1. Isabella

This is it.

The moment that's going to change my life.

Years of chasing legends, months of planning and weeks of digging have led me to this exact spot: A dusty, sandy ruin in the middle of absolutely nowhere. This planet doesn't even have a name, only a code. But it's here, on XR-31-TR, that all my dreams will come true.

The ancient city of Minos, rumored to be filled with treasures beyond imagination, is finally within my grasp.

All I have to do now is walk down these stone stairs into total darkness, and venture headfirst into ancient, untouched, and most likely trap-filled ruins. Not a problem. Nope. I'm not anxious at all.

"Why are you hesitating?" My best friend Emma asks. "This is what you wanted, right?"

"I'm not hesitating. I'm admiring the architecture. It's neat."

"Yeah, right. You're scared, Isa. Come on, move it."

"Shut up. I'll go down when I want to."

"Do you want to stay on the surface or what? I'm pretty tired of getting sand blasted into every crevice. Come on, let's go. You first, though."

I wipe a bead of sweat from my brow as I gaze at the ornate archway. Intricate carvings in the stone depict the former glory of the Minotaur civilization. We're the first humans to ever see this piece of art.

It should be admired.

All that we know about the Minotaurs is that they were a fierce, proud and advanced race of warriors. Their architecture and monuments have lasted for over a thousand years, and we've found them scattered across the galaxy, on dozens of planets.

The very first Minotaur ruins were found on Mars, next to Old Earth, and that shocking discovery proved that we were not alone in the universe.

The fate of the Minotaurs is one of the great unanswered questions in human history. Where did they come from? And perhaps even more importantly, where did they go?

Some believe a plague wiped out their entire population. Others think they simply left our galaxy for a different one, far, far away.

They're all just theories. We need to find their homeworld to bring us one step closer to the truth, and I think I, Isabella Starlight, might just have done so. With the help of my best friend, Emma Power, of course.

At the bottom of these foreboding stairs, I could find Minos, an ancient Minotaur city, filled with treasure and answers… or I could find a quick death at the hand of a trap.

Or, perhaps even worse, I could find… nothing at all.

In which case, Emma and I are in a lot of trouble. We really need this heist to work.

My little sister's life depends on it.

I take a deep breath and switch on my flashlight.

"This place gives me the creeps," I say. "We ought to be careful."

"Relax, babe. We're about to make history!"

Emma's never worried. Nothing rattles her. When the life support system on our ship malfunctioned, I absolutely freaked out. Running out of air in the middle of space is not how I want to go out. My best friend? She just shrugged, gave it a good whack, and the thing started working again.

If only all problems could be solved with a good whack… then we wouldn't be risking our lives out here for a payday.

"Yeah, as the first two people to die in ancient Minotaur ruin," I shoot back.

"So optimistic, Isa, geez. Come on, just think of the headlines. Intrepid Archeologist and Cool Photographer Discover Lost City. Find Riches. Live Happily Ever After!"

"That's one possible headline. How about Amateur Archeologist and Wannabe Photographer Get Lost In Creepy Ruins, Die Slow And Alone, Could Have Been Avoided By Using Common Sense, Her Old Professor Disappointed But Not Surprised, Says Starlight Was Always a Disappointment Anyway."

"That's one long headline, Isa."

"Well, it's an important article, after all. It's not every day that Isabella Starlight dies in a creepy ruin. That only happens once a lifetime."

"And what about Emma Power? Your trusty sidekick? Is ‘wannabe photographer' all she gets? And ouch, by the way."

"Oh no, don't worry. Emma Power gets her own paragraph, on page 4 out of the 18 page obituary: Emma Power lived a fast-paced life. Dropping out of art school to follow her best friend Isabella Starlight across the galaxy, she is described by her mother as a ‘free spirit' and ‘completely unhinged'. She leaves behind an impressive collection of adult toys, four husbands, and a mountain of unfinished knitting projects spread across five settled worlds."

"Four husbands? Do you know something I don't?" Emma laughs.

"I figured you see Drax, Ezra, Thane and Roland so much, they could probably qualify for your pension if they wanted to. Small step from that to late husband, right?"

"Oof, my pension split four-ways is just about enough to get one cup of coffee. Which reminds me, we really need to get down there and find some of that ancient treasure. My boys depend on it!"

I laugh, and I feel some of the tension slipping away. I could never do what Emma does — date a bunch of different guys at once. Every planet we hop to, she's got someone to call. Hell, even dating one guy is out of my comfort zone. I feel more at home in empty libraries and abandoned ruins than on a date. Despite our differences, we're best friends, and I'm glad she's here with me.

"Fine, fine. Let's go," I say.

I take a deep breath and walk down the stairs. My flashlight cuts a beam through the darkness, illuminating intricate murals that cover the walls. I spot scenes of daily life, religious ceremonies, and great celebrations. I could study even a single mural all day, but we should push on.

Who knows what's waiting for us at the bottom?

The air is cool and damp, a welcome respite from the scorching heat on the surface. Emma is right behind me, snapping photographs with her camera, the flash lighting up the room every couple of seconds.

My heart skips a beat when, during one of the quick flashes, I spot a depiction of the fabled Minotaur King right above us.

The figure has the head of a bull and the body of a man, with a golden crown on his head. There's an intimidating and majestic presence to him, and just looking at the image makes me shudder.

Could this place be his… crypt?

"This place is incredible," Emma says. "We're going to be so famous. And so freaking rich."

"Yeah, if we make it out alive," I mutter.

We finally reach the bottom of the stairs. The path splits into three different directions, and as I quickly peek into one of the stony paths, I see the path splits up again.

This place is a maze.

I place my satchel on the ground and rummage through it. Damn it, I didn't bring any rope.

"Emma, please tell me you brought rope."

"That sounds like archeology business, and that means it's your business," Emma replies as she snaps a photograph of a broken vase.

"We should go back, then."

"Are you kidding? We just got here."

"This place is a maze, Em. What if we get lost?"

"We could take a small peek. It'll be fine. Come, don't be such a wuss."

Before I can stop her, my best friend wanders down one of the paths. She turns the corner and she's gone.

"Emma, stop! Emma! Damn it!"

I sling my bag over my shoulder and run after her, my footsteps echoing in the narrow passageway. The air is a lot cooler here, and it feels almost oppressive.

"Emma? Emma, where are you?" I call out as I turn the corner and she's not there. My voice bounces back to me from the stone walls.

There's no answer.

"Emma, this is not funny. Emma?"

I get the strange feeling that I'm being watched. As I venture deeper into the maze the walls close in on me. The intricate carvings take on a sinister tone as my anxiety spikes.

"Emma, I'm not playing. Please answer."

Suddenly, the narrow passage opens into a vast, domed chamber. In the center stands a colossal, life-sized statue of the Minotaur King, the imposing figure illuminated by shafts of light streaming down from openings high above.

The sight takes my breath away. The statue is so detailed, so incredibly life-like… I've never seen anything like it.

I can almost see the individual hairs on his gigantic body. And his horns reflect my flashlight so well! My eyes drift down, down towards…

Wow. He's big everywhere.

I take a step closer, almost absentmindedly. All my professional standards about being careful, about not disturbing ancient ruins, about avoiding traps have suddenly gone out of the window.

I need to touch this statue.

My fingers brush the cool stone of the statue's leg. At least, that's what I expect to feel.

Instead, I feel soft hairs.

I'm right at eye-level with the statue's giant minotaur cock. And, as I look right at it, all my attention focused on it, it suddenly…

Throbs.

A sudden yelp escapes my lips as I stumble back and trip over my own feet. I fall on the hard floor and gaze up the hulking, naked Minotaur.

Two bright red eyes look down at me.

The menacing creature moves towards me slowly. He looms over me, his massive silhouette blocking out all the light. A warm and musky scent washes over me, and the smell is completely intoxicating.

His enormous bull-cock throbs again.

His size is mind boggling. I don't think I could fit my hand around his thick shaft. And those veins, pulsing with blood and desire…

His nostrils flare, and I see a thin tendril of smoke escape them. A low, rumbling growl fills the room, so deep that I can feel it in my chest.

Shit, I need to get out of here. Now.

I crawl backwards until my back hits the cold wall. My eyes dart towards the exit, as the giant creature moves towards me.

Shit shit shit!

I struggle to my feet and dash towards the exit. I expect the giant minotaur to grab me, to feel his strong hands around my body, to fling me against the wall and roughly take me…

But that doesn't happen.

I'm running through the maze, going left, then right, then left, then right… damn it, where did I come from?

Behind me, I hear the Minotaur King's pounding footsteps. His heavy snorts seem to come from every side.

There's no way I can outrun him. I saw how big and strong his legs were. He could grab me in an instant if he wanted to.

So why isn't he? Does he enjoy chasing me?

My pulse is racing and my legs burn as I sprint through the seemingly endless maze. I should have reached the exit by now. I should have found it a long time ago, in fact.

And where the hell is Emma?!

I finally spot the archway leading towards the outside. I break out into a final sprint, my heart hammering in my throat. I'm almost there!

Out of nowhere, a giant hand reaches out from the shadows and pulls me into a dark room.

"Shit!" I cry out. "Fuck!"

The Minotaur King growls in response and I can feel the vibrations in my entire body. He pins me against the wall, his massive torso pressing me against the cold stone.

All I see are his eyes, those two glowing, red orbs that seem to peer into my very soul.

"Uhm, hello," I whisper, my voice weak. "Nice to meet you."

The Minotaur doesn't respond.

Instead, he leans in and presses his snout against my neck. His hot breath sends shivers down my spine. The beast inhales deeply, as if he's drinking in my scent.

His intoxicating musk washes over me, the potent scent making me instantly light-headed. It's hard to describe his scent, it's so strong, rich and… arousing.

One hand slides down to my waist while the other cups the side of my face. His touch is gentle, his movements careful. He's strong enough to snap me in two if he wanted to, but the beast restrains himself.

Without warning his tongue, wet and warm and rough, slides across the nape of my neck. A soft moan escapes my lips as my knees buckle.

What the hell? How the hell is his touch turning me on so much?

This is a monster.

A legendary creature of immense power.

An ancient predator who, by all means, shouldn't be alive right now.

And yet, here I am, pinned against the wall, my panties growing wetter with every lick of his rough tongue.

This is so confusing. So wrong, and yet so…

His earthy scent clouds my mind and fills my lungs. It's all I can think about. I can't resist him.

My body betrays me as the Minotaur's strong hand slips beneath the hem of my shirt, his big fingers dragging across my skin. I gasp at his touch, my body shuddering.

My thoughts are incoherent. His tongue, his musk, his touch — they overwhelm me. All I can do now is submit to him.

I tremble with anticipation as his giant hand cups my breast. There's so much strength and power coiled within his muscles, yet he's being so gentle with me.

He tilts my head up. I gaze into his dominant red eyes for a moment, and in that moment, I feel deeply and totally connected to him.

The Minotaur King leans down and kisses me.

His warm tongue enters my mouth, claiming it as his own as his hands move across my body possessively. He unbuttons my pants with a simple flick of his wrist, and they're dangling around my ankles before I realize it.

I melt into the hot kiss, my hands running up his body, feeling his soft fur and the power that's underneath it. His nails rake up my thighs, his hot, heavy cock throbbing against me.

His thumb traces slow circles on my panties. The thin, soaked fabric is no match for him, and he rips it off with a single motion. I yelp as my pussy is totally exposed, his fingers finding their way to my wet folds.

I bite my lip to suppress a wanton moan, but it's no use. I can't hold back. The Minotaur King knows exactly how to please me.

His strong thumb finds my clit, and he slowly begins to rub me. I whimper and moan, completely surrendering to his touch. It feels so damn good.

The Minotaur growls in response, a deep, guttural sound that reverberates in his chest. His claws dig ever so slightly into my skin, a jolt of pain mixing with the pleasure of his touch.

I'm completely and totally at his mercy. If he wanted to, he could tear me apart with that monster cock of his.

Instead, he's taking his time. Savoring me. Drawing out the pleasure for the both of us.

His cock, rock-hard and pulsing, is pressed against my bare thigh, trickling his pre-cum all over my naked skin. I reach down and wrap my hands around his hardness. The beast groans as I touch him, which only spurs me on.

I want to make him feel as good as he's making me feel.

My fingers barely reach around his immense girth. He's so big, so damn powerful… and I need him inside of me.

More than anything, I need to feel him stretching me, filling me and claiming me. Every inch of my body yearns to surrender myself to this legendary being.

I've never felt a need as strong as this. It's as if my very soul belongs to him. My rational and scientific mind has been silenced by his touch, and all that remains is passion, lust, and love.

The Minotaur pulls away for a moment, his body no longer pressed against mine. I whine, my hands still wrapped around his hardness as I try to pull him towards me.

The head of his beastly cock is pressed against my entrance. I rub him against me, every single touch making my legs shudder.

"Please," I stammer.

A low, rumbling, pleased growl escapes the Minotaur's lips. He wraps his powerful arms around me and picks me up. The beast carries me towards the nearest stone slab and lays me down on the cold surface.

In the back of my mind, I wonder what priceless artifact I'm laying on. Will it be housed in a museum one day? Will, for the rest of human history, people come to gawk at this piece of old stone where the Minotaur King is about to fuck my brains out on?

Perhaps. Who knows? Who cares?

All my attention is focused on the heavy body I feel on top of me, the heat of the breath I feel on my skin, and the massive Minotaur cock pressed against my waiting pussy.

The beast kisses me, his powerful tongue entering my mouth as he slowly slides into me. Inch by inch, I can feel the exquisite sensation of this ancient beast filling me.

I'm stretched beyond belief. His immense girth pushes me to my limit, and I whine and moan, struggling to accommodate his immense size, but I'm no quitter.

I'm going to take all of him.

The Minotaur growls in approval as my wetness envelops him. When he's finally all the way inside of me we just wait for a moment, our eyes meeting, our bodies and souls connected.

And then he starts pounding me.

Oh. My. God.

I scream. Pure pleasure tears through me. Never have I imagined sex could be this intense or feel this good.

The Minotaur King"s powerful hips crash into me, his massive balls slapping against my skin.

This ancient beast is fucking me.

Me. Isabelle Starlight.

An ordinary archeologist. A silly girl who came here to look at some dusty ruins, and steal a vase or two.

And here I am, my pussy getting stretched by a legendary beast.

Every thrust of his his mighty cock brings me closer and closer to an overwhelming climax, and I'm so close, so close when —

The Minotaur King suddenly stops.

I whimper, grabbing for his fur, pulling him towards me, wanting more, no, needing more, but the beast has other plans.

He flips me over, and just like that, I'm on all fours in front of the beast.

I glance at him over my shoulders, and his red eyes are locked on me. His big tongue licks his lips as he grabs my cheeks, his claws digging into my skin. It stings just a bit, pain mixing with pleasure, and my entire body shudders in anticipation.

With a deep roar the Minotaur enters me, his enormous hardness filling me once more. One hand grabs my hair while the other smacks my ass.

I cry out in pleasure, the sound of his hand spanking my naked ass bouncing off the ancient walls.

Never in a million years did I imagine myself getting taken by the Minotaur King like this. As Emma and I scoured the galaxy for clues, as we followed every lead we could find, we thought of all kinds of scenarios.

None of them included being spanked by a legendary monster as he pounds my ass from behind…

But I love it.

The Minotaur picks up the pace, fucking me harder and faster, and we fall into a perfect rhythm. His hardness fills me completely, every thrust of his hips bringing us both closer and closer to our climax.

I never want this moment to end.

I want to be his. Forever.

The monster pants heavily behind me, his grip on me tightening. He smacks my ass again, sharp pain mixing with overwhelming pleasure.

And then he roars so deeply and so hard the building itself shakes, dust falling from the ceiling — and his immense load fills me completely.

Warm spurts of potent Minotaur seed coat my inner walls, the sensations sending me over the edge. I cry out, my nails digging into the stone slab as wave after wave of pure bliss crashes over my quivering body.

The Minotaur King empties his immense load inside of me, filling me up to the brim.

His strong, muscular body pressing against me, pinning me down on the stone slab, his hot breath on my neck is the last thing I remember before my body and mind are overwhelmed by ecstasy…

And darkness takes me.