Today, we are diving headfirst into a story that promises to shake the foundations of Salem itself: the shocking, nearly fatal poisoning of Sarah Horton by none other than Rachel Black.

This storyline, spanning the upcoming weeks of November 17th to 28th, is set to leave viewers gasping, hearts racing, and screens glued to every nerve-wracking scene.

A Marriage in Shambles

The turmoil begins with the crumbling of Xander Kuryakis and Sarah Horton’s marriage. Fans know that this union has weathered storms of epic proportions, from baby swaps to betrayals, lies, and violent confrontations. Now, the ink on their divorce papers barely dry, and Xander’s legendary temper threatens to erupt with volcanic intensity. When he discovers that Brady Black has been making romantic overtures toward Sarah, Xander’s fury escalates, igniting a confrontation that is equal parts explosive and emotionally charged.

The clash between Xander and Brady is a textbook Salem showdown. Xander demands that Brady stay away from Sarah, asserting his right to protect what he considers still “his”—emotionally, if not legally. Brady, however, stands his ground, calmly but firmly reminding Xander that the marriage is over, and Sarah has every right to make her own choices. The tension is electric, the conversation charged with years of unresolved animosity, and the ultimate revelation that Xander has lost Sarah both in heart and law.

Following this heated exchange, Xander reaches a painful, if inevitable, moment of clarity. He arranges a private meeting with Sarah to sign the official divorce papers, closing the chapter on a marriage filled with love, betrayal, and unforgettable drama. As they finalize the separation, the weight of their shared history—including Xander’s violent assault on Philip Kuryakis that shattered Sarah’s trust—hangs heavy in the air. It’s a powerful moment, bittersweet and heart-wrenching, signaling the definitive end of one of Salem’s most storied romances.

Rachel’s Deadly Scheme

While the adults grapple with heartbreak and betrayal, Salem is about to witness the emergence of another crisis, this time orchestrated by the youngest, most disturbed member of the Black family: Rachel. Known for her increasingly dangerous tendencies, Rachel has been fixated on keeping her parents, Brady and Kristen De, together. Anyone who threatens that fantasy—including Sarah Horton—becomes a target.

The method of attack is as sinister as it is shocking: pistachio poisoning. Sarah, we are reminded, has a severe and potentially fatal allergy to pistachios—a condition established in prior storylines when she suffered anaphylactic shock after consuming pistachio milk in a vegan scone. In what appears to be a harmless social gathering, Rachel exploits this vulnerability with chilling precision, lacing a seemingly innocent ice cream sundae with pistachio-based ingredients. This premeditated act demonstrates a level of calculated malice that belies her young age, echoing the ruthless tendencies of her mother, Kristen, and the dangerous instability of her grandmother, Rachel Blake.

The Confrontation Before the Attack

Before the poisoning unfolds, Rachel corners Brady and Sarah, demanding answers about the nature of their relationship. Paranoia fuels her actions—she cannot accept the emotional connection growing between her father and Sarah. Throughout the past months, Rachel has repeatedly targeted anyone she perceives as a threat to her parents’ reconciliation, from sending threatening messages to manipulating situations to sabotage relationships. Her obsession has escalated from mere interference to a dangerous, potentially lethal act—making Sarah her most endangered victim yet.

Sarah’s Terrifying Medical Crisis

The moment of horror comes when Sarah consumes the pistachio-laced dessert. Within seconds, she begins to suffer anaphylaxis. Her throat constricts, her breathing becomes labored, and her skin erupts with hives as her body struggles to combat the allergic reaction. Panic grips the scene, and Brady realizes the gravity of what has just occurred. “Rachel, what did you do?!” he shouts, his voice a mix of fear, disbelief, and rage. The terror is palpable: a child has deliberately endangered the life of an innocent adult, and the consequences are immediate and terrifying.

Emergency medical intervention follows. Sarah receives an epinephrine injection and is rushed to the hospital for comprehensive treatment. While she survives, the psychological and emotional impact ripples far beyond her physical recovery. For Brady, the horrifying realization that his own daughter attempted to murder someone shakes him to the core. Rachel’s actions are not only criminal—they are emblematic of a deeply disturbed psyche that can no longer be ignored.

The Psychological Fallout

The ramifications for Rachel are as intense as the physical threat she posed. This incident may unlock repressed memories from her past, particularly surrounding the night she shot EJ Deare. For years, Kristen has shielded Rachel from the consequences of that event, protecting her from the legal and emotional fallout. But now, having nearly killed Sarah, Rachel may be forced to confront the full scope of her violent tendencies. The psychological strain could trigger a breakdown, making it impossible for her to compartmentalize these dangerous acts separately.

Legal and Familial Consequences

Unlike previous incidents, this attack has a clear perpetrator, witness, and motive. Brady himself observed the deliberate nature of the poisoning. The likelihood of criminal charges is high, potentially leading to juvenile detention or psychiatric institutionalization. Salem will be forced to grapple with the reality that one of its youngest residents has demonstrated both the capacity and willingness to commit murder.

The fallout will reverberate through multiple families and relationships. Maggie Horton will be devastated by the near-loss of her daughter. Kristen will face the ultimate nightmare, recognizing that her protective efforts may have enabled Rachel’s increasingly dangerous behavior. Xander, despite his divorce from Sarah, may feel guilt and rage for not being there to protect her, potentially reigniting his feelings and complicating his relationships further. And the budding romance between Brady and Sarah will undoubtedly suffer, as trust has been shattered by Rachel’s betrayal.

The Legacy of the Blake-Deare Bloodline

This storyline also underscores the dark legacy of Salem’s most notorious families. Rachel is the daughter of Kristen Deare, granddaughter of Rachel Blake, and adopted granddaughter of Stefano Deare. Each generation has carried a history of manipulation, obsession, and violence, and Rachel appears to have inherited the worst traits of her lineage. The poisoning of Sarah is not just an isolated act—it is the emergence of a new generation of dangerous Deare women willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.

What’s Next?

As Salem braces for the aftermath, the central question remains: will Rachel finally confront the consequences of her actions, both legally and psychologically? Will Sarah’s near-death experience catalyze a reckoning for the young Black, and could suppressed memories of the EJ shooting resurface, compounding her guilt and trauma? One thing is certain: the weeks ahead promise intense drama, moral dilemmas, and heart-stopping twists as Salem grapples with a child capable of shocking violence.

Fans, prepare for a rollercoaster of suspense, fear, and intrigue. The poisoning of Sarah Horton is a storyline that blends danger, psychological complexity, and generational drama into one unforgettable arc. Stay tuned, because in Salem, even the youngest residents can wield power—and sometimes, that power comes with deadly consequences.