles to reclaim the precision and strength that once made her a formidable officer. But even the peace of a quiet retreat proves elusive when shadowy threats from her past resurface. Summoned by the Queen herself, Alexis is thrust back into the heart of interstellar danger and royal politics. Old foes, tangled allegiances, and whispers of betrayal force her to navigate a perilous path between duty and defiance. With her skills and honor tested like never before, Alexis must decide where her loyalties truly lie and how far she's willing to go to protect those she loves. In this seventh thrilling installment of the Alexis Carew series, J.A. Sutherland weaves a tale of resilience, intrigue, and the unbreakable spirit of one woman determined to forge her destiny among the stars.