Rubbing soothing circles into her bandaged wrists, Lilly watched silently as Elias cleaned her bloodied wounds. She couldn't keep her eyes from nervously flitting to glimpse the man knelt before her. After being sequestered mid-trial, and discovering her connection to the leader of The Valley, she'd swiftly been released. Elias' subjects had been less than thrilled, but Yakia performed another attempt at mind-reading, this time with no resistance. This was all the evidence they needed. Lilly was the granddaughter of the Bloodreigna.

Now it was just the two of them alone in the little cottage. Neither could find the right words. So many questions brewed between them. They'd shared so much heartbreak without knowing the other existed. Lilly hissed as he poured a stream of antiseptic onto her leg.

"Sorry," Elias muttered and reached for a jar of greenish-brown salve. As he unscrewed the top, a deep earthy scent wafted towards her. Elias scooped out a handful and promptly smeared it over the deep gash across her calf. Lilly instantly relaxed. The burning pain was soothed at his touch. She slumped back in her armchair with a sigh of relief. "I apologize for this evening. If I'd known who you were I never would've done it. We assumed you were working for The Beast." Lilly saw only sincerity in his piercing blue eyes.

"You did what you thought was best for your people. I've been guilty of the same thing more times than I can count, I understand." Elias wrapped her leg meticulously as if she were a porcelain doll liable to crack at the slightest use of pressure. "What exactly is this place? How are you still alive?" Elias sat back on his heels and pursed his lips. He looked more forlorn than displeased.

"This Valley has been home to our people for a thousand years. We used to live in harmony with the rest of Fillory, but humans fear what they do not understand. They forced us to leave the kingdom and start anew. We've been here ever since." He reached out to cup the clock necklace resting against Lilly's leather armor. Twirling the pendant between his fingers contemplatively, he seemed to be in another world entirely. "I met Jane when The Beast was beginning to gain power. She was desperate to sway him from the path of darkness. In the end, it was too late. Jane had no choice but to flee Fillory, but before she left, she placed a powerful protection spell around The Valley. This place exists outside of time and space itself, and I, well, just as Jane slowed her own aging, she did the same for me. But that too is gone, and I'm afraid time is catching up to me."

"So, if this place is protected, how did I get through the barrier?" Lilly went over the past day in her mind, trying to connect her experience with the information he'd just revealed.

"Jane's time magic began with her. It was a gift from Ember and Umber themselves. Martin may be a Master Magician, but he does not possess the god-given gift Jane did. It's possible some of that power trickled down to you."

"But, I'm not a Horomancer. I've never done time magic in my life." Lilly's brows knit together. She'd never entertained the possibility of her inheriting some of Jane's gifts. But, she was a shifter. What other powers could be lurking beneath the surface of her skin?

"Just because you've never used it doesn't mean it's not there. But, it's just a theory."

"How do you know about my mom? I thought Jane left Fillory before she knew she was pregnant." Lilly ran her fingers along the rough surface of her armchair. For the first time in a long time, she felt at ease in this little cottage. She had one last tie to her family. One last thread of hope.

"She did, but a few months later she managed to send word that she was with child." He smiled grievously, "I would've given anything to hold my daughter just once." Lilly grasped his hand in hers. Her heart ached for him. She couldn't imagine the pain of never laying eyes on his own daughter. All the while knowing that she was out there somewhere, unaware that he even existed. Elias looked at his granddaughter with misty eyes and soon her own tears began to fall. They weren't tears of sadness, nor joy, but some strange mixture of the two.

"So, you're a Shifter?" She wiped at her eyes. "Is everyone here like me?"

"Indeed, I am." He smiled up at her, "most are human. A child rarely develops the ability to shift, even if both parents are Shifters." For so long she believed she was alone, that she had to figure out her powers all on her own. But no longer would she have to fear her potential. She had someone to teach her. She'd believed that Jane's knowledge died with her, yet, here it was. "We're safe within The Valley. You are too. I won't let Martin take you away from me again."

"You haven't been outside this valley since Jane left? You haven't tried to stop him? All these years you've just let him run rampant in Fillory?" Lilly felt the familiar burn of frustration at the thought. Why had he just given up? How could he stay behind these wards while the people of Fillory were suffering? Elias sighed deeply and sat back on his heels. His eyes dropped to the floor in shame.

"The last time I fought The Beast with Jane by my side, he nearly eradicated my people. My sister, Rose, sacrificed herself to protect The Valley. I won't let that sacrifice be in vain." Haunted. That was the only way she could describe his expression. A contemplative silence ensued as Lilly mulled over this new information. "My people come first, always. I will not gamble with their safety. I won't gamble with yours either." Lilly was taken aback by this statement. Elias leaned forward and took both her hands in his. "I'd like for you to stay here, learn our ways, be safe. This valley is your birthright. Eventually, if you prove yourself worthy, you could take my place as Bloodreigna. If you want to, that is." Lilly's jaw dropped open. Her brain was at a standstill.

"I- I don't know. This is just a lot." Pulling her hands from his, her fingers raked through her dirty and knotted hair.

"I'm sorry, I got ahead of myself." He held up both hands to calm her, "all I want is the chance to get to know you. I was robbed of that opportunity with Evelyn. I can't bear the thought of losing you as well. I've only just found you." Lilly suddenly felt out of breath. She rested her elbows on her thighs and placed her palms over her face in a weak attempt to calm herself. It was all too much to process. In a matter of twenty-four hours- or at least what felt like twenty-four hours- Lilly had lost her friends, her almost-boyfriend, and any hope of killing The Beast. Now, she was faced with a whole new world, the opportunity to make a new life for herself. One without the looming threat of Martin. She could get to know her grandfather. It was tempting, almost too good to be true. A small part of her still screamed to fight, to not let her friend's deaths be in vain. But a larger part of her was done. Done fighting, done with constant pain and paranoia. She wanted this, she deserved this, didn't she?

"I think... I think I'd like that." Elias looked surprised like he'd expected to be rejected. It'd been so long since Jane had left. He'd never gotten the opportunity to be a father to Evelyn, or a grandfather to her. This sudden opportunity must've felt as foreign to him as it did to Lilly. Gradually, a brilliant smile lit up his features. It was such a joyful expression that for a moment, Lilly was taken aback. It had felt like years ago that she'd seen something so pure and unburdened. For a while, she wondered if she'd ever experience that kind of happiness again.

Elias stood and offered her his hand. Lilly hesitated for a split-second. Taking his hand would mean much more than she was sure she was ready for. Taking it would mean she was moving away from her friends and The Beast and towards a new goal. A new life. Without thinking, Lilly wrapped her arms around him. Elias stiffened at her touch. Then his arms were around her too. She'd never had the love of a father in her life. She'd only ever had Evelyn. Lilly found that she felt at home in her grandfather's arms, and it was a long while before they broke apart. They were both starved for the love of family that they'd been deprived of for so long. This was a new sensation, but it was one that Lilly was sure she'd never tire of.

"Come," he lead her towards the front door. As he swung it open, Lilly was met with the same star-filled sky she'd believed would bear witness to her brutal death that night. Instead, it marked a new beginning and a sorrowful end. Saia stood stiffly a few paces down the path, watching Lilly like a snake ready to pounce. Elias gave the warrior a nod and miraculously, Saia relaxed. Lilly held tight to Elias's hand as they made their way back to the clearing and his restless subjects. She heard the angry voices before they even broke through the tree line. The crowd parted when they saw their leader, and their shouts dulled to conspiratorial whispers. All eyes were on them as Lilly and Elias made their way to his menacing throne of thorns.

The white bird which had perched tall and proud above the Bloodreina remained. It too watched the pair as they took their rightful place before the people of The Valley. Elias held out his other arm and the bird took flight. Lilly flinched as the monstrosity landed gracefully on Elias's outstretched arm. Its snowy feathers seemed to glow in the firelight, it's dark-eyed glinted in a supernatural way.

"I know you all would like answers to what took place tonight." A few people nodded, others openly glared at Lilly and their joined hands. "The valley has long since been isolated and protected by the wards surrounding it. As you know, that is all thanks to Jane Chatwin. However, many of you don't know that when Jane fled Fillory, she was pregnant." A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. Lilly squeezed Elias's hand tightly, receiving a soft smile of reassurance in turn. "Our child grew up to have her own daughter, and as fate would have it, that daughter found her way back to us. The rightful heir to the Valley has returned." The crowd grew restless, no one seemed to know how to process his words. Elias nudged Lilly forwards lightly. She took a dubious step towards the crowd.

"I- um-" Her voice wavered as she racked her brain for something to say. She was sure she looked like a bumbling idiot right then. She glanced back at Elias with fearful eyes. He simply smiled, and somehow, that was all she needed. With a steadying breath, she addressed the people. "My name is Lilly Cole. I came to Fillory with my friends to kill the beast that has hunted you all these years. He killed them all and I alone survived. I had no one left, but then I stumbled past your wards and I feel as if I've been given a second chance. I may be the rightful heir to The Valley, but I'm a stranger to you. All I want is a chance to learn. I don't expect any of you to trust me. But If you'll allow me to try, I'd like to prove myself. I'd like to stay here. That is if you'll have me." For a long while, no one uttered a word. Lilly cringed under the scrutiny of so many. The people of the valley stared at her as if trying to detect if she was who she claimed. Lilly couldn't blame them. Here she was, a stranger in a hostile world, asking to be accepted as one of them. She felt crazy even thinking about it. Lilly hung her head in shame, trying to hide the pain painted plainly across her features.

Then there was a rustling amongst the crowd. Lilly dared to peek through her lashes and what she saw had her heart clenching so tight she thought it might burst. One by one the people in the crown knelt before her. Their heads bowed as Lilly's had been moments before. But this was not from shame, this was respect, acceptance. Elias placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. She barely felt it. Lilly smiled through the tears threatening to spill. She wasn't alone.

➺➺➺➺

"The crowns of Fillory are yours." The five Magicians grinned triumphantly as the knight protecting the crowns bowed to Eliot. After a bizarre test involving pop culture trivia from the nineties, they proved victorious and thus worthy of the crowns. With one flourishing bow, the knight disappeared, leaving them alone. Quentin looked around the stone platform tentatively. Waves lapped at the base in a soothing rhythm. The crowning ceremony overlooked the endless ocean. They savored the fresh breeze and open atmosphere after their long journey through the forest. Eliot knelt before the iron chest, careful not to dirty his pant leg as he did. It opened smoothly at his touch and four pristine crowns were revealed. Each one was unique, meant for two kings and two queens.

"So, I guess we just put them on." Eliot picked one randomly and began to lower it onto his head.

"No, God, stop!" Quentin threw out a hand. "This doesn't feel right."

"You're right. She should be here." Penny sighed, flexing his reattached hands impulsively. They each thought of their missing friend. Lilly deserved to be a Queen just as much as any of them. She deserved to be there.

"I wish she could be, Q." Margo gave him a sympathetic, yet patronizing look, "but this is the only way to get to Whitespire. We can't waste any time." Quentin bristled at her dismissal, but in the end, he resigned to a simple nod.

"I mean, we should at least do a ceremony. This is only gonna happen once. We are becoming kings and queens, so...it's important, and we should honor it. Just give me that." Quentin motioned to the crown and nimbly took it from Eliot. "If Lilly found out we didn't do a ceremony she'd kill us all." Everyone nodded with amusement. Quentin stood tall before Eliot and formally squared his jaw. "Kneel, Eliot Waugh." Eliot rolled his eyes with a scoff. "Would you just do it? It's gonna be quick, I promise." Snickering, he complied. "So, destiny is-- it's bullshit, but you are High King in your blood, and somehow that makes sense, you know? And I-I just-- for what it's worth, I think that you are going to be a fantastic king." Quentin cleared his throat in an attempt to distract from his emotional words. "Um, so, um, I-I dub thee, um, I don't know. Would you say, like, you're more brave or merciful?" He whispered to Eliot uncertainty.

"I'd say I'm neither, but I still plan to be a spectacular monarch." Quentin smiled proudly at his friend's words.

"I hereby dub thee, High King Eliot The Spectacular." Slowly and dramatically, Quentin placed the circlet atop his head, taking care to place it on straight. Eliot took a deep breath and smiled.

"Wow, this feels as natural as underwear." Placing his hands in Quentin's, Eliot stood and gazed into his eyes affectionately, "thank you." The moment lasted a tad longer than it should've, but neither cared. This was something to be savored. Next, was Margo, who knelt before Eliot eagerly. She beamed radiantly as he spoke, soaking up every word.

"By the power vested in me by... I have no idea, I do hereby crown you High Queen Margo The Destroyer. I mean that in the best possible sense." Eliot crowned his best friend, then turned to the others and waved his hands to prompt some fanfare. "Uh, all hail. Everyone clap." Pulling her close, he whispered tenderly in her ear, "I have known what you truly are since the day we met. Long may you reign." He capped off his tribute by placing a tender kiss upon her forehead. Then, it was Alice's turn. Things were still a bit tense from their betrayal of her, but she offered him a wry smile all the same.

"I feel it's incumbent upon me to promise never again to betray you as I did. I really-- really am sorry. I have some character defects. I'm working on it, honestly." Tears sparked behind both of their eyes at the vocal apology. None had been offered by either Margo or Eliot, and the gesture was grand in its own way. Alice knelt, looking up at him with watery eyes.

"I'm working on some too."

"Well, on that note, I crown you, Queen Alice the Wise." As Alice stepped away and Eliot bent to retrieve the fourth and final crown, Margo stepped forward.

"No, wait. Since we're cleaning slates and shit, give me. Q?" She summoned him forward, and he hesitantly complied, though he didn't immediately bend his knee. "I could start by saying something cruel yet totally hilarious about you. Let's be real, you're an easy target. But, that's, well, that's because you're honest about what you love. And underneath it all, that's... inspiring. And I'm sorry too. Not about the sex, I don't even really remember it. Mostly my part in fucking up something that was good for you." Her voice softened towards the tail end of her speech, and Quentin had to fight to retain his stoic features.

"Thanks, I think I fucked it up just fine myself." He shot Alice a forlorn look, which was retrieved with equal amounts of longing and ire.

"Now that we're ruling a kingdom together, I hope we can be whatever we were again."

"I guess you could call that friends."

"Let's go with that." Margo grinned, "I hereby crown you, King Quentin the Moderately Socially Maladjusted. Scrunch down." She ordered, and he hastily dropped to his knees before her. They all applauded as the final crown found it's king.

"Royalty, bitches."

The Magicians made camp along the bay, and Penny found himself wandering along the lapping water's edge. Tendrils of smoke joined the cloud above from the campfire Alice had conjured for them. The relations between party members had thankfully become less hostile after the crowning. Penny only wished that Lilly had been there to witness it. If anyone was worthy of queendom, it was her.

However, Lilly wasn't the only problem plaguing his thoughts as he stared at his rippling reflection in the water. He had the troubling suspicion that the Chatwin's Torrent peddler had tampered with his newly reattached hands. With extra precision, Penny moved his hands in the pattern of a frost charm atop a pile of dead leaves. For a moment, nothing happened, and his stomach lurched. Then, the crystallized coating formed over the pile of leaves. With a relieved sigh, Penny began to turn away. But within a second his right hand swung around of its own accord and yanked him along with it. The frosted leaves burst into crackling flames.

"Shit."

"Hey, everything okay?" Margo asked as she approached, the crown still balanced delicately atop her head.

"I'm going back to the Torrent," he declared.

"You think that guy did something to you cause you were a raging douche?"

"I'll sweet-talk him. Get him to fix my hands, then-- then I'll head to the castle. Everything's under control." He tried to keep his voice steady, but his concern was clear as day.

"Really? Cause it sounds like everything turned to shit as soon as Lilly left." Penny grumbled, shaking his head at her observation. He began to move, but Margo put a hand up to stop him. "Look, I get it, everything would be a hell of a lot better if she were here, but I promise you, we'll get her back. Even if I have to kill that motherfucking Chatwin all by myself, we're gonna bring her home. She's out there somewhere. It's only a matter of time." Penny swallowed hard and nodded.

"Thanks, Margo," and with that, he was off on his own journey while the kings and queens of Fillory went to claim their thrones.