Page 22 of Prisoner of the Lycan Prince

I jerked my gaze down the hallway, expecting to see Arlo barreling around the corner.

“He’s off tonight,” the creature said in a deep, scratchy voice at odds with his size. He flashed an apologetic look before sweeping an elegant bow. A tail curled around his hip, the end tipped with a tuft of white hair. “I didn’t mean to startle you, Miss Ward. I’m Goliath.”

I blinked. “Um…”

He straightened, his eyes twinkling. “I’m aware of the irony.”

I couldn’t help my smile. “I’m happy to meet you, Goliath.”

He brightened. “Really? I was worried I’d frighten you. Everyone said I shouldn’t come to your room, but they changed their minds when I pointed out how Myrna made a bad impression. We don’t want you thinking we’re all like that, screaming at strangers and then flying off without so much as a hello.”

It took me a moment to absorb his words. “Everyone?” I asked.

He nodded. “My friends in the maze. They’re all curious about you. Prince Einar has never brought a human home before.”

Goliath made me sound like a stray dog, which probably served me right for thinking of him as a “creature.” But I got the sense he wasn’t trying to insult me.

“Does Einar often bring people to Draithmere?” I asked.

“Not all that often. Maybe a few times a year. Sometimes their families call. Other times, he finds them.”

I really needed my notebook. “And the people he finds… They’re like you?”

Goliath smiled, showing the tips of small white fangs. “There aren’t many like me around. But we have all kinds of supernaturals in the maze.” He tilted his head, and his tail waved back and forth as if he was excited. “I could introduce you if you want. Everyone wants to meet you.” His tail curled around his hip. “Prince Einar called you a reporter when you spoke near the maze. Do you write for a newspaper?”

Old pain tried to surface, but I pushed it away. “Not now. But I used to. Well, sort of. My family owned a paper while I was growing up. My father sold it a few years ago.” God, I was rambling. I drew a deep breath. “I’m close to getting a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Maybe I’ll write for a paper once I graduate.”

Goliath appeared to take all this in. “So, would you like to visit the maze?” His expression turned mischievous. “Arlo doesn’t take a night off very often. This could be your only chance.”

Indecision gripped me. Goliath didn’t seem like a threat. On the other hand, I’d just met him—and he was most definitely not human. Arlo’s warning ran through my mind. The hedges can be disorienting if you venture too far inside.

What if Goliath intended to lead me into a trap?

“I’m sorry,” I said. “Maybe another time.”

Goliath’s eyes dimmed, but he recovered quickly. “Of course, Miss Ward. I understand.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “I should get back. I need to tell the others so they can take everything down.” He backed up. “Well, good night.”

Guilt twinged in my chest. “Good night.”

He turned and started down the hallway. His tail drooped behind him, the white tuft at the end brushing the floor. It was like a miniature lion’s tail. But the rest of him was utterly unique. And he’d been so polite.

“Wait!” I called.

He stopped and turned back. “Yes?”

I stepped into the hallway. “Why do you need to tell the others I’m not coming? What are they taking down?”

“Oh. Well…” Pink spots appeared on his cheeks. “We planned a little welcome party. Like I said, most of the supernaturals in the maze have never met a human. They were excited to talk to you.” The pink deepened. “We’ve seen you watching the maze from your window at night. They thought you might like to interview them. A lot of us are lonely, since we’re separated from our families.”

Oh my, they’d planned a party for me? And they wanted to answer questions? I could find out what lay inside the maze—and possibly learn more about Einar. Which could lead to getting out of Draithmere and going home.

“Can I bring my notebook?” I asked.

Happiness glimmered in Goliath’s eyes. “Of course.”

I nodded. “I’ll be right back. And then I’d love to visit the maze with you.”

Ten minutes later, nerves crawled over my skin as I trailed Goliath across the lawn. With every step, I waited to hear Einar bellowing for me to stop.

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