Chapter 38: The Morning of the Covenant

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

On the morning of her Covenant and wedding, Tana sits on the rooftop with her father, watching the sunrise. She struggles with the fact that she must share her sacred ceremony with Landon. Her father gives her a family heirloom: a silver necklace containing magicked water from the first rush, meant as a Covenant gift. Tana is overcome with emotion. Her mother joins them, reviewing the day’s schedule. Later, Ivy helps Tana prepare, applying makeup and helping her into a gray silk dress. Tana and Ivy have a heartfelt conversation about Tana’s missing memories and the decisions she made with Wolfe. Tana insists she is ready and that she feels proud of her role. Ivy reassures her. Tana’s mother arrives, and Tana declares she is ready for the ceremonies ahead.

Key Events

Tana shares a sunrise with her father on the rooftop, discussing her mixed feelings about sharing the Covenant with Landon.
Her father gives her a red velvet box containing a silver necklace with a vial of magicked water from the first rush, a family heirloom.
Her mother arrives with tea and goes over the day’s schedule: Covenant at 4 p.m., wedding at sunset.
Tana and Ivy prepare at the manor house; Ivy applies makeup using non-magical methods.
Tana and Ivy discuss the memory eraser and Tana’s lost memories regarding Wolfe. Tana says she doesn’t remember and that it was her choice.
Ivy helps Tana into her dress and accessories; Tana sees her reflection and feels beautiful.
Tana’s mother enters, and Tana confirms she is ready.

Character Development

Tana: Shows growth in accepting her role in the Covenant and marriage. She expresses pride in her role and determination to move forward, though she carries unresolved feelings about her lost memories. She is emotionally vulnerable with her father and grateful for the heirloom.
Ivy: Demonstrates loyalty and care, despite the strain caused by Tana’s choices. She wants Tana’s happiness and gently probes Tana’s emotional state.
Tana’s father: reveals his emotional side, giving a heartfelt gift and affirming his love for Tana. He acknowledges the difficulty of sharing the Covenant but supports the union.
Tana’s mother: remains focused on logistics and tradition, but shows warmth and pride when seeing Tana dressed.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Tradition vs. Change: The heirloom vial connects Tana to the ancestral past of the first rush, symbolizing the continuity of the Covenant tradition. Tana’s discomfort with sharing her ceremony hints at the changing nature of her world.
Controlled Magic vs. Unbridled Magic: Tana wonders what it would be like to be Wolfe, able to practice magic at any time. This contrast between coven magic and witch magic underscores the central conflict.
Memory and Identity: Tana’s erased memories of her time with Wolfe remain a gap in her sense of self. Ivy hopes one day Tana might remember the choices she fully made for herself.
Sunrise as Renewal: The chapter opens with sunrise, a symbol of new beginnings, yet Tana feels the weight of finality—her last sunrise living at home.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 38 is the calm before the storm. It establishes Tana’s emotional state on the morning of her Covenant and wedding, highlighting her internal conflict between duty and personal desire. The gift of the heirloom necklace deepens her connection to witch history, while the conversation with Ivy addresses the lingering consequences of Tana’s decisions with Wolfe. This chapter sets the stage for the pivotal ceremonies that will follow.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Tana’s father give her the heirloom necklace, and what does it symbolize?
He gives it as her Covenant gift, a family heirloom containing water from the first rush. It symbolizes the history and sacrifice of their ancestors, as well as the hope that the mainland union fully realizes their dream.
How does Tana’s conversation with Ivy reveal her unresolved feelings about her erased memories?
Tana admits she doesn’t remember her time with Wolfe and says it feels as if it happened to someone else. Ivy suggests that one day Tana might want to remember those nights she fully chose for herself, indicating that the erased memories still affect Tana’s sense of agency.
What does Tana’s father say that shows his understanding of Tana’s conflict?
He acknowledges that sharing the Covenant with Landon is difficult, and he wishes mainlanders weren’t frightened by a rush. He tells Tana she is strong, independent, and secure enough to question beliefs—showing he respects her internal struggle.