Ten days after the victory, Orynth prepares for Aelin's coronation by clearing and decorating the throne room, cleaning the royal suite, finding clothing, and gathering food. Rowan stands on the dais with Aedion, Lorcan, and Fenrys, watching allies and rulers assemble. He notes the altered future ahead: Sellene is now Queen of Doranelle, some Fae may remain in Terrasen, hidden Terrasen Fae may return, and Rowan intends to help build a kingdom worthy of humans, Fae, witches, and all its people.

The procession begins with Elide, who walks unassisted despite her limp, followed by Lysandra and Evangeline. Their presence honors the women who helped save Terrasen and reflects the political shift that made the coronation possible: Darrow persuaded the lords to sign documents recognizing Aelin's right to the throne. Aelin then enters in green and silver, moving down the aisle toward the throne while her friends, allies, and court watch.

Aelin kneels before the crown, the only thing she will bow to in her reign, and Darrow conducts the ancient ceremony in the Old Language. Aelin vows to give her life, body, and soul to Terrasen and swears to guard, nurture, and honor the kingdom. Darrow places on her head a newly forged crown made from Wendlyn gold and set with the preserved kingsflame bloom from Orlon's reign, and Aelin is proclaimed Queen of Terrasen.

Before taking the throne, Aelin turns to Aedion and offers him the blood oath he had long wanted to swear before the world. Aelin recognizes Aedion's lifelong service and sacrifice for Terrasen, cuts her arm, and lets him drink. Aedion vows to serve Aelin and Terrasen in this life and all others, then embraces her before returning to his place beside the throne.

As Aelin prepares to sit, the Little Folk appear and lay Mab's crown at her feet, returning the lost symbol of the Faerie Queen of the West. Aelin accepts responsibility for them as well, promising to serve the hidden folk until the end of her days. Aelin bows to them, the court and hall follow, and after the Little Folk vanish, she places Mab's crown behind her new crown and sits as both Queen of Terrasen and Faerie Queen of the West.

The ceremony continues outside when the bells announce her coronation to the city. At the castle gates, Aelin calls forward not only her own court but also her allies from across the world, especially the women who fought, sacrificed, and kept hope alive. Aelin asks them to walk with her, and together they enter the cheering streets of Orynth as symbols of a new and better world.