The parasite that should have killed him is now asking for his help-and taking his humanity as payment.

Two months after surviving a deadly encounter with the parasitic Xerathi, TJ carries a secret that's changing him. Abilities no human should possess. And a voice in his head claiming to be the original Xerathi intelligence, seeking redemption for his species' crimes.

TJ isn't just infected. He's been chosen for symbiosis by Vex'thani, the ancient being who watched helplessly as his explorer species became galaxy-devouring predators. Now scattered Xerathi cells are rebuilding their parasitic network, targeting research stations to steal the knowledge they need.

Each day makes TJ less human. His crew notices the changes: the missing humor, the cold analysis where warmth used to be. His brother Allen watches in growing fear as the person he knew disappears.

When the attacks escalate, TJ faces an impossible choice. He can offer the scattered Xerathi an alternative to parasitic existence: teach them symbiosis instead of absorption. But stopping them requires a transformation that will cost him everything human about himself.

Individual identity or collective domination. The choice will determine the future of consciousness across the galaxy.

What price is too high to pay for protecting the people you love?