The Coven

Willow follows Della through the withered gardens near the burial ground, vowing to return and make another offering soon. She is horrified when she sees the dead witch in a casket, because White witches should be laid out on sacred stones; this allows the stones to reabsorb her energy. Just as she is about to object, Gray stops her. He explains that that she cannot change things if she angers Susannah, and he suggests that she approach the Covenant privately. Willow realizes that all witches here were buried against their natures, and she vows to “free” them when she can.

Willow confronts Susannah and George. They realize that Flora taught Willow the old burial ways, but Susannah insists that their way is best for the Coven. George leaves, and Willow argues that the natural elements that give witches their power “need offerings,” including the return of the witches’ bodies after death. Susannah explains that the Coven is intentionally weakening witches’ power in order to starve the Vessels. The Tribunal members still practice their traditions in secret and retain their potency. This is why Susannah allowed her own line to dwindle, and she expresses her expectation that Willow mate and birth a single daughter to carry on her own line.