In a galaxy where betrayal is currency and survival is never guaranteed, Maximara Draven-bodyguard, gunslinger, and professional pain in the ass-makes her living keeping the rich and powerful alive. She doesn't ask questions. She doesn't get involved. And she sure as hell doesn't work for free.

But when a routine contract turns into a full-blown conspiracy, Max finds herself in the crosshairs of something far bigger than she ever bargained for. Harlan Voss, the exiled heir to a powerful dynasty, was supposed to be a simple escort job. Instead, his homeworld is on the brink of annihilation, overrun by an alien intelligence that twists the minds of its victims into a relentless hive.

With her battle-hardened droid, Samson, at her side, Max assembles an unlikely crew of mercenaries, rogues, and old allies to take on an enemy that doesn't bleed, doesn't bargain, and doesn't stop. The only way to end it is to destroy the hive's control source-before it consumes everything in its path.

Victory isn't guaranteed. Hell, survival isn't either. But Max has never backed down from a fight.

And she's not about to start now.