Haunted Love

The UnSeelie King lounged on his throne, swirling the Elvin wine in his goblet. A crystal floated in front of him, allowing the King a front row seat of her journey through the Labyrinth.

Whenever a Runner is declared, a vibration can be felt in the Underground akin to a shiver up one's spine. All Immortals sense it. Many manifest crystals to watch the run in play. It makes for good entertainment, given how rare a Champion is declared.

The average Runner made it only a few hours before giving up. Rarely the Runner succumbed to injury or even death. Rarer still, winning. The Goblin King was not known to be easy on his Runners.

The UnSeelie King expected this run to be no different than the others. But this girl, Sarah, was different. When she wished away her brother and came to the Underground in order to win him back, the UnSeelie King found himself transfixed. Her soft yet striking features, her brave determination and her unabashedly proud demeanor in the face of the Goblin King took his breath away.

For the past four centuries, the UnSeelie King ruled as a bachelor with no thoughts of marriage. He enjoyed his freedom, his handsome face and chiseled physique making it easy to find women to warm his bed. But slowly, over the years, the King yearned to find a mate that excited him, challenged him and perhaps could even learn to love his Kingdom for more than just its wealth.

The UnSeelie Kingdom was indeed the wealthiest of the thirteen Kingdoms, thanks to the rich deposits mined from the Klovic Mountains, a range of extinct volcanos that surrounded the Kingdom. The range, so tall that it trapped the clouds above, encased the Kingdom in perpetual darkness. Daylight emitted no more than a dim twilight glow. The nights were cast in total darkness, no moon or stars visible through the trapped clouds. Monstrous thunderstorms were the norm.

Such an environment was ideal for all manner of unsavory creatures that preferred darkness and isolation. The Kingdom, therefore, became a mecca for deadly and dangerous creatures. The UnSeelie King was proud of his citizens and the bloodthirsty army they made up. But to take a Queen? No Immortal noble woman wished for that title. To live in perpetual darkness, surrounded by unseemly creatures, made the position impossible to fill.

But Sarah... he saw it in her impossibly beautiful eyes. She was strong enough. When Sarah claimed her victory, defeating the Goblin King and returning to the Aboveground, the UnSeelie King marked her as his future Queen.

"She is mine."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Six years later...

Sarah stood in her bathroom, brushing her teeth while examining her own reflection in the mirror. Then she felt the warmth of his hands reach around her waist, pulling her into his chest. They felt so strong, so comforting. Her cheeks flushed from the sensation of his breath on her neck. She turned around to face him, but found no one there.

Strange...

Turning back towards the mirror, she saw him, his reflection... That incredibly handsome yet ethereal face that was human yet inhuman. His strong nose, chiseled jaw and full lips curled in a smile... his jet-black hair fell in waves just passed his shoulders, and his skin, a grayish blue, with striking eyes crimson in color. He was beautiful and he was fearsome. Then he whispered in her ear...

"You are mine."

Sarah awoke with a gasp, clutching her chest. She had celebrated her twenty first birthday two weeks earlier and ever since she'd been haunted by dreams. Each one involved the same man with a face she was both drawn to and yet coward from.

She thought the dreams harmless at first. Her stupid imagination running away in her sleep. But as the nights passed, each dream became more detailed, more vivid, began to feel real. She wrapped her shaky hands around herself and rubbed her arms, attempting to calm her racing heart.

Calm down Sarah. They're only dreams.

Suddenly, Sarah's phone rang, causing her to jump slightly and catch the breath in her lungs. Reaching for her phone with still shaky hands, she noted the caller ID and answered.

"Hi Katie."

"Did I wake you?"

"No, I was awake, just barely. What's up?"

"Becca was supposed to check out this new yoga studio with me but just bailed. Want to come? The class starts at 9:30 and it's only a few blocks from your apartment."

Sarah felt she could use some stress release after that dream. "Sure, I'll tag along. Text me the address."

"Thanks, Sarah! I owe you one!"

After ending the call, Sarah got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom with the intention of pulling her long brunette locks back into a French braid. Her thoughts drifted back to her dream as she opened her medicine cabinet door to remove her hairbrush. As she closed the door, she caught sight of him in the mirror, standing behind her, just like in the dream.

Sarah let out a scream as she spun around, but no one was there. Breathing fast, eyes wide, she turned back to face the mirror. Nothing. Sarah closed her eyes and gripped the edge of the sink.

Take a breath. No mystery man is in your house. In fact, you haven't seen any otherworldly men in six long years so just relax!

~.~.~.~.~.~

After yoga, Sarah and Katie walked a block to their favorite coffee shop. It was an unusually warm October morning and the two picked a table on the sidewalk so they could enjoy the sun on their skin while catching up.

"You seemed a bit jumpy this morning. Everything okay?" Katie asked, taking a sip of her latte.

Sarah let out a sigh. "I had another dream."

Katie sat up a bit straighter in her chair. "Oh, the hot mystery man again? What happened in this one?"

Sarah met Katie their freshman year at NYU. An Art History major from Dallas, Katie was a breath of fresh air to Sarah. They instantly became close, and Sarah trusted her more than any other person. She told Katie everything, including her time in the Labyrinth and the Goblin King. One weekend while visiting Sarah's parents with Katie in tow, Sarah called for Hoggle through her childhood vanity so Katie could meet him.

"In this one, he comes up behind me while I'm brushing my teeth and wraps his arms around me, then he whispers in my ear 'You are mine.'" Sarah took a sip of her iced coffee.

"Holy shit!" Katie said as she mimed fanning herself. "Why can't I be plagued by dreams of incredibly hot Immortal men haunting me?"

Sarah rolled her eyes. "Katie, it's freaking me out! I have no idea who he is! I don't remember anyone like him from the Labyrinth or the Goblin City."

Katie paused before leaning in slightly, lowering her voice. "What about calling to the Goblin King and asking him about it?"

Sarah's eyes went wide. "No. Absolutely NOT!"

"Why not! It would give you an excuse to reach out to him! I know you've had a crush on him all these years. Why not check in?" Katie couldn't help but give Sarah a shit eating grin.

It was true. Ever since her time in the Labyrinth, Sarah had developed feelings towards the Goblin King. When he first came to her, she found him incredibly beautiful and at the same time, forbidden. Over the years, as she matured and entered adulthood, Sarah tried to go on dates and make connections with boys her own age, but they all paled in comparison to the King.

"I really don't think that's a good idea. The last time I called to him he stole Toby away! Who knows what he'll do to me next."

"But Sarah, you are a Champion. You said it yourself. He has no power over you." Katie countered.

Sarah sat there for a minute, mulling over Katie's words. "Hmm, how about this. If the dreams get any worse, I'll consider calling to him."

Now it was Katie's turn to roll her eyes. "Hey, it's your life! It's your hot dream and your hot King. Do whatever feel's right."

~.~.~.~.~.~

The rest of Sarah's week passed by quickly. She graduated NYU in the spring and last month began her Masters in Fashion Design. The weeks were packed with lectures and workshops, but she loved every minute of it.

Walking home after class one Friday afternoon, Sarah passed by her favorite bookstore. After her time in the Underground, she began learning all she could about Fae people and the myths and lore that surrounded them. This bookstore had a well-stocked section on the subject.

After Sarah's conversation with Katie, the dreams had indeed increased in both volume and detail. She was starting to feel scared and found her thoughts drifting more and more to the Goblin King, wondering if he could help, somehow. But first she decided to do some research of her own.

Sarah caught sight of Kristi, her favorite employee, upon entering the store. A twenty-something Wiccan with a penchant for eighties fashion, Sarah took to her immediately.

"Hi sweetie, how are you?" Kristi was organizing the shelves by the window display.

Sarah made her way over to her. "Tired but good. Been having some issues sleeping soundly these past few weeks. Hey, I have a question to ask you."

Kristi looked up at Sarah, adjusting the glasses on her nose that had slipped down slightly. "What's up?"

"Have you heard of any Fae people that have greyish blue skin and crimson eyes?" Sarah asked.

Kristi grimaced at the description. "That's quite specific. Why are you asking?"

Sarah shrugged. "Long story. I'm just curious if anything jumps out at you?"

"Hmm..." Kristi thought out loud. "It does sound a little familiar. I would check out works concerning the UnSeelie. I think I remember something about how darker Fae creatures have different skin tones."

The hairs on Sarah's neck rose up. The UnSeelie... She was somewhat familiar with the Scottish Faerie stories of Seelie vs UnSeelie, aka good vs evil.

Great, a sexy evil Faerie is haunting me. Perfect!

Kristi walked Sarah to the back of the shop where the bulk of the inventory on Fae creatures resided. She handed Sarah a book on Scottish lore.

"You should find what you're looking for in here."

Sarah gave her a weak smile. "Thanks."

After buying the book, Sarah walked to her apartment. Usually, she could muster enough energy to go out with Katie for drinks or dancing on Friday evenings, but Sarah was too tired. All she could think about was ordering Thai food and diving into her new book.

~.~.~.~.~.~

She's naked in a large and ornate canopy bed carved from dark oak. The sheets are black as night and silky smooth to the touch. Pleasure is running through her in waves, and she writhes and arches her back at the sensations.

"Don't stop!" She cries out.

The man from her dreams lifts himself from between her legs, licking his lips and sucking on the fingers he just removed from her core.

Lowering himself on top of her, he gently kisses her lips before leaning over and whispering in her ear...

"You are mine."

Then he bites down... hard.

Sarah cried out, shooting up from her bed, grasping her neck where she felt his teeth pierce her flesh, the spot stinging. Sarah ran to her vanity mirror and examined her neck, expecting to see some sort of mark, but there was none.

Then a voice whispered to her, so gently that Sarah wondered if it was in her own mind.

"You are mine."

She began shaking uncontrollably. It was too much. The dreams terrified and confused her. If it had been the Goblin King in these dreams, Sarah confessed to herself, she would be elated. The dreams were so heated, his touch so possessive. But who was he? And why was he haunting her.

She couldn't take it anymore. She decided to try and seek answers from the only Fae creature she knew.

Sarah washed her face and brushed her teeth, combing out her long locks so their natural curl cascaded down her shoulders. She decided to dress casually, wanting to appear comfortable in his presence but also reveal her curves. She put on a pair of tight-fitting jeans, an equally tight-fitting white t-shirt that made the emerald green of her eyes pop, and topped the outfit off with a cream colored cable knit sweater.

Standing in her living room, she closed her eyes.

"I wish the Goblin King would come to me right now!"

Nothing happened. Sarah opened her eyes and looked around her apartment. It was still, quiet. Then a whoosh of air swept through the space, filling the room with the scent of leather and violets. The hairs on Sarah's body rose and a prickling sensation rolled down her spine.

"Hello, precious. It's been some time."

Sarah spun around to see the Goblin King leaning back casually against her living room window. He looked just as she remembered him. Tall, slim but firm. He was wearing the same outfit she remembered from the tunnels beneath the Labyrinth. That memory caused Sarah's eyes to quickly glace down towards his heather grey trousers, his impressive bulge on display. His torso was covered in a white peasant top and a worn leather jacket. His hair had grown out, all the same length now, flowing down his shoulders. He was sex personified.

"Thank you for coming, Goblin King." Sarah said, trying to act as if she hadn't gone molten at the sight of him.

"Jareth, please. You are a Champion of my Labyrinth. You have earned the right to call me by my first name." Jareth gave her a seductive smile.

"Jareth." Sarah repeated, licking her lips slightly.

Jareth then walked over to Sarah and slowly circled around her once, taking her in. "All grown up now. You look good enough to eat." He stopped in front of her and took his fingers to her chin, lifting it up to catch her gaze.

"Why have you called me after six long years?"

Sarah swallowed hard. "I need your help. I'm being haunted by something... someone. I believe him to be Fae as well. I don't know who he is or why I'm dreaming of him."

Jareth's brow furrowed. He lifted his hands and placed the tips of his fingers on Sarah's temples. "I want you to relax and breath. Let me into your mind so I can glimpse the dreams you've been experiencing."

Sarah did as he instructed, feeling a tingling sensation radiate from his fingertips and into her skull. Slowly, images from her dreams flashed before her eyes, the face of that beautiful man becoming clear. The pressure of Jareth's hands began to increase... and increase… as he watched the same images. The pressure he was placing on her temples caused Sarah to wince, stepping back from him.

Jareth inclined his head. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize my force. Yes, I know the creature that haunts you. Unfortunately, he happens to be one of the nastiest creatures in the Underground."

Sarah caught her breath. "Really? Who is he?"

Jareth began pacing. Sarah could see he was in thought but something else lay there in his expression. A mixture of frustration and… jealousy?

"There are thirteen Kingdoms in the Underground, Sarah. The Goblin Kingdom, which I rule, and twelve others. The man that haunts you rules the UnSeelie Kingdom."

Sarah's blood ran cold.

UnSeelie... shit!

Jareth continued, "He has marked you. I see it in your dreams and smell his scent on you."

Sarah began trembling. "What the fuck are you talking about?"

Jareth placed a reassuring hand on her elbow. "Sarah, when a Runner enters the Labyrinth, all Immortals feel their presence. They can watch the Runners progress though crystals. It's a bit like watching a sporting event in your world."

"People were watching my run?" Sarah repeated.

"Yes. I'm assuming the UnSeelie King was one of them. He must have found you quite impressive because at some point, he marked you. Did your dreams begin after your twenty first birthday?"

Sarah nodded.

"When Immortals mean to take a human mate, they mark them. It's a magical marking that is basically a warning to all other Immortals. It means 'Hands off, she's mine.'"

Sarah felt her knees go weak. She made her way over to her couch as Jareth continued talking.

"In the Underground, you are not allowed to take a human mate till they reach the mortal age of twenty-one. Now that you are, the UnSeelie King means to collect you and take you to his Kingdom. He intends to make you his bride.

Jareth went back to pacing. "That bastard has some nerve marking one of MY Champions!"

Sarah cast pleading eyes up at Jareth. "So, I have no choice in this? At some point an evil King will come and kidnap me away from my life here, never to return?"

Jareth met Sarah's gaze. His look said it all.

Yes.

Sarah leapt from the couch. "No! No, this isn't fair! I am a Champion! I don't care if I'm marked, that asshole can't have me!" The anger began to rise in Sarah. Looking at Jareth, she saw a smile cross his face. He loved seeing her angry.

"There is one solution." He said, seductively.

Sarah looked up at him with hopeful eyes. "What?"

Jareth walked up to Sarah and gently traced his fingertips up and down her jawline. "As the Keeper of the Labyrinth which you have Championed, I have the power to declare prior claim."

Sarah swallowed. "Prior claim? Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Jareth's fingertips moved to more of a caress. "Yes. If you want to, you can come with me and live in the Goblin Kingdom. You will be safe there. The UnSeelie King will have no way of taking you. Once you leave my Kingdom, however, he will come for you."

Sarah's lips began quivering. "So that's it then. I either come with you or I wait for him to take me. Either way, I leave my home and life here for eternity in the Underground."

Jareth gave her a sympathetic look. "Yes, Sarah."

"It's not fair." She pouted.

"I know."

"How long do I have to decide?" Sarah asked.

"I cannot tell you. The UnSeelie King could come at any time. If you wait too long, you will have no choice." Jareth explained.

Sarah let out a shaky breath. In truth, a large part of her wanted to go with Jareth. She had fantasized for so long about the Goblin King whisking her back to the Underground, to his bed, and finally experience all the pleasure she knew he could coax from her. But the thought of leaving her life behind broke her heart.

What about school? Katie? Dad and Toby? How can I leave them all behind?

"What is your choice, Sarah?" Jareth interrupted her train of thought.

Sarah looked up at his beautiful face. "I can't leave."

A glimmer of frustration crossed Jareth's face. "I promise you won't regret it."

Sarah blinked back tears. "How can I not? I can't abandon my life and those I love. I think I have to stay and take my chances with the UnSeelie King when he comes."

Jareth's mouth hardened into a fine line. Obviously, he wasn't expecting Sarah to refuse him.

"Precious, I'm afraid I cannot allow you to stay. He will come and he will take you, there is nothing you can do to prevent it and I refuse to allow him to take what is mine."

Sarah shot Jareth a pointed look, raising her chin slightly. "What do you mean what is yours?"

"You are my Champion, and I'll be damned if I let another Immortal take you from me!"

Jareth reached for Sarah with lightning speed, pulling her against his chest. As she struggled against his tight hold, she felt his magic build, the air heating around them, followed by a burst of light that flooded her vision. Just as she felt the floor drop from under her, she heard Jareth whisper in her ear.

"Sarah, now you are mine."

Author's Note:

While writing my first Labyrinth fan fic, The Keepers, I kept thinking to myself; what if Jareth wasn't a good guy? What if, in fact, he's a really bad dude? (Original trope, I know ;-)

I wanted to write a story about Sarah learning the hard way that Jareth is not her dream man, but maybe another Underground King is?

I'll be dropping a chapter every Friday for the next 5 weeks. As with The Keepers, each chapter is titled after a song that inspired it.

Song:
Haunted Love by Future Unlimited

You can find the Marked playlist on my Spotify account: EastOfGatewood

Hope to see you next Friday!

XOXO