Michael E Strait

The year 2559. Formerly one of the Covenant’s greatest and most fearsome warriors, Arbiter Thel ‘Vadam is now allied with his former human enemies while deeply entrenched in leading the Sangheili people to a new era of unification. But his aspirations are under constant threat, whether by the dangerous, warring factions of rival Sangheili keeps or the relentless shadow of oppression spread by the renegade artificial intelligence Cortana​​.

His indestructible will cracked, his advance that no army could've stopped faltered, his sword, raised against the gods themselves, was brought low . . . Who was he? Where was he going? The Ruby Mountains were right in front of him, and his path was clear, but his very soul had been plunged into utter darkness. Will Hadjar be able to find a way out? Will he be able to come back to the light? Or will the endless abyss devour him? His dragon heart was beating slower and slower . . .

The battle in the heavens has left a target on Lindon’s back. His most reliable ally is gone, the Monarchs see him as a threat, and he has inherited one of the most valuable facilities in the world. At any moment, his enemies could band together to kill him. If it weren’t for the Dreadgods. All four are empowered and unleashed, rampaging through Cradle, and grudges old and new must be set aside. The Monarchs need every capable fighter to help them defend their territory.