Elite mercenary Connor Rattakul can't escape his past.

After choosing the wrong side in a war against the Directorate, he becomes a fugitive, hiding in the ranks of the thousands of mercenaries always desperate for the next job. But a series of mishaps force his team deep into the Talon Sector, where the Directorate holds power. Only his former girlfriend's intervention can save him.

With Directorate assassins on his trail, Connor is forced to take on a job that his team might not survive from a client his boss says can't be trusted.

But that boss seems ready to crack, and the client is hiding deadly secrets from the mercenaries. Will Connor be able to lead his teammates through the dark world he's led  them to, or will they all die in the alien gloom?

Ill Fortune

Fired. The idea ate at Connor. If he were relieved or demoted, who could advocate for the team? Who could be the second? Or would Selen even appoint someone? She was becoming despotic.


That was extreme and unfair. But she was definitely handling the stress poorly.


He paced his cabin, which now seemed to close in around him, the bunk and sink blocking his narrow path. His racing mind brought on chills.


She could order him to stay in his cabin and take the team out herself.


Or she could lock him in a smaller cabin.


If she did that, maybe Martienne would follow through on her implied threat. Maybe someone else would.


His sneakers squeaked when he turned sharply. Selen’s soft perfume was still in the air, digging into his mind, dredging up pleasant memories of the time before their trip to Mara and…


Connor rubbed the amulet, which felt cool under his T-shirt.


Chapter 86