Ancient Enemy By Keith Bailey For more than five centuries, the Terran Colonial Empire has united humanity across a thousand worlds. Protected by the Imperial Fleet and guided by the wisdom of Emperor Alexander IV, the Empire stands as the greatest civilization in known space. Then an entire colony vanishes. The world of Asterion disappears without warning, leaving behind only silence, shattered fleets, and impossible sensor readings. As investigations unfold, the Empire discovers evidence of an ancient force older than recorded history—a power once feared by civilizations long forgotten. While Crown Prince Valerian struggles to preserve unity, Prince Leonidas uncovers signs of a hidden conspiracy spreading through the Empire itself. Meanwhile, Princess Aurelia begins experiencing visions linked to a mysterious race known only as the Annu Akki, legendary Architects who may have created humanity and countless other sentient species. Far from Terra, on the frontier world of Greyhaven, young woodsman Rowan Ashfall discovers he is connected to the same mystery. Drawn across the galaxy by dreams he cannot explain, Rowan finds himself on a path that will alter the fate of civilization. As ancient enemies awaken and hidden forces move within the shadows of the Empire, humanity must confront a terrifying truth: Some horrors do not seek conquest.