Half a Soul

In a quiet little village, there lived a girl named Dora Ettings.

She was not like other girls her age.

When she was very young, a wicked fairy cursed her and stole half of her soul.

Because of that, Dora could not feel things properly like other people could.

She didn’t cry when she was hurt, and she didn’t laugh when others told jokes.

Sometimes, she even smiled at sad things without meaning to.

People around her whispered that she was strange and broken.

Her family, especially her aunt, worried that Dora would never marry.

In those days, marriage was very important for a girl’s future.

So her aunt decided to take Dora to London, where grand balls and fancy parties were held.

Maybe, among the rich men and noble lords, someone would marry her.

But Dora didn’t care about marriage she just wanted to be free.

One evening, at a glittering party, Dora met a man very different from the others.

His name was Lord Sorcier, the King’s magician, known for his power and cleverness.

He looked serious, sharp, and a little bit dangerous.

But he was the first person who truly saw Dora for who she was.

Lord Sorcier realized right away that Dora was cursed.

He didn’t laugh at her or call her strange like the others did.

Instead, he was curious and wanted to help her.

He offered to find a way to give Dora back her missing half soul.

Dora wasn’t sure if she could trust him, but deep down she had hope.

Together, they began a secret journey to break the curse.

Along the way, they discovered that many children in London were also cursed.

These poor children were suffering because of dark, hidden fairy magic.

Even though Dora only had half a soul, her heart was full of kindness.

She couldn’t walk away from those who needed help.

She fought to save the children, even when it meant putting herself in danger.

Lord Sorcier stood by her side, growing more impressed by her courage each day.

They traveled through gloomy streets, hidden gardens, and even magical realms.

They battled clever fairies who tried to trick them with lies and illusions.

Through it all, Dora began to feel something she hadn’t felt in a long time courage.

She was learning that you didn’t need a perfect soul to be brave.

As they spent more time together, Dora and Lord Sorcier grew closer.

He wasn’t just a magician anymore; he became her friend and maybe something more.

Dora found herself smiling, laughing, and even feeling scared real emotions.

Even with only half a soul, Dora’s heart was becoming full again.

Finally, Dora stood face-to-face with the terrible fairy who had cursed her.

The fairy tried to tempt her with promises of riches and beauty.

But Dora had learned what really mattered freedom, love, and truth.

She fought back with everything she had and broke the curse once and for all.

Dora didn’t just save herself she saved all the cursed children too.

She chose not to return to a life of pretending to be "normal."

Instead, she chose a life filled with magic, adventure, and being true to herself.

And at her side, always, was Lord Sorcier, who loved her just as she was.

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater teaches us that you don’t have to be perfect to be a hero.

It shows that even with scars or broken pieces, you can live a beautiful life.

Dora’s story reminds us to be kind, brave, and always believe in ourselves.

Because even half a soul is enough to change the world.