3. Sabrina

As Zarek and his guards lead me from the throne room, I feel a sense of dread. As he spoke to me before, I watched his every movement, noting the subtle shifts in his expression, the way his muscles rippled beneath his leathers. The goblin king is clearly a ruthless and dangerous tyrant, and I'm not sure how long it'll be before he decides to dispose of me... but a traitorous part of me is fascinated by him.

The guards march me through the palace's cavernous halls. Strange runes and glyphs adorn the stone walls and I'm dying to stop and study them, but a weapon digs between my shoulder blades, pushing me forward. As we pass an open chamber, I glimpse goblins working inside. They look like the guards escorting me, squat, with green skin and bulging muscles evident even at this distance.

I wonder if there are any other goblins who resemble the king? Zarek's striking, almost human appearance sets him apart from the others. Is he unique among his kind? My mind races with questions as we continue deeper into the heart of the palace. I know I should focus on my dire situation and how to survive, but the researcher in me can't resist pondering the mysteries of goblin biology and society. This is the discovery of a lifetime... if I make it out of here.

The guards lead me through a grand atrium, its vaulted ceilings stretching up into the shadows. Massive windows line the walls, offering a breathtaking view of the cityscape beyond. I can't help but gasp at the sight. Towering spires of gleaming metal twist and curve in organic shapes, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape, while sleek vehicles glide through the air on invisible currents.

Zarek's heavy footsteps echo behind me. "I trust the grandeur of my kingdom's superior engineering is living up to your outworlder's pitiful, quaint expectations of us, human?" His deep voice drips with arrogance.

I tear my gaze away from the windows, meeting his glowing emerald eyes. "Actually, it's a bit gaudy for my taste. All this shiny metal and fancy architecture—it's a bit tacky, don't you think?"

Zarek's eyes narrow, his jaw clenching. "Tacky! You dare insult the glory of the Goblin Empire? Perhaps you should witness some of the other wonders Jardixia has to offer before passing judgment, human."

I can't help but smirk. It seems I've gotten under the goblin king's skin. Good. Let him see that I won't be so easily cowed by his posturing and bravado.

The guards usher me into a lavish chamber, where an imposing figure appears to loiter anxiously. He's taller and more humanoid than the other goblins I've seen, but his features are grotesque, a twisted mockery of Zarek's regal appearance. His bulbous red eyes fix on me with a mixture of curiosity and disdain.

"Councillor Kla'zar," Zarek greets him, his tone laced with barely concealed contempt. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?"

Kla'zar's gaze lingers on me, his lips curling into a sneer. "I merely wished to inquire, Your Majesty, as to why this human trespasser still draws breath. Surely you are aware our laws dictate that all outworlders must be swiftly dealt with to preserve the sanctity of our empire."

Zarek's emerald eyes blaze with fury. He steps forward, towering over the councillor. "You dare question my judgment, Kla'zar? I am the king, and I alone decide the fate of those who enter my domain."

Kla'zar shrinks back, his earlier bravado evaporating under the force of Zarek's rage. "O-of course, Your Majesty. I meant no disrespect. I merely sought to ensure that proper protocols were being followed."

"Proper protocols?" Zarek snarls. "If I were to follow proper protocol, I'd have you stripped naked and left before the scorching suns of Malachor Prime for your rude interruption."

The councillor bows his head, his hands trembling. "Yes, Your Majesty. Forgive my insolence. It shall not happen again."

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Zarek sends Kla'zar scurrying from the room. The guards shift uneasily, clearly unnerved by their king's outburst.

I watch the exchange with a mix of fascination and unease. Zarek's raw power and dominance are both terrifying and alluring. But I can't let myself forget that he's still my captor, and I'm nothing more than a pawn in whatever game he's playing.

As Kla'zar's retreating footsteps fade, Zarek turns to me, his emerald eyes smoldering with intensity. "My apologies," he growls, a wicked smile twisting his lips. "We are nearly there, just a few more chambers and then we'll see the real Sabrina."

My breath catches in my throat. I'm not sure if he's referring to information or my body, but I can't deny the surge of excitement that runs through me at the thought. The predator in him is dangerous, but a part of me wants to play with fire.

Zarek turns and leads me further into the palace, the guards trailing behind us. The air grows colder, and the grandeur of the palace gives way to a more utilitarian atmosphere. We stop before a heavy iron door, and Zarek nods to the guards. One of them produces a key, unlocking the door with a grating creak.

The room beyond is dimly lit, and as my eyes adjust, I can make out a mix of medieval torture devices and more modern, technological contraptions. My heart races as the guards push me inside, chaining my wrists to the cold stone wall. Zarek dismisses them with a curt wave, and the door slams shut behind them, leaving us alone in the chamber.

I try to keep my expression neutral, but the sight of the torture devices sends a wave of terror through me. Zarek approaches, his eyes never leaving mine, and presses a button on the wall. The room floods with light, illuminating the full scope of the horrors before me.

"I've not had many opportunities to use these devices, Sabrina. It's been too long since a trespasser was foolish enough to cross my path. But I must say, I'm rather looking forward to this," he intones, his eyes full of intense mischief.

Zarek's eyes gleam with hunger, and goosebumps erupt over my body. His hands grip my arm, and his breath is hot against my skin. A mixture of fear and desire surges through me. The danger is intoxicating, and the thrill of being at his mercy makes me tremble.

I force myself to meet his gaze, trying to keep my voice steady. "I've seen better. Your attempts to intimidate me are laughable, King." This is all a ruse. His casual demeanor mixed with mischief suggests that this is all a game of sorts.

Zarek's eyes narrow, and he steps closer, his massive form looming over me. "You are a bold one, human. But perhaps your courage will falter when faced with the true extent of goblin ingenuity."

"Do your worst, Zarek," I say, my voice firm. "I won't give you the satisfaction of seeing me break."

He smiles, a wicked grin that sends a jolt of excitement through me. His clawed finger tears down the front of my uniform, but he doesn't stop there. He keeps going, slicing through the fabric like paper. The cool air caresses my exposed skin, and a flush rises in my cheeks. Why am I eager for this?

At the touch of another button, my arms are raised over my head and pulled taut, stretching my body and exposing me to his gaze. My mind races with fear and excitement as he slowly circles me, his eyes taking in every inch of my body. Zarek's eyes rake over my naked form, his gaze lingering on my bare breasts, the swell of my hips, and the patch of dark curls between my thighs.

"What a beautiful creature you are," he murmurs, his voice low and husky. "Alas, such a shame to ruin such delicate flesh," he sighs.

My pulse quickens, and heat pools between my legs.

He turns away from me, pacing the room like a predator stalking its prey. I watch him, my heart pounding in my chest. What does he have planned for me? How long can I hold out against whatever he has in store?

As he walks, Zarek runs a hand over a forked metallic object, his fingers tracing the cold metal. "You know, Sabrina, I could make this easier for you. Cooperate with me, and I may be inclined to show you mercy."

I scoff, trying to hide my anticipation behind a veil of sarcasm. "I've told you everything already! What more do you want from me?"

Zarek stops, turning to face me. His emerald eyes seem to bore into my very soul, and I feel a strange connection between us. It's as if there's more to him than just the ruthless goblin king. But I push the thought away, reminding myself that he's still my enemy.

"Very well," Zarek says, his voice cold. "You leave me no choice but to proceed with the interrogation."

Zarek moves to stand before a table, picking up a wavy, serrated blade. He studies the weapon for a moment, then his eyes flick back to me. A chill runs down my spine, and I try not to let the fear show on my face. Maybe I've misjudged this terribly! He sets the blade down, instead turning to a device that looks like a metallic spider. He presses a button, and the contraption springs to life, its legs extending and crawling toward me. I pull at my bonds, trying to escape its reach, but it's no use.

Zarek smirks, watching the device as it latches onto my body. It crawls up to my breast and latches onto my nipple, squeezing gently. An unexpected bolt of pleasure shoots through me, and I gasp, my peaks hardening at the not unpleasant sensation.

Zarek watches with a hungry expression, his hand dropping to the bulge in his leathers. My eyes widen as I take in the massive length straining against his pants.

His cock is enormous.

I try to ignore the fluttering sensation in my stomach, the warmth between my thighs.

"Tell me, Sabrina," he says, his voice a low rumble that seems to vibrate through my very bones. "What do you know about the goblins? What secrets have you uncovered in your studies?"

I lift my chin, trying to maintain a facade of defiance even as my body trembles with need. "I know you're a proud people," I say. "A people with an ancient history and traditions. You value strength and power, and you've built a mighty empire. But I also know that beneath the surface, you're just as flawed as any other species. Your obsession with conquest, with dominating others, is a weakness."

Zarek's lips quirk into a smirk. "Is that all? Surely, a brilliant xenoarchaeologist like yourself must have uncovered more than that."

I hesitate. Zarek doesn't.

He released another spider-like device, which now tugs and pinches my other nipple harder, sending waves of pleasure and sweet pain through me. "I know... I know the goblins' advancement is the reason for the creation of the Orion Treaty."

Zarek's expression darkens. "Yes," he hisses. "It is a shame that our glory was not allowed to grow, that the treaty forces us to stagnate, to remain secret. I should have expanded and conquered instead of remaining hidden away."

"Is that why you're doing this?" I ask. "Because you're bored, because you're frustrated with the restrictions of the treaty?"

Zarek shrugs, his gaze never leaving me. "And what do you make of such beliefs, human?"

I meet his gaze steadily. "My beliefs are that my nipples are going numb!"

Zarek's eyes narrow. And for a moment, I think I've gone too far. But then he chuckles, a rich sound that seems to fill the room. "You are a fascinating creature, Sabrina. I must admit, I am intrigued by your audacity, and your... struggles." He boldly assesses my heaving body.

He steps closer, his hand reaching out to trace a finger along my jawline. His touch is surprisingly gentle, sending a jolt of electricity through me. "But intrigue alone is not enough to save you. Tell me, were you sent by the Zydarians? Are they attempting another invasion?"

I shake my head, my voice barely a whisper. "No. I came here on my own, driven by my curiosity and desire for knowledge. I'm not working for anyone," I manage to get out between pants.

Zarek's expression is unreadable as he returns to the table, and I wonder if he's going to choose the blade after all. Instead, he picks up a small egg-sized device, and I watch as it morphs into a smooth, cylindrical object with a slight curve to it. It's like the tentacled phalluses I've seen used in erotic videos, and my breath catches in my throat.

Zarek returns to me, a smirk twisting his lips. "Tell me, Sabrina. Have you ever had the pleasure of using one of these devices before?"

I swallow hard, trying to control the fluttering sensation in my belly. "No," I whisper.

"Then you shall enjoy the fruits of goblin technology... just as you wished," he murmurs, his fingers stroking the side of my neck.

He brings the device between my thighs, and I gasp as I feel it slide between the slick folds of my pussy. I can't help but moan as the smooth, curved phallus presses against my entrance before slipping inside me.

The sensations are unlike anything I've experienced before. The device seems to pulse and writhe inside me, finding the most sensitive spots, sending waves of pleasure coursing through my body.

My breath comes in ragged gasps as the device works its magic, pushing me to the verge of release. I can't stop the moans and gasps escaping my lips, and the sight seems to fuel Zarek's hunger.

"What of your people, the humans? Do they know of our existence? Are they planning to follow in your footsteps and breach my defenses?"

I swallow hard, trying to focus on his questions despite the distraction of the device inside me. "I-I don't know," I stammer. "I've never shared my findings with anyone, except for the university, but I'm sure they would never attempt such a reckless stunt."

The device's pulsations increase in intensity, and I can feel myself approaching the brink. My body trembles, and Zarek's hand slides lower, brushing across my stomach, the touch setting my skin on fire.

Zarek's other hand cups my cheek, his thumb brushing against my lower lip. His touch is intoxicating, sending waves of pleasure through me. I can feel myself teetering on the edge, ready to confess anything he wants to hear if it means he'll keep touching me like this.

Before I can say another word, the chamber door bursts open. A guard rushes in, his eyes wide with panic. "Your Majesty, forgive the interruption. The council demands an urgent audience."

Zarek's face darkens with rage. He steps away from me, tearing his eyes from my trembling form. "This had better be important," he growls, his voice dripping with fury.

In a fluid motion, he presses buttons which remove the spiders and the device from me and tosses them aside, and I'm left gasping and panting, still cruelly teetering on the edge. Such a delicious torture.

Without a backward glance, Zarek strides from the room, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. As the door slams shut behind him, I sag against my bonds, the frustration of my denied orgasm making me dizzy.

I can feel the weight of his gaze on me even though he's gone, and I know that this is far from over. The sexual tension between us is palpable, a living thing that seems to fill the room, and I can't help but wonder what's going to happen next.

I'm in over my head, that much is clear, but I can't deny the pull that I feel toward the goblin king. My curiosity is definitely going to get me into trouble, but for the first time in my life, I'm not sure if I care. All I know is that I want more, and I'm willing to risk everything to get it.