Prologue

He watched over the labyrinth from the highest balcony of the castle. It was the darkest part of the night; the city was silent around him. He was lost in his thoughts, wondering just how that girl had managed to win. He was waiting, he knew she'd come, that she would not be able to resist. He didn't have to wait long. The breeze picked up for a moment, blowing the long strands of his hair across his face. He kept his gaze fixed on the labyrinth, he knew exactly what was happening behind him.

"You failed." Mara's smug, melodic voice cut through the silence of the night. She appeared from nothing, the deep grey silk of her gown seemed too light to be real, disappearing into the shadows that surrounded her, where she was the most at home.

He only responded when he sensed her approach, "I am well aware." He eyes still studying his labyrinth.

"So, on to round two."

"Yes, round two."

"How old is the girl?" Mara asked, her gaze following his, wondering what he could be looking for.

"Fifteen." He bit out.

"So, a little over six years."

"Twenty-five hundred days." He clarified.

"Oh, plenty of time then. From what I saw in her little dream you could win round two tonight." Her cruel voice teased.

"She's a child."

"Maybe in her world, whereas here…"

"You really can be ridiculous, Mara." He spat out in annoyance, inciting a cackle from her.

"Remember our wager. If you fail round two…" Her voice took on the sing song quality that he hated.

"You don't have to remind me." He gave her the barest of glances, her pale skin glowed in the shadows, she was a beautiful and terrible sight.

"Oh, now Jareth, aren't you having fun yet?" Mara asked, not expecting an answer. As easily as she appeared, the Queen of Nightmares dissolved into the shadows, leaving the Goblin King, the Prince of Dreams alone once more.

All their lives they had worked side by side, often competing with each other, using humans to prove their power. This latest wager gave him pause, he had easily agreed to it before, but now that it was in motion it made him uneasy. Something about that young girl had stirred something in him. He couldn't name it, he didn't want to understand it, but it nagged at him. Her spirit, her determination, it had impressed him. She had won her brother back, thereby giving round one Mara. He thought of the next round, either outcome seemed unsavory. He let out a frustrated sigh.

Sarah Williams; she had no idea what was in store for her.