The group finally arrives at the capital city, only to find it fractured. The ruling council has split, with factions forming around whether to worship Lyra as a divine figure or to imprison her as a potential threat. Kieran's loyalties are tested as his former commander, General Hawke, advocates for her immediate execution to prevent the prophecy from spiraling out of control.

Amidst the political unrest, Lyra is visited in secret by one of the ancient gods, Valeryn, who appears in her dreams. Valeryn claims to have been the one who resurrected her, stating that she is meant to lead humanity into a new era, free from the control of both the gods and the Dread King. But his motives remain unclear, and Lyra is torn between his promises of power and her desire to retain her humanity.