The Magicians: fillory book 8 Ember the Helpless.
On the journey through the forest back to Embers lair, Quentin couldn't help but think what happened to Jules. She is so far gone, using magic like a drug. She got herself into a situation where she is destroying herself. Maybe that's why Jane Chatwin said to watch and protect her.
"Quentin..."
"Quentin. Is this Embers lair." Alice asked.
"Huh, uh yeah this is it."
"What were you thinking about Q?" Margo firmly asked.
"Nothing."
"Mm ok Q."
Quentin grabbed a stick and stabbed himself in the hand. Once he began bleeding he placed his palm into the hand imprint in the stone in front of the lair. They all were transported inside. The lair felt mystical but there was an emptiness. Trash all over the place. They began to wonder if Ember was even still alive. Then out of nowhere:
"Bow down in the presence of a God," an omnipresent voice spoke.
Everyone looked around clueless. However, Quentin wasn't. He had been here before to know what to expect. Ember came from the back and asked the group what they wanted.
"Why are you back here? Didn't I give you what you came for." Ember said to Quentin.
"Who is this? And why does she have the power I gave you."
"I'm so not high enough for this. Oh wait, I'm not high at all." Elliot jibed
"Ember we messed up, but I think you already know that." Quentin responded.
"In fact, you did this. You! If you never unblocked her memory this would've never happened."
"What are you talking about Quentin." Alice said.
"Me and Jules came here to get some power and he unclogged her memory and remembered something cruel being done to her."
"She deserves every bad thing coming to her," Elliot stated
"Oh God, I walked into a soap opera being your roommate Quentin." Penny snarkily said.
"And I gave Alice your power because she is the most capable magician out of us all."
"DO NOT BLAME YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS ON ME! I am a God. I can kill you if I wanted to."
"Hm. Well help us than" Margo said.
"You do not demand a God."
"We need you to send us to Hogwartz." Quentin requested.
"Hogwartz? With those retched wizards who think the are all powerful."
"That place really exist? Do you have any drugs?" Elliot asked.
"You didn't help us fight the beast. You can at least send us there." Quentin said.
"I will not! I already gave you power and you gave that to your bimbo. Now leave!"
They were forced out Embers lair and are now forced to get to Hogwartz on their own. With no traveler the trip will will be long and exhausting, until Penny is fully healed. Going to the Neitherlands is the only option. Hopefully the group can find another library to hide out in.
