Willow’s father has indoctrinated her with the conviction that when she is old enough to attend Hollow’s Grove University, she must fulfill her “destiny” of exacting revenge on his and Loralei’s behalf. Rather than develop a loving and warm relationship with his daughter, Samuel Hecate has been “molding [her] into the perfect instrument for revenge through whatever means necessary” (11). Although Willow is not particularly enthused about her role in his plan, she recognizes that his plan will avenge the death of his sister, Loralei, who protected him from the Coven by hiding him away so that he might preserve his magic. Willow initially complies with her “duty” in part because she understands Loralei’s choice; Willow cares just as deeply about her own half-brother, Ash, and she has always helped their mother to protect him. She knows that Ash isn’t safe and is aware that her father’s revenge plot will help her to keep the Coven’s focus on her rather than on Ash. However, once she meets Gray, her ambivalent commitment to Samuel’s plan pales in comparison to her own growing desire for the headmaster.

Willow has always known that seducing the headmaster is part of Samuel’s plan, but her unexpected attraction to him considerably reduces her commitment to her “duty.