POV Y/n

I laughed, a dark chuckle echoing in the dimly lit alley, as I stared down into the faceless mask of the Black Panther. Oh, this was getting interesting. "So, you're after me, huh? Is that it, kitty?" I taunted, my voice dripping with smug confidence. "Let me clue you in on something—I am not someone who gets captured."

With a sneer, I flexed my claws, feeling the familiar surge of purple energy flowing through my fingertips, igniting my talons with a menacing glow. Mother Crimson had disguised me as a human, but in the heat of battle, there was no suppressing my dragon instincts.

No matter how hard I tried, my dragon side always emerged, uncontrollable and fierce.

"You killed the King of England!" he growled, and I laughed, drawing my hand back as magic held him in place.

"I did, didn't I? Well, I just wanted a taste of human flesh," I hissed, flashing my fangs at him. "Now, don't argue with me or you'll be the next, King T'Challa."

With that, I released him and leaped off the trailer, effortlessly dodging a flying kick from someone in an iron suit. "Oh seriously, you mortals never learn," I huffed, grabbing a hammer that was hurtling towards my head. The man who threw it froze, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"Impossible," he breathed.

I laughed, my glowing blue eyes piercing the dim light. "Oh yes, it's impossible—when you're dealing with an imperial," I snapped, sending the hammer flying to the ground. Then, I gave the team chasing me a playful wave and a flying kiss.

"So long, mudscuffers," I taunted. With a whirl of my magic, I vanished and reappeared back home at the mansion.

Sir Vigor, the driver, stood at the entrance. He smiled when he saw me, looking as proper and refined as usual in his perfectly tailored suit.

"Ah, Mr. Vigor, how nice of you to meet me," I said, giving him a warm smile as I walked past, feeling victorious and a tad mischievous.

"No, no, dear Blue, the honor is mine. Now, your mother would like to talk to you in her study," he said, his gray blubbery tail whipping in the wind, revealing his agitation and nervousness.

"I see," I replied, smiling at him warmly. "Let's not keep her waiting. You can go back to the barracks; I know your son is waiting there," he said before hurrying off, his claws clacking against the cobblestone.

My maid, Miki, approached with a bodice of golden jewelry in her hands. "Hello, ma'am. Your mother wants you to prepare for the arrival of the high mafia family, Stray Kids. One of them has agreed to marry you," she announced, causing me to pause.

Marry someone? That wasn't part of my plan. I knew arranged marriages were common in our family and within the mafia, but weren't we different? Surely reptiles didn't sell their young, did they?

"Ma'am?" Miki asked, concern evident in her voice.

I shook my head and gave her a strained smile. "It's okay, Miki. Let's go to my room and you can send for Mother." She nodded, and we hurried down the stairs and through the hallway to my room. I took the bodice from Miki and opened the door. Offering her a small smile, I entered and sat down beside the door, placing the items I had brought along with Mother's gift on the bedside table.

Slowly, the tears began to cascade down my cheeks, releasing all the pent-up emotion I'd been holding in. Clad in an exquisitely tailored dress, I felt the weight of the world crashing around me. The portal had transported me back to our realm, the modern world, yet I found no solace.

I didn't care about the glamour or the opulence surrounding me; all I wanted was an explanation for my mother's actions.

"I have to do this because you are the heir to my throne, the throne of the Blood Red Butterflies," said a voice as soft as the flutter of butterfly wings. My heart recognized it instantly. "Mother," I whispered through my sobs, resting my head on the silk pillow, tears streaking down my face.

She wasn't my biological mother, that much was true. Mother Crimson, better known as Emerald, had never been my real mother. Yet, she was the one who had rescued me from the gutter and searched endlessly when I was lost.

"I'm sorry, my precious butterfly, but I need you to marry this mafia prince. Rest assured, his brothers are formidable yet kind," she murmured, her fingers gently caressing my ear as I nestled in her lap. Though I was 21, as a T-Rex, I had surpassed the physical stature and maturity of most dragons; my body had grown as swiftly as my responsibilities.

"If you truly do not wish to go through with this, I can call it off, alright?" she asked, her eyes locking onto mine with a depth of concern.

But if it was for my family, our house, and the throne—I would do it. "I want to do it, Mother, for you and for the house," I declared, my voice steady with resolve.

Emerald smiled, her eyes softening, and she placed a delicate kiss on my nose. In that moment, I felt both the weight of my duty and the warmth of her affection.

"I know you do, dear. Good job, darling," she said before standing up. I stood as well, though her towering presence still loomed over me. By my 23rd birthday, I would be taller than her.

"Now, come on. Let's get you ready, at least for the meeting," she said, taking my talon in her hand and leading us out of the room. Mikka met us outside and smiled upon seeing that I was okay. She had probably heard my sobs but refrained from breaking the rules to check on me—classic servant policy. If a superior is crying, they are to be left alone unless instructed otherwise. I despised that rule because it was evident Mikka had wanted to come in and comfort me. Just another example of old maids imposing their outdated ideals of worth.

Soon, Mikka joined us, and we walked to the room where I would be changing into something more appropriate than a bloodstained, torn dress. Mother had said nothing, but as soon as we reached the chamber, she must have used some sort of magic because I found myself swiftly dressed in a stunning, slim-fitting gown that hugged my curves and made me look like I was ready for a high-society gala.

"Wow, Mama, I thought you said the Stray Kids boys were coming here," I remarked, twirling around to admire the dress.

"Oh, they are, but we're going to have a little party downstairs in their honor," she replied with a smile.

I giggled, realizing once again how wealthy we truly were. Seriously, I never imagined having this much when I lived in the gutter. Mikka smiled at me, gently placing a hand on my shoulder before handing me the bodice I had laid on my bed during my breakdown. I smiled back at her even more brightly, allowing her to fasten it around my neck, sweeping my hair away in the process.

Though I pride myself on embracing my unique species, I needed to conform for tonight. As soon as Mikka secured the bodice, my scales vanished, my golden stripes disappeared, and my claws retracted. Even my tail was gone, replaced by a cascade of luxurious (hair color) hair that floated down to my lower back, curling at the tips.

Mother smiled approvingly and traced one of her claws gently along my shoulder.

"You look exquisite, my dear. Now, let us proceed. I am certain those young gentlemen shan't wish to be kept waiting any longer than necessary," she remarked with a graceful nod. We composed ourselves promptly, exiting the sanctuary of my chambers and making our way to the grand salon where Stray Kids would soon be received.

Upon our arrival, we observed the gentlemen engaged in congenial conversation with some of our esteemed butlers. Unlike their former masters, who ruled with an iron fist and forbade any interaction with visitors, we cultivated an atmosphere of openness and courteous discourse. Such a deviation from their previous norms was indeed remarkable, yet we prided ourselves on fostering a more enlightened and hospitable environment.

Mr. Vigor noticed us and smiled, bowing deeply. "Ah, my ladies, please come. These young gentlemen are quite eager to converse; they have much to share," he intoned, his forked tongue flicking out briefly.

I offered him a smile in return. Despite his status as the family's most esteemed and invaluable chauffeur—and not only that, but also a trusted friend and adept spy—he had an undeniable eccentricity. His presence always left me feeling somewhat unsettled.

"I am certain my daughter has nothing against it, dear Vigor," my mother said, her voice smooth and commanding. "But why don't you allow us some privacy so she may converse freely with her new friends? After all, one of them is destined to marry her." She waved Vigor away with a graceful gesture, giving me a warm look, which I returned with a smile.

Mother knew that if I didn't find these young men to my liking, there would be no marriage.

"So," said one of them, an older man who was clearly the leader with an air of authority, "I am Bang Chan. This is my group, Stray Kids: Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Jisung, Seungmin, I.N, and Felix. I'm not entirely sure why your mother wants you to marry one of us, but I have an idea." He tapped a finger thoughtfully against his chin. "What if you come and stay with us at our estate for a while? You can spend as much time as you need to find out which of us your heart truly desires and then marry him."

You smiled, finding the proposal far more appealing than having your mother choose a husband for you outright.

"It would be an honor, Bang Chan," you said, bowing slightly. Chan smiled and waved a hand dismissively. "Ah, ah, no need for formalities. Come, sit with us so we can talk and make plans!"

You walked over and seated yourself between Felix and Seungmin, if you remembered correctly, beginning to converse with the eight young men. They were all very kind, humorous, and engaging. Each of them, in their own way, managed to make you laugh.

From somewhere in the room or perhaps the house, you sensed your mother's proud gaze upon you. Her eyes, filled with joy and pride, watched over you. You knew that no matter whom you chose or what path you took, she would be proud.