The Brakebills students struggle to deal with the aftermath of a catastrophe that befalls the university. Back in Brooklyn, Julia makes her first foray into the mysterious world of Hedge Witches.

Quentin panics when he wakes up in a mental hospital. Meanwhile, upset over her fight with Quentin, Julia commits herself to learning more powerful spells.

Brakebills is thrown into chaos when Penny is violently attacked by someone who was considered a friend. Quentin tries to find a connection to the Beast. Julia considers giving up magic for good after entering a rehab facility.

While Penny struggles to keep everything at Brakebills under control, Eliot and Margo investigate the stolen gold of the Dark King of Fillory. This leads them to discover a very disturbing secret.

Christmas comes early.