For years, Calypto has used his skills and his innate Talent to cheat death in the service of his country. As a member of a secretive government agency, he fights to preserve the Empire against all enemies, foreign and domestic.Following a mission that went sour, Calypto tries to disappear, but no matter how far he runs, he cannot escape his past. With his world quickly unraveling around him, Calypto must return to Aurestapol to find the answers he desperately needs to stay alive. But the city he once called home now crawls with Red Cuffs, Silver Tiger assassins, and others he once trusted, but who now want him dead. He will need more than his skills and his Talent to succeed-he will need allies who won't betray him, and more luck than he ever imagined.