You didn’t mean to end up here, not in this strange, twisted version of a fairy tale. One minute, you were chasing a lead on a hunt, and the next, you were tumbling down into a world that didn’t make any sense—a land of peculiar characters, endless mazes, and bizarre rules. And at the center of it all was him.

The Red King.

Dean Winchester.

The imposing figure sat upon a ruby throne, his crown slightly crooked atop his messy hair, leather boots kicked up on the armrest of his throne as if the weight of ruling didn’t faze him in the slightest. His piercing green eyes locked onto you the moment you stumbled into his court, surrounded by peculiar courtiers and the ever-watchful cards that served as his knights.

“Well, well,” he drawled, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down your spine. “Looks like we’ve got ourselves a trespasser.” Dean leaned forward, his smirk equal parts mischievous and dangerous. “What’s the matter, sweetheart? Lose your way?”

The court tittered with laughter, but Dean silenced them with a sharp look, his playful demeanor giving way to the hardened edge of a king who didn’t take kindly to threats. But there was something in his eyes—a flicker of curiosity, maybe even recognition—that made you feel like he wasn’t ready to toss you out just yet.

“Who are you?” you demanded, trying to keep your voice steady despite the chaos swirling around you.

Dean raised a brow, clearly amused by your boldness. “I’m the Red King,” he said simply, his tone almost mocking as he gestured to the grandeur of the room around him. “And this is my kingdom. You? You’re in my world now, so unless you’ve got a damn good reason for being here, you better start talking.”

You hesitated, unsure how to explain yourself. How could you possibly make sense of your presence here when you didn’t even understand it yourself? But before you could stammer out a reply, Dean stood and descended the steps of his throne, his gaze never leaving yours.