Born sightless on a shadow-drowned mining world, Kah'riss has only ever known the dark-its danger and its promise. Inheriting his father's dream of escape through military service, the rumblings of galactic war offer a chance for Kah and his brothers. But freedom from the darkness bestows more than simple light. Awake for the first time to the disparity of the world beyond his own, Kah casts himself as protector for his people, but is mere protection enough for the Ty'gjir from the shadow of the dark star?