Khalani Kanes never imagined surviving Braderhelm Prison, let alone escaping to the desolate surface they had been told was uninhabitable. Haunted by the Governor of Apollo's dark secrets, Khalani and her crew of criminals embark on a new perilous journey.

Now, the true test begins as Khalani ventures through the treacherous "Death-Zone" toward the nearest underground city, Hermes. Abandoned relics of a once-great nation are not the only threats on the barren road. Violent storms sweep across the Death-Zone, the deadly Takeshi Steele has resumed his cold detachment, and unsettling signs suggest they might not be alone on the surface.

To survive in this unforgiving world, Khalani must draw on her strength and harrowing experiences from Braderhelm. For a new kind of prison awaits in the corrupt city of Hermes-one where she finds herself trapped with the man who aggravates her the most. But this time, they'll likely perish before escaping alive.