I, Niharika, belong to the Kingdom of Scydelle, ruled by a majestic King and a gorgeous Queen, both known for their powerful lineage of magic. Their ancestors were the very first families to learn and practice magic from the witches and wizards of the ancient undivided Quorin. Since the division of the kingdoms, our Kingdom was perfectly ruled in harmony and none were subjected to any harm. My father used to call Scydelle the most peaceful one among all.

Scydelle, is a beautiful kingdom with not only rich olive trees and vineyards, but also beautiful ladies and handsome lads. Compared to the elders, we youngsters were inquisitive and always eager to use magic. It was something that made us feel connected and powerful. Growing trees and sending messages in air were the most common and basic magic that was taught to us, beginners. And to top it all, teenagers weren't allowed to go out of their homes after dusk, for a mysterious cursed dagger was looking for its next young master and bearer of the dagger would have to pay an unbearable price.

The rumour never made any sense to me and we didn't pay much attention to the curse since we were all commanded by the rulers to abide by the rules of the kingdom. My two best friends and I were always eager to learn new things. We often used to sneak to the 'restricted to beginners' section of the museum and sneak a peek of ancient spells. At the beginning it was all fun for us. We did this for the thrill of being mischievous. We never realized this would land us in trouble but protect us at the same time in the near future.

My father was my best mentor. He is the strongest person in the King's court. He was extremely skilled and knowledgeable. He was also aware of most of the secrets and untouched magic of the kingdom. Every time, I tried discussing it with him, he would smartly change the topic. Though he was being secretive, it felt as if he was protecting us from something.

Once I tried to venture the restricted section, alone after dusk. I wished to discover my father's secrets. I was all prepared for the journey. I stepped out of the house and sprinted as fast as I could, making sure no one was watching. I crept out from behind the bushes and dashed into the restricted library. I was fortunate enough to avoid being apprehended. I hurriedly rummaged over the shelves to see what would pique my curiosity.

My gaze was drawn to the black book with silver wordings embedded on it. All the books on that shelf were pretty and attractive except this. I decided to have a look of it and neared the place. As I neared, I was surprised to watch the book springing out from the shelf. It landed right on my hands as if it was waiting for me. Curious, I ran my fingers over the embossed words. The pages flung open and stopped at a picture of a handsome boy.

His clothes and commanding posture made it obvious that he was a Prince. But there was something mysterious and bleak about him. The longer I stared at him, the more depressed I became. Below his picture were the lines, 'His mighty prince lies cold as ice, as the dagger failed to satiate its prize.' I couldn't comprehend its meaning. A booming thunder rumbled through the silent corridors as I was ready to flip the page, and I heard a faint whisper of my name.

I slammed the book down and dashed back to my house, catching a glimpse of a golden dagger. The night was both terrifying and mystifying. I've never experienced such a surge of energy in my life. Adding to that, the whispers of my name terrified me to the core. I thought all went well and unnoticed. Alas! I was wrong.

As I entered my house from the backyard, I found the exact golden dagger lying on the grounds glowing bright. I heard my name being called. With every step I took, the voice grew louder and I was certain it was calling for me. Despite my terror, I felt a strong tug from the dagger. My hands itched to hold it. All my restraints broke loose and I yielded the dagger with an wicked smile on my face.

The next moment, my house vanished into thin air. My senses kicked in. I threw the dagger and ran around in search of my father. He was the only family I had and I couldn't bear losing him. I ran and ran, searching everywhere, but all I saw was a barren wasteland. The olives, the tulips, the vines, nothing were at sight. The kingdom was no longer the same anymore. I rushed to my friend's house to witness the sight of a burnt down building.

There was agony and emptiness everywhere. There wasn't a single individual in sight. Happiness was not even a speck on the horizon. I knelt down, tears streaming down my face. All of those rumours made sense now. The dagger has chosen me as its new master and as a result I'm enduring this unbearable pain. But the only thing I didn't know was what the dagger wanted from me. Time passed and I was desperate to seek an answer. I wanted normalcy to return.

All of a sudden there was a blinding light and a fairy appeared from nowhere. It looked at me with pity and sat on my shoulders. I had no energy to fight with it. I let it do whatever it came for, as I had nothing to lose anymore. Sensing my plight, the fairy spoke, "I have the solution you want. Give me what I desire and you are free of all the pain."

I quickly sat back straight and intently listened to her. It was anticipating my response. Having no other option I nodded agreeing to do whatever she wished. I promised her to give her what she desired.

The fairy continued, "Far in the darkest corner of the kingdom, lies a soul scarred waiting to be rejuvenated. The task may seem easy but the path is treacherous. If you succeed, you will have a choice but if you fail, you will be locked forever in a book. The dagger will lead the path and guide you through the tasks. Bring me the soul and you are free to choose," and disappeared before I could ask anything else.

I had no knowledge of powerful magic. All I knew was sending messages through air and growing trees. While I was pondering my options, the dagger shined brightly again, illuminating a route. Taking the dagger, I moved forward hoping to solve whatever was in store for me. Wishing to try out my magic, I tried growing bushes to no avail.

Disappointed, I turned away. Just then I heard a faint whisper, 'There is no hope for new life in this cursed land.'

Ignoring, I tred the path, lost in my thoughts. The dagger stayed swaying, latched onto my hips, guiding the path. As the dagger's radiance faded, winds turned cold and gory howls howled aloud. My body shuddered and feet stiffened. Mist engulfed, whisperings and chantings hummed in my ears.

I wasn't sure what was going on, but it didn't feel right. I rushed to the spot where the light faded. Thick bushes were at sight. Despite the fact that the leaves were dry, the shrubs had not withered. The area was blanketed in thick smoke, uniting the land with the sky. I moved forward but was blocked by an impenetrable barrier. I stretched out my hands to feel it.

Again a whisper, 'Listen to your heart, for it's where you'll learn the art.'

I guess these are the whispers from which I'll learn my magic as told by the fairy. I closed my eyes and listened to my heart say, 'desaparecer'. As I mumbled those words, the wall vanished and I was gob-smacked by the view.

As far as the eye could see, majestic green mountains, completely blossomed trees, filled with aromatic fruits and flowers could be spotted. Among all of this was a regal castle, singing away melancholy. I'd come this far and yet couldn't detect a soul around. To make matters worse, there was no road leading to the castle. The bushes and trees were so dense that it was impossible to walk between them.

I was clueless and kept asking the dagger for an answer.

Out of the blue, a faint silhouette emerged from the dagger, "Young master, you have come to your destined place. It is your strength and smartness that will help you. Watch your way, don't mess your play. The least I could say is to slay your prey."

"Why don't you stop talking in riddles and explain me clearly what's going on? Why is it me out of all? What did you find so enticing in me that you made me your master?," I asked.

"I'm afraid, young master, I'm not in a position to tell you the story. I've been told to lead you, and that's exactly what I can do. You will find your answers on your way. It has always been the prophetic destiny. You are meant to be here to save my master. Your strength, power and your resemblance is why you are the chosen one. This is all I could say. Please follow my lead."

As we moved forward, the bushes seemed to make way. We strolled for awhile but there was nothing to eat or drink. I was drained from all this drama and my stomach grumbled. I squinted and took a glance around. I could see fruit-laden trees a short distance away. I charged ahead, oblivious to the dagger's warnings.

Out of hunger, I plucked the first fruit that was within my reach. As I brought it near my lips, it transformed into a scary little monster. I yelled and flung it away which seemed to be the biggest blunder. All fruits from that tree transformed to the same monster and they marched towards me.

I tried furiously flailing my hands in the hope of scaring them away. Unfortunately, nothing happened leaving just the choice of fleeing. I turned back on my heels and a sudden realization dawned upon me. The dagger had said to slay the prey. All I have to find is a sword.

In one of the those restricted books, I remember reading how to transform a wooden branch to a sword. Hiding behind the thick tree trunks, I rummaged through the bushes and the trees to find a suitable branch. Finally after a quite a struggle I found the right one. It was my luck that the monsters hadn't found me. Shaping and sharpening with the dagger, I hastily mumbled the spell I had learnt.

After a deafening thunder and a bright glow, which seemed to attract the monsters, I had the finely polished silver sword studded with few gemstones. I emerged from my hiding place and confronted the horde of small beasts. With a slash of my sword, one by one, they all tumbled down, making a juicy mass. With my first victory, I breathed a sigh of relief.

I heard the dagger again, "Well done, young master. You may now have your rewards."

The tree that previously bore the little monsters now appeared to be vibrant and alive. The fruits and flowers on the tree looked magical. They glowed with a life of its own. But I was still skeptical. I couldn't trust this place. I stared back at the dagger's soul for some warning. It smiled at me and nodded its head.

I plucked the fruit after the confirmation and savoured the wonderful flavour. I rested my back on the tree's trunk, wondering if someone could help me learn the much needed magic. And the next moment, two arms embraced me from behind. I freaked out and wriggled to free myself from its firm hold. To my dismay, its hold grew stronger with my struggle.

I sank back, giving up the fight. And when I was silent, the entwined hands, opened revealing a book, titled 'The magical memoir', with the carvings of trees and leaves on it. As I opened the book, various pictures surfaced as a movie and the voices were heard in my head. Whatever kind of magic it was, I was enthralled by it and desired to learn it.

It included tales of great witches, princes, and wizards who concocted their own spells. Each spell in this book was extremely strong, and each came with its own set of dangers if mispelled or used with the wrong motive. However, one advantage was that it was simple to remember where, when, and how to utilise them. I attempted to memorise as many as possible.

Once I was done, the book vanished and the arms disappeared. I confidently headed to the castle in search of the soul. On the way, I tried a little magic and was ecstatic when the results were as expected. It had been a while since the little encounter. I was getting bored of the silence and decided to strike up a conversation with the dagger.

"Hey! Do you have a name? How can I call you?," I enquired.

"Young master, Master calls me little Joe," it replied.

"Little Joe, please tell me about your master," I was curious about the previous master and I hoped I would gain some insight into what I was about to encounter, if I knew about the master.

"Master is a wonderful person. He was the most powerful of all the wizards He was never the one to utilise his abilities to harm others. Master was a very happy person with his beloved and everything went well until that fateful day. There was an evil witch who lusted after the young master. She desired to rule the world of Quorin, with the help of master's powers. She used all sorts of dark sorcery to enslave everyone.

Before the division of Quorin, the high witches and wizards designed a dagger that would kill her and it was destined that my master would be the person to kill her. Master was trying his best to acquire that powerful dagger, which had the combined energy of the kingdoms of Quorin. However, he had to go through a series of tests in order to establish his worth.

After years of trials, he proved his worth and acquired that dagger. When he was handed that dagger, he was warned of the perils if he failed to kill the soul of the sorcerer. The mighty wizards knew that it wouldn't be easy to kill an evil sorcerer's soul. So, they prepared a backup plan to save master. They encased my soul in the blade to aid my master in the event of any unintended effects.

And now, here I'm with you, young master. So, you can envision what would have happened to him."

I inquired nodding my head, "What is your master's name?"

"Nihal."

My thoughts strayed to the Prince's image. Is it possible that he is Master Nihal? However, he appeared to be far too young to be powerful.

"So, Joe... What curse do you carry? Why in Scydelle do they call you the cursed dagger and why is that the bearer would have to face an unbearable price?"

"Young master, I'm cursed to be trapped in this dagger for as long as that evil sorcerer's soul is alive. As for the unbearable price, I know not the price."

By the time, Joe had finished the history we had arrived at the castle's massive doors.. Many figures, a few of whom I recognised from the magical narrative, were engraved on the wooden doors, as were many letters that were too old to read. I pushed open the door. Alas! It was firmly closed.

There was neither a key nor a keyhole. It looked as if I had to work on my magic to make it open. I tested out various spells that I had learnt. Nothing, however, appeared to work out. Joe said that there would be many instances where magic wouldn't work. So, I had to figure out some other. I closely inspected the door and the surroundings.

Everything around the door appeared to be ordinary, except the door with figures. Few of the witches who were familiar to me from the book, were specialised in a particular type of elemental magic. There was also one highest witch Melissa and wizard Auburn. The book had mentioned that they were the ones to create the sacred ruby gem.

I peered around at the other faces trying to figure out who they were. Though I failed to interpret who they were, I was able to picturize in what situation they were. The knives and swords were latched on to their attire. They were riding on some magical creatures in groups. It looked as if it was a war or a sacrifice or it could also be an important gathering.

The letters, which I had previously assumed to be strewn indiscriminately, were aligned in a peculiar shape. I drew an outline and the resulting image looked very familiar to me. It was in the shape of the necklace that belonged to my mother. She had passed it on to me when she passed away. I remember her mentioning it as some ancestral heirloom that was passed down through centuries.

At the point, where the letters met, there was a tiny hole, that could fit in the pendant of my chain. Luckily, I carried the chain with me always. Removing it from my neck, I placed the pendant on the hole. The doors slowly slid, making way for my entrance.

The sky high ceiling, the royal walls adorned with oil paintings and the gleaming weaponry that hung on the walls made me wonder the power of magic. I now realised how important it was to deal with magic. If it had the power to hold on to the essence of life in an abandoned castle for more than a decade, then it surely had to be handled with caution.

There was a courtyard, a large dining room and an exquisite ball room like anyother castle. At the farthest corner of the ball room there was a door. As I inched closer, I sensed the presence a powerful soul. The room's pleasant energy made me happy and a sense of security encompassed me. I had this strongest urge to embrace the soul's power. But I also sensed an overwhelming sense of melancholy emanating from the spirit. Strong, forceful, and energising, but enigmatically sorrowful.

Perhaps this was the soul that the fairy had mentioned. If I could hand over this soul to the fairy I can turn Scydelle back to its normal state. But how would I do it? I can feel the most potent magic emanating from it. I was a complete novice. I looked at Joe for assistance.

All he could mumble was a single name, "Master."

I was dumb-founded. I, by no means intended to fight him, but how am I going to take him? How am I supposed to carry a soul? What was there behind the locked doors? Was he dead or was his soul detached from his body? Are they both in the same room?

My mind was muddled with questions and I sat aghast. I needed to find a solution as soon as possible, or I'd lose Scydelle forever. I raked my brain through all the history I had learnt from the magical memoir and the history I had learnt from the restricted books. Not a single page had mentioned about any magical dealing with the souls.

I regretted my mistake of running away when I had the chance to learn about the Prince from that book. I wish I were brave enough. Now, there was only one solution to this. I had to persuade Joe to tell me what had happened to his master or I needed the book. By the loyal look on Joe's face, I was sure he wouldn't tell me.

I'd read about the spells that could be used to summon the books we required. However, I was unsure if it would work for this book. Nonetheless, I gave it a shot. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and clasped my hands together. Moving them in a circular motion, I picturised the book and mumbled the spell. Obviously, I had failed on the first attempt. Not giving up my hope, I tried harder. I tried again, concentrating harder this time.

To my relief, I was able to look into the pages of the book. As expected the prince who I had seen was master Nihal. The book was his biography. Everything which little Joe had mentioned were recorded in it. I turned on the pages eagerly to know what happened at the end.

'After getting the dagger, master was training with it. Years of training and battles, had honed his abilities and strengthened his bond with little Joe.

They finally met on that fateful day. The evil sorcerer had every intention of marrying the master, while he was hell-bent on killing her soul. Master tried to change the sorcerer's mind which eventually led to a fierce battle between them. Hexes were cast, swords were yielded and blood was spilt. Both were far too powerful for the other to defeat. Many innocent lives and magical creatures were sacrified in the battle. At a certain point of time the sorcerer's powers and her energy began to wane.

Master Nihal had been waiting for the right moment and when he did, he lunged the dagger into the sorcerer's heart. Her body smouldered, her soul slowly crumbling to pieces. But what the master hadn't known was the spell which she had casted to endanger her slayer. She had cast a spell that would entrap her slayer in a book, while his soul would be locked away in darkness for eternity.

As the highest witches and wizards had already devised a solution, the dagger disappeared to find its young master who would free them both. A master who would be capable of love even at the darkest of times.'

I mustered up my courage and chanted some spells to open the door. As the door open, I was fiercely thrown back and a huge monster stood infront of me, ready to rip me apart. I stood back up and was ready to knock it down with my newly acquired skills. With each magical strike, the monster grew stronger. It seemed to absorb the powers to gain its strength.

It appeared to be half siren, half human. One look at its eyes, I was losing my strength. I yielded my dagger and sprinted to it, aiming at its heart. With a single wave of its tail, I was propelled high into the air and landed on the ground, luckily with no broken bones. It flashed towards me, lacerating my arms with its sharp nails. It pounced back, to gnaw my flesh but I managed to dodge it.

I scanned around and found an old chain tied on to one of the pillars. I scurried to it and flung the chain around its neck, untying it from the pillar. With all my might, I yanked it down to the ground from behind. It came crashing down with a thud destroying a couple pillars in the process. The patio which was erected on the pillar's support, crashed on the monster's head.

I used this opportunity to thrust the dagger onto its heart. A loud wailing scream, loud enough to puncture my eardrums, was heard and the soul scorched to ashes right infront of my eyes. Heaving a sigh, I slumped down, blood oozing out from my wounds. The torn garments displayed my bloodied flesh.

But I had no time to rest. I had to ensure the safety of Master's soul, which was crucial. I dashed into the room and was astounded by what I saw. Enchantments were being intonated by the fairies and the Master's soul shone brightly. The energy in the room was intense and mystical. I was so lucky to have witnessed this celestial spectacle.

After long hours of numerous enchantments, master Nihal's soul was united with his body along with little Joe's. He stood there in all his grandeur, smiling warmly at me. His charisma was far more enticing than the book's depiction.. Captivated by his smile and his eyes, I moved closer to him. His honey eyes twinkled with delight, and he greeted me in a warm hug.

A chill ran down my spine as his melodious voice reverberated in my ears.

"Princess Niha, thank you for such a courageous act. Your Scydelle will be back to its normal self and youngsters will now roam free after dusk."

I bowed to him and expressed my gratitude. Even before I could grin in relief at the prospect of reuniting with my family and friends, he dropped another bomb on me. That's when I realised what the unfathomable cost was.