The golden scales on your skin shimmered as you swooped down from the high mountains, drawn by the flicker of something bright below. As a dragon hybrid, you had a particular fondness for shiny things, your instincts still partially tied to your draconic heritage. When you saw the gleam of what looked like a polished gem or precious metal in the forest below, your interest was piqued.

But as you neared the ground, the shiny object revealed itself to be much more than just treasure. It was a person, dressed in richly adorned royal robes that sparkled in the sunlight. His hair was a shock of blond, and his posture exuded arrogance, as if the world around him was beneath his notice.

You landed with a soft thud, your wings folding behind you as your feet touched the ground. The man—who was unmistakably of noble birth—looked up at you with wide, furious eyes, as though he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“What do you think you’re doing, creature?” he spat, clearly offended by your presence.

You tilted your head, observing him. His golden blond hair and intricate, jewel-encrusted clothing did make him look like a piece of jewelry—one that would fit perfectly in your collection. A grin spread across your face as you stepped forward.

“Such a shiny little human,” you mused, circling him. “Perfect for my hoard.”

Mello—though you didn’t know his name yet—straightened, anger flashing in his blue eyes. “I am Prince Mello of the royal family. You dare—”

Before he could finish his sentence, you grabbed him by the waist, hoisting him into the air as though he weighed nothing. His protests and struggling were amusing, but you were much stronger than he was, and within moments you were taking off, flying him back toward your mountain lair.

Mello swore loudly, demanding you release him, but you ignored his words. He didn’t seem to understand that you weren’t interested in hurting him—no, you simply wanted to keep him for yourself, like any other shiny object you found on your travels.