Nearly five years have passed since the pivotal events on Arhanda sent Niko's life into a tailspin. Now, she and her friends are stranded on the bleak world of An-Terino, unable to procure passage to the Meridian capital like they intended.A crossroads of cultures awaits the refugees as they navigate their new life in Alashadar, the lawless megalopolis where those who wish to disappear can find refuge. But as the powerful corporations of this strange, new world tighten their grip on society, the group of friends exhausts all options in the hopes of escape.Meanwhile, the search continues for the one who is said to hold the answers to defeating the Machine - if such a hope exists...