A Note from the Author

As you close this collection of Bewitching Ballads, I hope you have been as enchanted by these tales as I was when weaving them together. Each poem holds within it a spark of magic, a sliver of the mysteries and wonders that have long been part of our world. From the haunting call of the Siren to the cursed halls of Eldritch, these ballads carry echoes of the past, of lessons learned, and of the ever-present dance between light and dark magic.

Magic is as much about understanding as it is about power. Those who tread its path must do so with both curiosity and caution. Let these tales remind you not just of the wonders of the magical world, but of the choices we make in wielding it. For within every spell, every chant, and every charm, there lies a consequence.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. May you continue to find inspiration in the stories we share, the magic we practice, and the mysteries yet to be uncovered.

Yours most magically,
Euphemia Widdershins

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A Word on Ballads

Ballads are ancient forms of storytelling, passed down through the ages, capturing both heroic deeds and tragic fates. In the wizarding world, ballads are more than just tales — they carry the very essence of the magical events they recount. When read aloud, they are said to stir echoes of the past, and in the right circumstances, they may even cast a spell of their own.

Let this collection serve as a reminder of the power that stories hold, not just in their words, but in the magic they carry within.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the magical creatures and wise witches and wizards who inspired these ballads. To my readers, who continue to keep the flame of storytelling alive, this collection is for you.

A special thanks to Mortimer Fiddlesticks, whose illustrations brought these stories to life in ways words alone never could. His art not only complements the tales but enriches them with an added layer of magic.

Lastly, thank you to Cauldron Quill Press for believing in this collection and continuing to support magical storytelling for generations.

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Beware!

Some readers have reported that upon finishing Bewitching Ballads, certain pages tend to glow under moonlight, while others seem to whisper forgotten verses when left unattended. Should this occur, it is recommended that you consult a qualified librarian or curse-breaker, preferably before dusk.

“The song ends, but the magic lingers.”

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