Lyra is transported under tight security to the Grandest Game: first by chauffeured car, then private jet, and finally to a helicopter waiting at another secured airstrip. Jameson Hawthorne greets her with theatrical confidence, formally welcoming her to the competition before she has even boarded.

Seeing Jameson immediately pulls Lyra back to her father’s death and the fragments she remembers from him: a birthday greeting, the accusation that a Hawthorne was responsible, and a riddle. Lyra refuses to show awe or intimidation, but Jameson’s presence sharpens her suspicion of the Hawthorne family.

Grayson Hawthorne then arrives, and Lyra is shaken by his voice. She remembers contacting Grayson after her father’s suicide, telling him about the dreams, the memory, and her father’s final words, only for Grayson to dismiss her and tell her to stop calling. Lyra views him as cold, arrogant, and indifferent to the harm caused by his family.

Grayson focuses not on Lyra but on Jameson, warning that Jameson is being watched. A fourth figure, Rohan, approaches from a distance and reveals that he has been watching Lyra instead. Lyra recognizes him as someone dangerous and adaptable, someone already evaluating the competition.

Jameson identifies Rohan and explains that Grayson will be responsible for making sure everyone follows the rules during the game. Rohan keeps his attention on Lyra and replies that playing by the rules is exactly half the fun, establishing himself as both a rival and a player who enjoys strategy, performance, and risk.