The Cursed Dagger

The prince known as the Covetous Prince Tariq once resided in the kingdom of Al-Miraj. He was powerful, fearless, and wealthy, but he was also cocky and greedy. Tariq had a passion for finding unusual objects. He believed that owning the most valuable artifacts would make him immortal in history.

A unique dagger was brought to the palace by an elderly merchant one day. It had an obsidian blade that was as black as night and an emerald hilt that sparkled like fire. "This is the Dagger of Zahak," said the merchant in a soft voice. Legends say it grants unimaginable power… but at a terrible cost.”

Tariq chuckled. "I don't care about curses. Name your price!”

The merchant hesitated, then sighed. It cannot be purchased. Only those who steal it may claim it.”

Greed was burning in Tariq's eyes. He instructed his spies that night to follow the merchant, locate him, and steal the dagger. He had the dagger by dawn. The curse comes back. He felt a sharp pain through his veins as soon as Tariq held the dagger in his hand. Through the blade, he caught a fleeting glimpse of a shadowy figure gazing at him. He ignored the warning and continued his life of luxury and power.

However, at that point, strange events began. That night, he heard whispers in his sleep—voices calling his name, urging him to shed blood.

His most trustworthy general betrayed him the following morning. His golden coins became dust the next day. The prince's own people started to fear him and whispered that he was cursed within a week. And on the seventh night, the shadowy figure from the blade stepped out of his mirror.

The Shadow’s Warning

As the dark figure emerged, Tariq froze. It had a hollow face and eyes that sparkled like burning embers. "You have taken what was never meant to be owned," it hissed. Tariq grabbed the creature as he pointed the dagger at it. "Just a spirit, you are! I own everything because I am the prince!" The shadow laughed. I stated, "Then you have already lost." Tariq's reflection suddenly vanished from the mirror. His hands turned pale, his veins darkened, and a deep chill crept through his bones.

The shadow issued a warning, "You must return the dagger before the next full moon." "Or you will take my place in the blade—forever."

The Desperate Search

Fear was racing through Tariq's body. He summoned every kingdom elder, magician, and scholar. But none could break the curse.

"The only way is to find the merchant who brought it to you," said an elderly dervish at last. However, the merchant had left. He had not been seen. Nobody knew who he was. It was as if he had never existed.

Three nights would pass before the full moon. Tariq left the palace in the persona of a regular traveler for An Exploration of the Unknown. He wandered across deserts, through ruined temples, and deep into the mountains, searching for any trace of the merchant.

On the second night, a mysterious blind woman appeared before him.

She stated, "You seek the one who cursed you." "However, are you willing to bear the cost?" "Anything!" Tariq made a plea. She made a pointing gesture at the sky. "Beyond those dunes lies the City of Forgotten Souls. There, you will find your answer—but be warned, not all who enter ever return."

Tariq proceeded because there was no other choice. The City of the Forgotten As Tariq stepped into the city, he gasped. Spirits who had lost their way and were caught between life and death dotted the streets. Among them stood the merchant.

The merchant said, his eyes dark with sadness, "You have returned." Tariq fell to the floor. "Please! Tell me how to break the curse!"

The merchant sighed. "The only way the dagger can kill its owner is to kill him." Tariq’s heart stopped.

The merchant continued, "The blade will consume you, and you will become its next prisoner" if you did not comply. The full moon was one night away.

The Final Option Tariq returned to the palace, dagger in hand. As he stood in front of the enormous fire, he was ready to put an end to it. However, the whispers returned. You can still keep it. With this dagger, you can rule forever."

For the first time in his life, Tariq hesitated.

What would happen if he could lift the curse? What if his power was greater than that of any previous ruler? But when he looked in the mirror, his eyes were no longer his own. He grinned as he saw the shadowy figure. With a roar, Tariq took the dagger and plunged it into his own arm.

He felt pain as his blood dripped onto the blade. The whispers screamed—and then fell silent.

The dagger broke apart into dust. And with that, the curse was broken.

A Changed Person Tariq survived. But he was never the same.

He was no longer looking for power or riches. Instead, he made helping those he had previously ignored his life's work by practicing humility and justice. The people soon forgot the greedy prince.

But they always thought of the wise king who once defeated a terrible curse. And as for the merchant?

According to some, he continues to wander, waiting for a foolish individual to claim the Cursed Dagger. The Story's Lesson: Even the most powerful are blinded by greed. Not all treasures are meant to be owned.

True strength comes from not giving in to temptation.