charisma
Charisma is the ad-hoc magic that conceals the void lurking in people’s hearts with a gleam of borrowed light. It thrives on the collective applause, yet its true substance is a mask hiding a deficit of self-worth. Through tone, attire, or a silent glance, it manipulates others like an emotional con artist. Occasionally it spawns amateur religious ceremonies, with the audience convinced they are followers. Ultimately, a simple unplugged microphone is all it takes to bring the altar crashing down.