Sarah could see nothing except a barren wasteland stretching on and on. She wondered if there was even anything out there beside sand and dry trees. As she scanned the landscape, her eyes suddenly caught sight of a something in the distance. Was that...a castle? No, that isn't right. She thought, squinting in the bright light. But it was, an old castle surrounded by some sort of maze. Where am I?

"Do you like my kingdom?" Came the whisper in her ear. Whirling around, she was shocked to see the man from the house standing behind her. But he looked different, his hair was longer and his clothes...it was like he was dressed for a costume party. He grinned at her, extending his hand. "I won't bite, Sarah."

"Wh-who are you?" She breathed. The man stepped closer. "Just say the word, Sarah, and it's all yours." She could feel her heart racing and she felt confused. "Ask for your burden to be taken away and I'll do it." Again, he moved toward her, his eyes searching hers. "I will grant you the freedom you seek from that hag and her little brat."

Sarah's thoughts were muddled as he leaned closer and gently caressed her face. "Ask the Goblin King to take away your brother and you'll be free." He murmured as he gazed intently at her. Realization struck her and she backed away in horror. "Michael? He's just an innocent child! He isn't the one to blame. If anyone is to be whisked away by this Goblin King, it would be..." The words died on her lips as she caught sight of his face, so fully of expectation and triumph.

"Tell me, who is to be blamed?" The velvety voice inquired, clearly expecting her to answer with an accusation. Instead she shook her head vehemently. "It would destroy my father and Michael, I won't cause pain for either of them." The man tried to covering his surprise with a forced smile. "So, you want to prolong this little game? Because I promise you, it won't end so easily."

He snapped his fingers and suddenly she was lying in her bed completely covered in sweat. Samson lay beside her, breathing heavily as he slept peacefully. Sarah sat up and pushed her damp hair back, pondering her strange dream. Then it hit her - she was dreaming about the Goblin King and his Labyrinth from the book she had been reading! It must have been weighing heavily on her mind after her scare earlier and subconsciously picked up the story. And even stranger was her choice of king!

Grabbing a fresh pair of pajamas, she quietly stole into the bathroom to change. Once she had finished, she slipped back into bed beside the sleeping dog and snuggled down under the blankets. She pushed all thoughts of the strange dream from her mind and focused on falling asleep. Yawning, she heard a owl hooting as she drifted back to sleep.

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Jareth stood pressed against the side of the house, thoroughly perplexed by what had just transpired. No one had ever resisted his temptations...at least not for long. At least I know there is still a chance. He knew she was unhappy with her situation but it seemed that she didn't know what she truly wanted. Well, I'll just have to show her how much she means to me. One way or another I will get her to my Labyrinth and show her all that can be hers.

Jareth heard soft snoring coming from the room and peered through the curtains. Sarah lay on her back, soft brown curls sprawled about her head while her faithful dog was passed out beside her, his tail happily wagging as he dreamed. A small smile passed over Jareth's face as he watch her sleeping. She looked so sweet and innocent like that and...so young. How long has it truly been since the first time we met, Sarah? he wondered as he glanced out over the street, eerily vacant in the moonlight.

After a few moments, he climbed down from the window sill and headed to the empty house down the street. He would much rather sit watching over Sarah but he knew he had plans to make. He had to think of someway to get her to see the truth and to see what needed to be done. If only he could convince her by accepting his offer she would be doing them all a favor, especially to herself.