**Secret Circle** In a secluded forest where sunlight rarely pierced the dense canopy, a legend was whispered among the few who lived nearby. They spoke of a spirit known as Selima, a black ghost who roamed the woods, bound to a hidden glade known only as the Secret Circle. Selima had once been a vibrant woman, a member of a community that thrived near the edge of the forest. Known for her deep wisdom and connection to nature, she would often gather the children to teach them the ways of the woods. But when tragedy struck—an illness that swept through her village—the fear and sorrow turned to suspicion. They accused her of dark magic, believing she had summoned the plague. In a rush of anger, they banished her into the depths of the forest. Heartbroken and betrayed, Selima wandered until she found the Secret Circle, a ring of ancient trees standing sentinel around a shimmering pool. There, she poured out her grief and anger, and in that moment of despair, she became part of the forest, her spirit forever intertwined with its shadows. Years passed, and the forest grew wild. Locals began to hear stories of the black ghost who protected the glade. It was said that on moonlit nights, Selima appeared as a figure draped in dark mist, her presence a warning to those who would disturb the sacred land. One autumn evening, a group of curious teens, drawn by the allure of the unknown, ventured into the woods, determined to find the Secret Circle. Armed with nothing but flashlights and bravado, they laughed and teased each other as they wandered deeper. As the trees closed in, the air grew thick with silence, the kind that made their skin prickle. After hours of searching, they stumbled upon the glade, its beauty breathtaking yet eerie. The pool at its center reflected the moon like a mirror, surrounded by the towering trees. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. A chill ran through the air, and the laughter of the group fell silent. From the shadows emerged Selima, her form ethereal and dark. The teens froze, captivated by the sight of the ghostly figure, her eyes glinting with an otherworldly light. She seemed to float just above the ground, her presence both haunting and majestic. “Why have you come here?” her voice echoed, soft yet commanding. One brave girl stepped forward, her heart pounding. “We wanted to see the Secret Circle. We wanted to know if the stories were true.” Selima’s gaze softened, and for a moment, she looked almost human. “Curiosity is a powerful force, but this place is sacred. You must respect the land and its history.” The teens nodded, realizing the weight of their intrusion. In that moment of understanding, they felt the connection to the forest and its guardian spirit. Selima smiled, a faint shimmer of light surrounding her. “Leave this place with reverence, and you will carry my spirit in your hearts,” she said before slowly fading back into the shadows, leaving behind a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves. As the teens made their way back home, they felt a newfound respect for the forest and its secrets. They shared the story of Selima, the black ghost of the Secret Circle, ensuring her legacy lived on—a reminder of the bond between the living and the spirit world, and the importance of honoring those who came before.