There was no sunshine to track the hours so I had no sense of time in this realm of darkness.
My only peace was in the Garden of Evil. Each time I stepped into its tranquility, I would feel at ease.
As I failed to harvest another seed in the earth, my eyes shifted to the tree of knowledge in the distance. Its shiny yellow fruit gleamed in the fire, challenging my temperance.
Everyday, I would taste each fruit amongst the tree and bushes ; some were bitter and some sweet. I would eat from all except the forbidden tree.
Each day I drew closer and closer to its flesh, imagining its sweet juices running against my lips. I could not contain my self control and soon, my spirts tempted me into submission. I stood against the vines to climb beyond its branches to pick its fruit. I twist a ripe apple from its branches and step down to the swing. Just before I hover it above my lips, a voice interrupted me.
"I would refrain from doing that if I were you" His voice sounded. I slowly turn to face him, relieved at his interruption. "I see the uncertainty that plagues your spirit goddess."
I stare at the fruit in my hand as he spoke, but for some reason his words did not frighten me.
"I knew it since I first saw you. Defiance is your challenge. Being told "no" all your life by those people around you. Being chained into submission."
"You don't know me...." I bite my lip but his piercing blue eyes held all the secrets to my life.
"Bite into the forbidden apple and you will be chained here forever." he insisted, picking another ripe fruit from the tree.
"I am already in my living hell. You will never let me go." I rebuked his words.
He smiled softly and ran a finger against my cheek. "You can leave Kore."
I look at him reluctantly as he moved to sit against the stump of a tree.
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"Is this trick of the mind?"
"No Kore. The blackened rose you pricked only bound you to the underworld for 7 nights. You are free to leave here anytime"
"You're lying?" I start to tear up, uncertain of the severity of his words.
"I am not goddess. You may leave this realm" he stood and pointed to a pond near the tree. He lifted his palm to its base and a black portal opened. I gasped as I saw the outline of my estate on earth. My feet sounded against the dirt as I ran to the opening, but before I stepped into the portal, I stop and turn to face him. For some reason, I couldn't go.
"You are hesitant?" he chuckled softly, moving to where I stood. I remained silent as he inspected me. "I am giving you the gift of FREEDOM; you dare linger?"
I tuck a curl behind my ear as I pondered on his words. He stepped closer to invade my space and pulled my chin into his palm, pushing the fruit against my lips.
