If nothing else, Sykes Laika is a survivor. After nearly being killed by his ex-best friend and living with the painful effects of magic-related scars, he's had to rely on his wits and subterfuge to carve out a life in the broken-down city of Kazzak—a life built out of underground alchemy, shady dealings, and collecting favors. But when his ex-best friend's adopted daughters show up on his doorstep in the middle of the night, Sykes finds himself taking on a role he never expected.