The Games Gods Play

Content Warning: This section references child abuse, emotional abuse, and death.

Angry at the gods, Lyra contemplates nearly succeeding in breaking her curse as she lies bleeding on the ground.

Lyra observes Zeus’s temple’s display of lightning as members of the Order of Thieves go about stealing possessions from the onlookers. She directs them with whistles from her vantage point. She reflects on becoming part of the Order after her parents offered her as a child to settle their debts. Over time, she repaid her debt, becoming a records keeper for the Order since she wasn’t subtle enough to be a thief. A pledge calls out to Boone Runar, a master thief whom Lyra has a long-held crush on. He doesn’t pay attention to her, and Lyra is reminded of the curse that Zeus placed on her as an infant because her mother’s water broke in his temple.

Chance, another master thief, notices how Lyra pays attention to Boone and deduces her feelings. He bullies her. Lyra doesn’t engage, but his commentary on her unlovable nature stings. She leaves her station and decides to confront Zeus at his temple.