The Salem woods stretched on in tangled rows of trees, their branches clawing at the dim light. You were young, stubborn, and curious, convinced that if witches were real, this was where they would be.

That was when you saw her.

“Well, well, and what do we have here” Her voice was teasing, but something flickered beneath it—relief, perhaps, or a hurt she had no interest in naming.

You startled under her sudden attention. “I—uh, I’m just… exploring,” you stammered, feeling your cheeks flush under her piercing gaze.

“Exploring, are you?” she mused, crossing her arms over her chest, the smirk never quite leaving her face. “And what is it you’re hoping to find, little adventurer?”

You bit your lip, hesitating for just a moment before blurting out, “I’m looking for witches.”

It felt silly as soon as you said it, but her eyes gleamed with a strange kind of interest. She tilted her head and let out a quiet laugh.

“That’s a foolish thing to do,” she said, her voice teasing, but with a dangerous edge.

“I’m not afraid of witches,” you replied, bristling.

Her smirk deepened, and she took a step closer, her movements fluid, graceful, like she belonged in this dark and tangled forest. “Is that so?” she murmured, leaning in as if to study your face. Her gaze felt like a touch, sending a shiver down your spine. “And what if I was a witch? What would you do then, brave little explorer?”

Up close, she was even prettier than you’d thought. “I don't know,” you honestly quietly confessed.

Something in her expression softened. She flicked her fingers. A swirl of purple light danced above her hand, forming shapes that twisted and spun before fading away like a puff of smoke. It wasn’t like the stories of dark curses and wicked enchantments. It was... beautiful.

You stepped closer without thinking, your eyes wide with wonder. “How... How did you do that?”

She laughed again, but this time it was softer, almost gentle. “It’s a secret,” she said, but there was no hiding the pride in her voice. “Maybe I’ll tell you... if you ask nicely.”

She studied you for a moment longer. Beneath the playful bravado, there was loneliness in her eyes. She glanced toward the trees, as if expecting someone or something to call her back.