Beguiled: an Adam & Eve Retelling

In Eden… 

Among the lush landscape and carefree animals lurked a dark being. Like a hawk, he watched and waited, careful not to make a mess of his second plan. 

As his sharp eyes scanned the garden, he caught sight of the object of his search. Coiled on a tree, was the serpent. Its silver trunk gleamed and as it moved around the branches, light reflected off his skin like a mirror.

 
Beautiful, the dark figure thought in admiration. 
Not wanting to reveal his true form to the oblivious creature, he covered his body in a cloak of black mist. After his eyes swept the garden for the last time, he appeared before the creature in a blink.  
“Let me use your body for a while,” the dark figure requested in a hypnotic voice. The serpent uncurled itself lazily from where it hung and stretched its four study legs before glancing at him.

And why should I do that? It asked. The serpent’s mouth did not move but it still spoke. 
“Don’t you want to be useful? What do you even do all day?” the dark figure circled the serpent as he asked his question, his gloomy frame seemed to suck the light around him.

Why do you want to use my body? It asked with open suspicion.

“You keep asking questions. The curious one, eh?” the figure levitated a few inches above the lush green grass and clasped his hands at his back. 

At least I am allowed to do that. The serpent stated then turned away, intending to walk into the meadow close by. As if anticipating its move, the figure disappeared in a puff and reappeared in front of the serpent, forcing it to stop in its track.

“Aren’t there so many things you’re not allowed to do? Such a sorry existence, don’t you think?” The dark figure’s voice sounded like he really felt sorry for the serpent.

I don’t know what to think. Why are you so…dark anyway? The serpent asked with a bored expression on its scaly face. Its sapphire blue eyes held little interest as it sized up the shadowy figure.

“My friend, what is light without the dark? Darkness is the absence of light, it is an innocent thing. It is because of light that I exist.”

Oh, really? The serpent seemed to think deeply about what the figure said.

No. I can’t do this. You offer no answers to my questions. I am not interested in your offer. Go find another wiser animal. The serpent said and began to lumber away.

“But you are the wisest of them all. And very beautiful if I may add.” The figure’s persuasive words stopped the serpent in its track. When the figure saw he had the creature’s attention, he pressed on.

“What I plan to do with your body would make you even better than you are. You will rise in your wisdom, taking your place at the top. All the animals will worship you… they will fear you. That is power,” the figure said as he moved to hover before the serpent.

But God…, the serpent started.

“Worry not about Him. He knows all things, right?”
The serpent nodded.

“If He knows what you’re about to do is wrong, will He not stop you? He wouldn’t even hesitate.”

The serpent stared at the dark figure for a moment before slowly nodding his head in agreement.

You’re correct. He will certainly stop me if this idea of yours is bad. Go ahead, use my body, but just for a moment.

“You made a good choice. You and I are more alike than you think,” the figure whispered before seeping into the serpent. 

Immediately, the serpent’s sapphire blue eyes turned peach black.

__________________________ 

Eve. The serpent’s subtle voice echoed softly in the garden.
Eve stopped when she heard her name. Turning towards where she heard the voice, she saw the serpent draped on a tree close to the one at the center of the garden. 

She walked over and greeted the creature with a warm smile.

 “Serpent, you called me. What are you doing close to that tree?” she asked with a raised brow.

Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden? The snake asked instead.
Eve chuckled at the foolish question.

“Of course, we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” Eve answered, then continued,
“It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.'” Eve stated as she gestured to the tree. 

You won’t die! The serpent replied with conviction.

God knows that your eyes would be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil. The serpent concluded as he gave Eve a measured glance and then nodded at the tree.

When Eve looked at the tree, in her eyes, it appeared different… very desirable. Its leaves looked lush, its trunk strong and sure, and the fruit…oh the fruit. At that moment, to Eve, it looked like the sweetest thing to eat.

Like someone hypnotized, the woman walked to the tree slowly and plucked its fruit. The fruit was oval and deep purple, almost black, but it shone in the light; reflecting beauty and promising wisdom.

Eve took a bite. She stood, waiting to feel different but nothing seemed to change. Just then, Adam walked by. Seeing her with the fruit clutched in one hand, he rushed to her side and attempted to slap it off her hand. 
Eve chuckled and swiftly withdrew from him. It was obvious she didn’t feel any guilt for her action. She smiled sweetly at her husband and offered him the fruit, stretching an arm beguilingly.

“No, Eve. God said we shouldn’t…” Adam said warily with eyes fixed on the fruit. 

“I don’t feel any different…just eat it. It tastes good.” She replied her husband, stepping closer, caressing his cheek lovingly, and looking into his eyes.

“Okay… “

With eyes fixed on Eve, Adam took a bite and at that moment, there was a shifting. 

A cold maniacal laugh filled the air and the dark figure floated away from the serpent curled on a tree.

“I won! I won! The earth is mine! My own kingdom!” the dark figure roared in victory before vanishing in a puff of black smoke.

It only took them a second to notice they were both naked.