Lapis of Nicodem

For eight years, Lapis trained for the day she would exact revenge on the rebel traitor. She plotted to end his influence on the rebellion by ending his life, avenging her family and all the others he helped the throne slaughter.   Current events, however, waylay vengeance. The continent-spanning Dentherion Empire and its puppet kings become victims on the pyre of power.   Dentheria relies on advanced tech to keep its Theyndora vassal states subjugated--but the depletion of the power source for their technology threatens to cripple the once-indomitable empire and its puppet rulers. The high councilor vowed to keep the failure secret until scientists discovered another power source--and the attempt ended in ruin.   Entities like rebellions and syndicates see opportunity in disaster. So do outsiders, whose ambitions lie beyond the subjugation of the empire's people. Lapis, whose family obligations and partner Patch link her to the Jilvayna rebellion, discovers that protecting those she cares for means braving darkness in its many forms.