It starts small - a frightened word, a pointed finger - and then the panic catches. A resident stands accused of witchcraft, and Salem must decide what kind of town it is: hold a fair trial and risk the fear, or hang the accused and quiet it the ugly way.
Every verdict has a price. Clear the innocent and you keep your conscience but not always your peace; hang them and you may raise a bitter spirit that haunts you for it. The panic is the beating heart of the town's social story.