A mortuologist of unparalleled genius dissolves corpses and peers into the subatomic heart of death, inching toward the immortality that has eluded mages for centuries. Yet success forces a shattering choice: wield the forbidden dark magic and become the necromancer he despises, or abandon his life's obsession and court his own end. As his final ritual beckons, will the pursuit of eternal life forge a god—or unleash a monster?