From the horror of his childhood, Estefan Ernando has climbed from the criminal underworld to become the most powerful man in the Sixteen Worlds of Sol. He and his loyal band have built a maze of interconnecting corporations, foundations and enterprises known as the Aegis Synod. Bound by undying love, marriage and extraordinary long life, they are a power never before seen among men. Now, a compelling source comes to warn Estefan of a new threat. The ancients are coming - timeless and cold - harboring untold secrets of the universe; in search of a terrible weapon they have hidden upon a forbidden moon. Yet, history has been unkind to Estefan. He has little faith in the likes of mankind and no desire to defend it. With his mind clouded by murder and death, his humanity in question, he must decide what is best for his family. He must revisit his sordid youth and harken back to the times of the mysterious Shadow Seed, to times of persecution and injustice. With time running scarce, he must find the answer buried deep in his past. He must hurry or see all that he has built crumble before his eyes.