Republika zlodj Lynch Scott (2026)

It was meant to be the greatest heist of their careers, but everything went terribly wrong, and Locke and his trusted partner Jean barely escaped with their livesor at least Jean did. Locke is slowly succumbing to a deadly poison that no alchemist or physician can remove. As the end approaches, however, a mysterious Bondsmagi offers Locke a chance that will either save him or finish him for good. The political election of the mages is drawing near, and the factions need pawns. If Locke agrees to play the role, magic will cleanse the poison from his body, although the process will be so agonising that he may wish for death. Locke resists, but Jeans pleas and the mention of a woman from his pastSabeta, the love of his life, who matches him in skill and wit and is now his greatest rivalbreak his resolve. Sabeta first captivated Locke when they were young orphans training to become thieves, but after a turbulent courtship she left him. Now they will face one another in another battle of wills. Confronted with his only equal in love and deception, Locke must choose whether to challenge Sabeta or court her. The lives of both may depend on his decision.