1. Sabrina

With trembling fingertips, I trace the faded star map's etchings, feeling the ancient power pulsate through the intricate grooves. This is the last crumbling relic chamber of my research trip to this deserted planet, and it has already yielded mind-blowing treasures. Finally, I have undeniable proof the mythical goblin alien civilization is more than a stargazer's campfire legend!

These rock-hewn walls vibrate with echoes of the advanced alien species I've obsessively chased across hundreds of expeditions and thousands of light-years of space travel, visiting ruins humming about a society which mastered sciences as my species fumbles around like toddlers. And this ceremonial star map—with its dizzying geometry—aligns with such celestial precision, it might just be the culmination of my life's work. At thirty-two, I'll be the youngest to discover anything goblin related in over five hundred earth years.

I race back to my ship a short distance away, using my scanner to chart the map's coordinates into my shuttle's nav-system. It's so close to my current location! I ignore my gut as it screams wordless warnings. I should follow academic protocol, but that involves too many other opinions, too much bureaucracy. Better to ask for forgiveness. So instead, I focus my racing thoughts on the trajectory's staggering implications. This path could lead me straight to the goblins' mythical home world itself!

I can already hear my research supervisor's shrill protests about protocol breaches and unnecessary risks blasting over the com-link. But I'm Sabrina Hexter—xenoarchaeologist extraordinaire. My hunger to be the first set of eyes on a lost civilization drowns out any lame fear-mongering of academics too afraid to leave their ivory tower.

With the shuttle prepped for launch, I initiate stealth mode and punch in the precarious interstellar-vector. The ship navigates through a treacherous asteroid field, battling against the relentless pelting. I grip the controls in white-knuckled tension as my secondary thrusters grind under the strain. For multiple heart-pounding minutes, my shuttle feels suspended in limbo between asteroids and space debris.

Then... I'm released between the stars. A short time later, proximity klaxons blare as a strange, natural-looking electromagnetic field shudders into view, shielding an approaching planet with jade skies. Despite every damn warning system screaming for an emergency pivot, I surge forward into the planet's cloaked atmospheric envelope.

I grip the controls of my shuttle tight as I'm pulled through the electromagnetic shielding and into the atmosphere of what I'm certain is the hidden goblin home world. My heart pounds with a mixture of fear and exhilaration as I catch my first glimpse of the lost alien civilization sprawling below me.

Vapor licks across my hull as the alien surface emerges into focus below. I gape in awe at the sprawling, glittering cityscapes revealed across every land mass. Enormous, gleaming spires and structures of alien architecture stretch out as far as the eye can see, nestled amid lush landscapes. It's a sight which takes my breath away; the culmination of my life's work. After years of painstaking research, I've finally discovered the legendary goblin home world!

This isn't some abandoned ruin, but a thriving planet tamed by some distinctly alien intelligence. My exhilaration peaks until searing red beams crisscross over my shuttle—a synchronized threat from multiple ground sources. Before I can even process a thought, my controls are ripped out of my hands as my ship is yanked into the relentless grip of a high-tech tractor beam.

"Shit, shit, shit!" I frantically punch override commands but find myself hopelessly outmatched as my shuttle is dragged through wispy clouds, downward into the ruddy atmosphere. I'm helpless as I watch ominous winged crafts climb from the alien cityscape—forms unlike anything I've seen before.

Blistering wind shrieks over my cockpit and it's guided onto a colossal landing platform nestled within the carved cliffs of an electrified citadel. My shuttle automatically decompresses upon stopping, and the pressurized air inside rushes out with a metallic roar as the hatch opens.

A swarm of goblin sentries converge on my shuttle. My pulse races as I see confirmation that the legendary goblins are real, not some ancient myth. My gaze lingers on their diminutive but imposing forms looming before me. Wearing military style leathers enhanced with some cybernetic weaponry, these short, green alien males could very well spell my doom.

Each goblin sentry stands at about four feet tall. Their small frames are thick with corded muscle, every contour highlighted by green alien skin. But their eyes truly set them apart from other species. Each set before me glows with sheens of various jewel-colored hues, shifting as they move in the artificial light of the dock.

One of the goblin guards approaches and drags me from the cockpit as heavy footsteps echo through the area. I turn toward the sound to see this new goblin looks very different to the sentries. At seven feet tall, he towers over the rest. His long, blond hair sways in the breeze as he walks with heavy steps. The dark green leathers he wears barely conceal the bulging muscles which ripple beneath his skin.

The guards fall to one knee and press a fist over their chests, heads bowed. "Your Majesty," they say in unison. With a curt wave, the king gestures for those not holding me in place to move away. The others swiftly leave us alone and vanish into the crowd milling about the citadel.

I find myself staring into the piercing, jewel-green eyes of their leader—a towering, gray-skinned humanoid male who exudes an aura of raw, primal power. Different in every way to his goblin kin.

The goblin king himself.

Our gazes lock, and for a brief, electrifying moment, I'm paralyzed by the intensity of his stare. There's a barely contained fury in those mesmerizing eyes, but also a glimmer of... curiosity? Whatever he sees in me, it piques his interest. I shiver, unable to look away.

The moment is shattered as the remaining goblin guards roughly seize my arms, snapping binders around my wrists. I'm forced to my knees, my heart pounding as I realize the magnitude of my foolish, reckless actions. I've breached goblin territory without permission, and now I'm at the mercy of their fearsome ruler.

"Well, well..." the king's deep, rumbling voice sends a shiver down my spine. "What do we have here?"

I lift my chin defiantly, relieved they speak intergalactic common, but I refuse to show any sign of fear. "I'm Sabrina Hexter, a xenoarchaeologist from the Intergalactic Archaeological Society. My only intent is to make peaceful first contact with your people."

The king's lips curve into a dark, humorless smile. "Peaceful contact, you say?" He steps closer, his immense frame casting an imposing shadow over me. "You've already violated our most sacred laws by trespassing on goblin soil. You're lucky I don't have you executed on the spot."

I swallow hard, my bravado wavering in the face of his sheer, primal dominance. "Please, I assure you, I had no ill intent. I only wanted to—"

"Silence!" The king's roar cuts me off, the raw power in his voice making me flinch. He leans down, his face mere inches from mine. "You will speak only when I allow it, human."

I bite my tongue, my pulse quickening as his piercing gaze rakes over me. There's a predatory intensity to his every movement, like a barely contained wildness lurking beneath the surface. It both terrifies and intrigues me.

"Take her to the palace," the king commands the guards. "I wish to... interrogate her personally."

I shudder at the thought, knowing that I've willingly stepped into the lair of a powerful, ruthless predator. But even amid my fear, a spark of curiosity ignites within me. What secrets does this enigmatic goblin king harbor? And why do I feel so mysteriously drawn to him?

The guards yank me to my feet, and I'm dragged away, my eyes never leaving the goblin king's imposing figure. As I'm carried away, the goblin king smirks, and a shiver runs down my spine. His expression is that of a hunter sizing up his prey.

I am in way over my head.