The Forbidden Door

'There was only one rule: don’t open the door.'

Walking past the door, with my skeletal keys clanging, I slowed my steps to listen for the forbidden fruits that hid themselves on the other side. My fingers itched to unlock the gilded door, but I raced down the hall, distancing myself from this unholy temptation.

Before I rounded the corner, escaping the fate of the damned, I heard the wailing echo in my mind. The seductive voices surrounded me as their invitation lingered in the damp night air.

Turning around, I stilled as the floorboards creaked.

Beware!

Stepping closer, my feet inches from the door, my fingers traced the ruin markings carved in the old oak door.

Temptation!

If I only opened the door an inch or two, I could glance at the beauty hidden away from the rest of the world.

Pride!

I was strong enough to walk away.

Lust!

What I wouldn't give to see her for a moment, only to dream of her by my side for a lifetime.

Betrayal!

Decision made! I took the skeleton key off of my ring and held it in my hands. They were shaking uncontrollably. It was damn near impossible to slide the key into the lock.

Metal against metal. The noise was going to wake up my master. If he found me, I'd be flogged and thrown in the dungeons. I must hurry!

The Forbidden!

As the lock clicked, releasing the door from its frame, the sultry beauty that I desired stood in the middle of the room, calling me to enter. Knowing this was a trick, I tried to back away, but my fate had already been sealed. The Unseelie hidden behind the beauty unleashed her wrath, stealing my soul until I was no more.

Word count: 296