Goodbye
Lucian spent his mornings touring Sarah around the UnSeelie Kingdom, showing her the ore mines responsible for the Kingdom's wealth along with the many towns surrounding them. She met elves and ogres and many other creatures who made their living in the mines, all rough but respectful. He took her to the great rivers and lakes that fed water to the surrounding villages, and into the giant forests so dense and deep Sarah was amazed Lucian never lost his way.
He taught her the names of the more notable extinct volcanoes peppered within the Klovic mountain range surrounding his lands.
"The largest amongst them is Drolo Domas. In our old tongue, it means Mountain of Fire. He raged for centuries before going dormant."
Lucian stood behind Sarah, his arms on her lower back as she took in the size of Drolo Domas. It was massive, taking up almost the entire western edge of his Kingdom.
"Could it become active again?" Sarah shivered at the idea.
Lucian rubbed small, reassuring circles on her lower back. "Anything is possible, but Drolo Domas hasn't breathed fire in two millennia. I doubt it has designs to start again anytime soon."
In the afternoons, while Lucian saw to his royal duties, Sarah filled her time either riding the desmirium, Lucian gifted her or reading about the history of his kingdom in her personal library. Her friendship with Rasmina continued to bloom as she became a tutor of sorts, answering Sarah's every question. Lucian's lands, its citizens and their culture fascinated her, hidden away like a dark secret from the rest of the Underground.
In the evenings, she and Lucian would dine together before retiring to the grand library, where they would talk about their respective days, their lives. Sarah found she looked forward to the time they spent together, missing him when they were apart.
Sarah made a point of wearing a new design each night. She thoroughly enjoyed the look on Lucian's face when she entered his private dining room, how his gaze would start at her feet and drift up her body. She would watch how his crimson eyes would brighten right in front of her.
This evening, Sarah wore an A-line nude dress covered in a sheer layer of black and burgundy tulle that lightened into a blood orange around her chest. The outfit was completed with a jewel encrusted bodice, cinching her waist. Lucian nearly exploded when he saw her, his eyes a candy apple red. "You look like a Goddess."
Sarah smiled brightly at him. "And you look like a God. But then again, you always do." It was true. He reminded her of Hades, an incredibly sexy Hades.
After dinner, Lucian approached Sarah as she rose from the table. "I have a surprise to show you."
"Oh?" she asked, eyes bright.
Lucian offered her his arm, giving her a playful wink. "Come and see."
He led Sarah to a wing of the castle unfamiliar to her, another pair of double doors. Opening them, Sarah found herself overwhelmed with bright light, quickly covering her eyes with her hands.
Lucian led her into the light as Sarah slowly opened her eyes, blinking wildly, allowing them to adjust before the magnitude of what was in front of her clicked into place. She was standing in a glass conservatory surrounded by plants of all shapes and sizes. Some she recognized from the Above and others were foreign. Looking up through the glass ceiling, she found a blue sky with white clouds and a bright, warm sun. Standing there with her mouth open, spinning in circles, she took in the space. The conservatory was huge; she guessed the size of a football field.
"What is this?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"The Queen's Conservatory. I built it for you. It was just completed today."
Sarah looked at him, a mixture of wonder and confusion written on her face. "But... the sun... the sky... how is it possible?"
Lucian took a step towards her. "It's a spell. I encased all this in the castle. The sky may be magic, but I assure you the flora are real. I thought you must miss the sun, so I wanted to give it to you the best I could."
Sarah was stunned, truly stunned. This man, male, had created a piece of the Above for her. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes.
He really must love me... and I'm falling in love with him.
She went to him, placing her hands on his chest, staring up into his eyes. In the light of the false day, they glowed a bright cherry red. She wanted him more than she ever wanted any man, more than she ever wanted the Goblin King. Lifting her hands to either side of his face, she brought his lips to hers and kissed him.
She gently pressed her full lips to his, reveling in the pillowy soft feel of them before pressing more fully into his mouth. She felt him wrap his hands around her waist, pressing her closer as she opened her mouth to receive his tongue, letting it lick her lips before exploring her mouth in agonizingly slow yet exquisite strokes.
She could happily die from this, the feeling of being in his arms, his mouth on hers, the gently moans he coaxed from her as he continued to explore her mouth. She lost herself in him.
~.~.~.~.~.~
Lucian was in heaven. Having Sarah pressed up against his body, tasting her mouth, drinking down those exquisite noises she let out from his ministrations. He wanted her, wanted her to feel how badly she affected him. Wanted to take her and run his hands over every inch of her skin and taste her. He wanted to taste her so badly he felt he might explode.
He moved his hands down the small of her back, to her rear, and squeezed hard, pressing her further into him. Sarah moaned deeply into his mouth, moving her hands into his hair. He lost it. The passion taking over. He had waited years for her, waited years for this moment. All sense and reason left him. She was his, his everything, his reason for living and breathing, and he would make sure the whole of the Underground knew it. UnSeelie instinct took over.
He bit down... hard... much too hard.
Sarah cried out, pulling away from him with such veracity she almost fell back, raising her hands to cover her mouth.
She looked at him, looked through him, shock and betrayal written across her face.
Lucian went ashen. Oh, Gods, what did I do?
He let the passion get to him. He wanted her so badly he didn't realize he bit right through her tongue.
Blood began pouring in-between Sarah's fingers as she gripped her mouth, her body shaking violently.
"Sarah, I'm so sorry! It was an accident, please!" Lucian stepped towards her, but Sarah flung herself back, raising one of her bloodied hands up in protest. As she opened her mouth, blood spurted out, running down her chin.
"Don't come near me!"
She turned and staggered out of the conservatory.
Left behind, Lucian yelled out a fearsome cry, falling to his knees. He was stupid, so fucking stupid for letting himself tip over the edge. How could he lose control like that? He slammed his fists so hard into the ground the entire castle shook.
How can she trust me now?
~.~.~.~.~.~
Sarah ran from the conservatory, nearly stumbling, when the castle shook from Lucian's fists.
Reaching her chambers, she threw open the door and called for Rasmina. Blood poured from her mouth, the mixture of throbbing and stinging from her tongue so incredibly intense she thought she might faint if it weren't for the intense nausea caused by the amount of blood she swallowed down.
Rasmina appeared soon after, her eyes going wide. "Lady Sarah, what happened?"
"Can you call a Healer?"
Rasmina's eyes glazed over slightly, and Sarah glimpsed hunger there, as if Sarah were a wounded animal she considered attacking. But as quickly as the look crossed her face, it was erased by one of concern.
Rasmina summoned a healer, who came to inspect Sarah's wound. The Healer was a dark elf, his skin a violet purple and his hair bright white. He manifested an elixir in his hands. "Take this, my Lady. It will kill the pain and heal your tongue."
Sarah did as instructed, the pain thankfully leaving her soon after as her tongue slowly stitched back together.
Rasmina left her to bathe and change before meeting her in Sarah's sitting room.
"What happened?"
Sarah fought back tears, seating herself on the plush couch next to the hearth. "He made me a conservatory, with a sun and sky, like in the Above. I was so overwhelmed by it, I kissed him. It became heated and he... bit me. He bit right through my tongue. I remember Lucian telling me how he craved blood when he was excited, but I didn't know that's what he meant!"
Rasmina's eyes softened. "I'm sure he didn't mean to hurt you. You are a delicate human, and the King isn't used to controlling himself... in that way."
Sarah met her gaze. "How am I to trust he won't hurt me again?"
Rasmina walked over to Sarah and sat next to her, placing her hand over hers. "Do you love him?"
"I don't know... maybe... I think so." Sarah admitted for the first time out loud.
She did love him; she knew it in her bones, had known for some time. But this glimpse into what it would mean to be with him... was it possible to be with an Immortal without some measure of physical pain being involved?
Rasmina squeezed Sarah's hand. "And the King loves you. He will learn how to be with you if you help show him."
Sarah shook her head. "I don't know if I can. I feel like I'm being pulled in two different directions. I love him, but I'm terrified of what it will mean to be with him." Sarah closed her eyes, letting her tears freely flow down her cheeks.
"Rasmina, I don't think I will ever let go of the fact that I am here against my will. The King marked me. He planned all along to take me from my world... my life. How can I willingly be in a relationship with someone who denies me free will? Someone who hurts me in our most intimate moments?"
Rasmina sat silently. She had grown very fond of Sarah and wished for her to stay, but humans were frail and impetuous.
"Sarah, if you truly want to leave, then tell the King. He can remove his mark and return you to the Above."
"What?!" Sarah's eyes went wide. "Do you think he would?"
"He loves you, that much is clear, and I don't believe he would force you to stay."
A sudden wave of homesickness hit Sarah. She had been in the Underground for weeks now and could only imagine the concern and worry her family must have for her.
But can I leave him? Can I make this work, somehow?
Sarah closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.
I don't think love is enough.
~.~.~.~.~.~
Sarah dressed in her Aboveground clothing before walking to Lucian's chambers, knocking tentatively at his door.
"Enter."
Sarah stepped into his chambers, finding Lucian standing in front of a giant hearth, hands in his pockets, starting into the blazing fire. He wore only a pair of black leather pants, his long dark hair tied up into a high bun. The light from the hearth danced over the chiseled muscles of his shoulders, his arms, illuminating him like a God. Saran forced herself to swallow down her growing need for him.
Focus, Sarah.
"I need to talk to you." She said meekly.
Lucian spun around, hearing her voice, taking her in. He reached out his hand. "Please, come join me."
Sarah walked towards him.
"Sarah, please allow me to apologize. I was admittedly a bit... over excited and..."
"Stop, please." Sarah interrupted, keeping her gaze downcast. She feared looking into his eyes might undo her. "I understand it was an accident and you're sorry. But Lucian, I realized I'm not safe with you. And after what happened in the conservatory... I don't belong here."
Sarah paused, the mere moment feeling like a decade. She closed her eyes. "I ask that you remove your mark and send me home."
Lucian stood there, frozen in front of her. "You wish to leave me?" He asked, barely above a whisper.
No... but I can't stay.
Sarah found the courage to open her eyes and meet his gaze, those crimson eyes that called out for love and affection and commitment from her. Things she didn't believe she could give him. She forced down the lump in her throat, blinking back her tears.
"I wish to go back Above. Will you do that for me?"
Lucian blinked, clenching and unclenching his hands. "Sarah, if I remove my mark, Jareth will come for you. It will only be a matter of time."
Sarah lifted her chin. "Jareth told me the same thing about you when he took me to the Goblin Kingdom."
She regretted the words the instant she said them. True, she felt trapped in the Underground, either in the UnSeelie or the Goblin Kingdom, but to compare Lucian to Jareth in such a way was cruel.
Pain crossed Lucian's face before his features turned stoic. "I'm serious, Sarah. He will come and attempt to collect you back."
Sarah stood her ground. "I know the Goblin King. He cannot come to me in the Above unless I call to him, which I would never do."
Lucian took a frustrated breath. "He is a master of deception and trickery. He will find a way."
Sarah went to him, placing a hand on his chest, stilling him entirely. "Lucian, please. If you love me, you will let me go."
Sarah whispered out the words, looking for any sign of recognition and sympathy in him. He closed his eyes, placing his hands over hers. Leaning forward, he breathed in her scent before turning from her completely, staring into the fire.
"As you wish."
A bright light flashed. Sarah felt the floor drop from under her. As she fell, she closed her eyes, opening them moments later to find herself in her bed, back in her NYC apartment.
~.~.~.~.~.~
Sarah took a steadying breath, taking in her surroundings. It was light outside, the heavy sounds of the city floating in from her bedroom window. Glancing at her nightstand, she saw her phone and immediately reached for it, checking the date.
A week. Only a week had passed in the Above. A week since she called to Jareth, since he took her and kept her prisoner, tormented her. A week since her friends risked everything to rescue her away, to the UnSeelie King. To Lucian.
Sarah rubbed her chest, attempting to relieve a growing ache there.
A week since she met him, slowly developed a friendship with him, learned to love his Kingdom and people and... him.
I left him. I left the man... the male I love.
Seconds had passed. Seconds and yet she already missed him terribly. Would she ever see his ethereal face again? Would she ever again look into his gorgeous eyes? Smell his jasmine and sandalwood scent?
What the fuck did I do?
Suddenly, her phone dinged, taking Sarah out of her thoughts. Looking at her phone, flooded with text messages from Katie.
Saturday, October 8, 11:40am: Sarah, let's grab brunch tomorrow. Becca is down.
Sunday, October 9, 2:15pm: Girl, you missed out! Becca had us try this new spot, and it was amazing! Are you bogged down with schoolwork?
Sunday, October 9, 3:36pm: Hello? Earth to Sarah!
Tuesday, October 11, 5:40pm: Girl, answer my calls! It's been three days!
Wednesday, October 12, 7:40am: Sarah, the Goblin King came to me last night! He told me you went with him. You're in the Underground?! Shit, can you get messages there?
Thursday, October 13, 6:15am: Sarah, The Goblin King came to me again, last night. He said you want to stay. WTF?! I don't even think you are getting my messages, but I'm going to still try to reach you! Fill me in on what's going on. I'm worried.
Saturday, October 15, 8:06am: Sarah, he came to my dreams again. He said you want me to come and visit you! Is it safe? Should I call to him?
Saturday, October 15, 9:35am: Sarah, I need you! Please call me!
As Sarah read through the messages, a deep shudder ran down her spine. Katie's last text message arrived a whole minute after she returned to the Above. Sarah immediately called her.
"Sarah? What the fuck happened?!"
"Katie, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you, but I left my cell phone here. Believe me when I say it's been more than a week since I left!"
"What? What do you mean? Sarah, can you meet me? I really need to talk to you!"
Sarah felt the anxiousness in Katie's voice. "What's wrong?"
"Let's meet in Central Park, our usual spot. Meet me there in an hour."
Sarah took a breath. "Okay. See you then!"
A pit formed in Sarah's stomach. Katie sounded off, unnerved. She remembered what Lucian said to her before he brought her back. Jareth would find a way to get her back. Clearly, he was using Katie to do it. But there was no way Sarah would leave Katie alone. This was her mess, and she would be the one to clean it up.
Sarah made her way to the ravine in Central Park. The city constructed the ravine to resemble a wilderness environment where the trees grew densely, hiding the skyscrapers from view. A carefully positioned waterfall blocked the noise of the city. She and Katie would often visit when they felt the need to escape.
When Sarah arrived, Katie was already there, waiting for her. She looked as nervous as her voice sounded on the phone, wringing her hands and glancing around in all directions.
"Katie, are you alright?" Sarah asked, approaching carefully. Suddenly, her senses flooded with the familiar scent of leather and violets.
He's here...
"Don't worry, precious. She's just fine."
Sarah turned around slowly, finding herself face to face with him, the Goblin King.
"Hello, my little Champion. Miss me?" Jareth gave her a twisted grin.
"How are you here? I did not call for you!" Sarah spat at him.
"No, but she did." Jareth motioned towards Katie. As Sarah turned to glace at her friend, the Goblin King suddenly appeared behind Katie, his left arm wrapped around her waist and his right at her throat.
"Katie called to me, asking me to take her to the Goblin Kingdom. It was a very tempting offer." Jareth nuzzled Katie's neck as she squirmed in his embrace. "I must admit, however, she may have soured on the idea after I explained to her exactly what she can expect as my guest."
"I'm sorry, Sarah!" Katie sobbed. "He came to me in my dreams and said you were happy in your new life but missed me and wanted me to visit. After all the stories you told me of your time in the Labyrinth, I was so curious... I didn't know he was using me!"
Anger swirled inside Sarah. "What are you planning to do with her?"
How dare he manipulate my best friend. There is no way in Hell he's taking her!
Jareth goaded her. "I think you know very well what I have planned for her. I think I will make her my Queen. That is, unless you would prefer to take her place?"
Fuck, Lucian was right. Sarah felt like a fool for thinking she could avoid Jareth when she returned. He must have manipulated Katie's dreams the moment she escaped his Kingdom.
"Lucian!"
Sarah called his name out, desperately. Would he be able to hear her like he did in the Outer Lands? Jareth laughed. "Expecting your hero to arrive? I'm afraid once he removed his mark on you, he also removed his ability to collect you from the Above. Pity."
Sarah forced herself to stop trembling. Fine. She dug her own grave; she would find her own way out of it. But first, she needed to get Katie away from Jareth.
"If I take her place, will you leave her alone? No more dreams and no more threats?"
Jareth smiled at her. "I promise. Do we have a deal?"
"No, Sarah! Don't do it!" Katie cried out, but Sarah only gave her friend a sympathetic look.
"No, Katie. This is my fault. Jareth, I accept your deal."
Jareth pushed Katie away, causing her to fall hard on the pavement. He strode over to Sarah with his hand out. "Shake on it."
Sarah took a breath and glanced at Katie. "Please tell my family I love them." She placed her hand in Jareth's.
As she felt the magic building around them, she closed her eyes in acceptance of her fate. But just as the bright light built up, the sweet scent of sandalwood and jasmine surrounded her, followed by a harsh pull.
Author's Note:
Song:
Goodbye by FM-84
You can find the Marked playlist on my Spotify account: EastOfGatewood
Hope to see you next Friday!
XOXO
