Witness the collapse of an empire. Follow a reluctant heir. Experience the first battle in the Central Imperium series, where loyalty, love, and survival are tested on a galactic scale. The Central Imperium is crumbling. Daniel Hankerson—genetically enhanced, yet never truly accepted—serves quietly as a naval intelligence officer, far from the throne he never desired. But when assassins strike and ancient enemies return, Daniel is thrust into the chaos of war, forced to confront not only ruthless invaders but the ghosts of his own family legacy. As worlds burn and alliances fracture, Daniel must decide who to trust and what he's willing to sacrifice. With the fate of billions in his hands, can he rise above tragedy and betrayal to lead the Imperium's last stand? The journey begins here—book one of a sweeping saga where every choice could be humanity's last.