A Covenant of Steel and Stars

In a galaxy governed by genetic destiny, a brilliant creator of virtual realities is shackled in a political marriage to the empire's most formidable, unfeeling commander. Trapped in a gilded cage, her rare gift for channeling emotion into breathtaking digital worlds is her only rebellion. As she hones her craft on the grandest stage, she uncovers a conspiracy that weaponizes the mind itself, turning dreams into nightmares. Her quest for artistic freedom becomes a battle for the soul of the galaxy. To survive, she must forge an unlikely alliance with her stoic husband, whose suppressed humanity is the key to her power—and her heart. Together, they are the only hope against a virulent cognitive plague and a rival born from their empire’s darkest secrets.