Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, Bsc

Salome was always different, even in the world of witches. She had hair the color of raven’s feathers, eyes that sparkled with a hint of mischief, and a heart too big for her tiny frame. Growing up in the secluded village of Glintbrook, she had always been drawn to the art of magic. Her father, a wise and powerful sorcerer, was her biggest inspiration.

Sadly, when Salome was only three, her father met a tragic end while protecting their village from a dark force. The villagers mourned his death and sang tales of his heroics, but for Salome, the loss was deeply personal. Every day without him felt like an eternity, and a cloud of sadness loomed over her.

On her twelfth birthday, while rummaging through her father’s old magical artifacts, Salome found an old silver locket. The moment she touched it, it sprang open, revealing a tiny, shimmering crystal inside—the crystal pulsed with a gentle glow, and warmth enveloped Salome’s heart.

A voice echoed inside her mind, “Salome, my dear, this locket contains a fragment of my soul. I knew the day would come when you’d find it. With this, I want to grant you a gift.”

With those words, the crystal gifted Salome the ability to channel her emotions into powerful, benevolent magic. Whenever she felt sadness for her father’s loss, she could convert it into healing energy. If she felt happiness, she could turn it into a protective aura. Anger would manifest as a shield, and love would create beautiful illusions.

With this newfound ability, Salome decided to honor her father’s legacy. She opened a small magical clinic in Glintbrook where she would use her emotions to heal the sick, mend broken hearts, and protect the village from any harm.

Word spread across lands about the little witch who could heal with her heart. People from distant villages and realms began to seek her help. Salome was no longer the girl mourning her father’s death but the beacon of hope for many.

One day, a familiar face entered her clinic – it was Alaric, a young wizard who once trained under her father. He had been corrupted by dark forces and was responsible for the menace that took her father’s life. However, he was not there to harm her but to seek redemption.

With tears in his eyes, Alaric confessed his sins and revealed the darkness consuming him. Salome, drawing from the deepest reservoir of forgiveness and love, channeled her magic through the locket. She purged Alaric of his darkness, granting him a second chance at life.

In gratitude, Alaric joined Salome in her mission. Together, they expanded the clinic into a magical sanctuary where all beings, good or once evil, could find healing and hope.

Years passed, and Salome‘s legacy grew. Her father’s spirit, watching from the stars, beamed with pride. His death was tragic, but through it, the world saw the rise of Salome – the little witch with a heart that could heal the world.