Lyra and Will meet in a third world, where they find a village largely abandoned for unknown reasons. Mrs. Coulter moves to secure her power by interrogating a prisoner, and Lee receives a commission from the witches.

Will takes Lyra to his world, where she hopes to get some answers at his version of Oxford – unaware that they are being followed. Will tries to connect with family he didn't know he had, while elsewhere the Magisterium deliberates over how to move forward against its enemies.

Lyra returns to visit Dr. Malone but runs afoul of an inspector who knows more about her than he should – leading her to lose something precious. Meanwhile Lee Scoresby runs into trouble for asking the wrong questions.

Lyra and Will make a plan to access the tower in order to acquire the legendary knife said to be hidden inside. Lee Scoresby finally finds Stanislaus Grumman, a.k.a. Jopari – and Boreal extends an invitation to Mrs. Coulter.

Mrs. Coulter glimpses another world, full of possibilities, when she goes searching for Lyra. Meanwhile Will and Lyra enact a plan to steal back the alethiometer, and Mary Malone embarks on a journey.

While Mary explores a new world, Lyra and Will find themselves in the company of the witches. Lee and Jopari traverse the breach in search of the knife bearer, and Mrs. Coulter makes an astonishing discovery.

As a war draws near the witches plan their next move, and Lyra resolves to help Will reunite with his father. Mrs. Coulter discovers the prophecy about Lyra, and Lee takes a stand.