Days passed or maybe weeks?

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.

"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.

"Eat it" he curses, his soft lips resting against my skin. I am silent beneath his grip.

"No.." I mutter.

"Your spirit is weak Kore." he growled against my ear again. His hand clasped around my tiny palms as he hovered the fruit against my lips. I only stare at him as he brings the yellow core to my lips.

He seizes a chunk of my curly hair and pulled my neck back, pushing his lips against my throat, desperate to taste my flesh.

Why was I tempted by his challenge?
Unscathed of death?

I was saddened by the pleasure I felt beneath his grip and confused by his touch. It was as fiery as a flame, warming my icy spirits.

My home was just beyond the portal.
I would finally be free but my spirits would not allow it... I could not leave his realm.

"And what if I refuse to consume it?" I whisper against his lips.

"I am the god of the underworld. I know every lie and intention. You will eat it, all mortals do." He shrugs, tossing the fruit in the air and catching it again.

"I am not a mortal...I am a full blooded goddess"

"To be raised like a mortal. The biggest downfall your mother made was to raise you like them; you have human tendencies" he bragged, observing me with pity, "you even smell like them" he smirked, stepping closer to take in my features.
"The temptation of the fruit supersedes your will. It's lust will tempt you each day until you eat it" he curses putting his wet lips against my jaw.

My eyes closed and I gasp beneath his lustful touch. How I yearned for more....

"Once you bite into it, a binding contract will take affect. Your heart will grow darker and darker."

"If I eat this fruit... will I die?" I said, glaring into his eyes.

"You will surely perish if you eat this fruit or even the taste the skin of its flesh, but only a part of you will die.... your innocent self. Darkness will eat at your heart. Darker and darker will it become until you are anew."

"So this was your plan all along? To kill me in your underworld?"

"Do you doubt that you would not be revived? You dare challenge the reaper of souls?"

Reluctantly I stare at the fruit.
I was tired of my life on earth and all the secrets my mother kept from me.
All her lies and people thinking I was too young to understand.

"You will see clearly. Everything you thought was  impossible will be possible and you will see wonders beyond your knowledge; concepts you could have never imagined" he convinces me.

Maybe it was his dashing face or his grip against my neck. Maybe it was the way he made me feel like a woman instead of a child?
I didn't know, but for whatever reason, I sink my teeth into the pit and bite into its core. The black juices of the fruit drip down to my lips as he held it in his palm. I take a deeper bite and chew, cringing at its bitter core.

"Eat it all" he growled as he held my throat. I consume it as his eyes follow my actions. He patiently wiped my lips with his thumb as the juices dripped against my chin, sucking the excess from his finger into his mouth.

I take one last bite and hungrily lick my lips. He brings the fruit to his mouth and bites into the rest, swallowing its 5 seeds.

I wiped my mouth with my sleeve and instantly feel weak. " I want to leave" I grumbled, but my words were now slurred. I tumbled over to the portal but it quickly dissolved away.

"No....no!" I whispered with regret. My knees buckled beneath me  but he caught me in his arms before tumbled to the floor.

"let me go..." I whined, fatigued from the darkness surrounding me. He hovered above my body, our lips almost touching in an embrace, " Goodbye innocent goddess" he frowned. I study his visage before he finished his statement. "Now sleep" he demanded and instantly I fall into an abyss of darkness. I try to reach for anything to prevent from sinking but continued to drown in a thick sea of water.

I knew I was falling.
Falling into darkness.
Into nothingness.
His light blue eyes where the last thing I saw.

A/N:

So Aides Gave her the chance to leave....but she didn't....

And she ate the fruit!!!