~A Shocker~

EIRA

"Marry me." I blurted out.

“What?” Elrich blinked repeatedly, like he hadn’t heard me right.

I crossed my arms, leaning back against the cold metal bars of the cage. “You heard me. If you want me as your Luna, it comes with a ring. A ceremony. The whole damn thing.”

His jaw flexed. “You’re serious.”

“As a heart attack,” I said. “You marked me without asking. You dragged me into your world without so much as a warning. So yeah, if you want this to move forward, you better put some respect on it.”

A slow smirk tugged at the edge of his mouth. “And here I thought you’d want to tear me apart.”

“Oh, I still might,” I shot back. “But at least I’ll do it as your wife.”

That pulled a laugh from him, low and rough. “You’re insane.”

“Maybe. But I’m not your pet. I’m not your plaything. If you want me to stand beside you, you do it right.”

He looked at me, really looked. Something shifted in his eyes—like a storm pulling back to reveal the calm underneath.

“Fine,” he said finally, voice like gravel. “You want a Luna’s crown? You’ll have it.”

I didn’t smile. But inside? I felt like fire.

Elrich didn’t even flinch when I dropped that condition. He stared at me for a beat — like he was trying to decide if I was crazy or brilliant — then turned slowly to the guards standing near the cage.

“Get her out of there,” he said, voice low but sharp enough to cut steel. “She’s not a prisoner anymore.”

The keys clanked, and the cage door creaked open. I didn’t move at first — wasn’t sure if this was a trap or a power move. But when two guards stepped in, one gestured politely like I was royalty. Weird.

“Ma’am,” one muttered.

Ma’am? Oh, suddenly I’m fancy now?

I stepped out slowly, pretending I didn’t feel like jelly inside. Elrich was still watching me. Creepy, calm, powerful, that was his whole vibe.

“Take her to the east wing,” he added. “She’s to be assigned a personal maid. Full access. No restrictions.”

The guards nodded without question. That told me everything about his authority. They feared him. Respected him. Or both.

They led me down a long corridor. It was dimly lit with torches like something out of a Game of Thrones scene but then turned into a sleek hall with dark paneling, glowing sconces, and rugs that looked expensive enough to buy a Tesla.

When we reached the room, I blinked. It was massive. Floor-to-ceiling windows, four-poster bed with velvet drapes, a freaking chandelier, and a closet that could hold a small army.

“Is this a setup?” I asked, crossing my arms.

“No, Luna,” one of the guards said.

“Don’t call me that,” I snapped.

He gave a tight nod and stepped back just as a girl about my age entered the room. She had dark curls, wide eyes, and wore a crisp grey uniform. She looked terrified.

“I’m Marnie,” she said, “I’ll be your assigned maid.”

I eyed her carefully, there was no scent of deception. Just fear.

“Alright, Marnie,” I said, collapsing on the bed dramatically.

Marnie fidgeted with the hem of her sleeves as her eyes darted towards the door like she was working up the nerve to say something. I sat up slightly, narrowing my gaze on her.

“What?” I asked. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”

She took a sharp breath. “I… was instructed to prepare you for your mating ceremony.”

My mouth parted slightly, but no words came out at first. “Mating ceremony?” I repeated. .

She nodded quickly. “Alpha Elrich said it’s to be held tonight.”

I stared at her for a long second, expecting some kind of smirk, like it was a bad joke. But she was dead serious — eyes wide, lips trembling slightly. It made no sense to me why she was terrified but I didn't think much on it. I was still shocked at the mating ceremony tonight. That was a really fast decision from Elrich.

“And he didn’t think to mention that when I gave him my ‘condition’?” I muttered under my breath.

Still, I didn’t object. I stood up, brushed off the awkward silence that had settled between us. “Fine,” I said. “Let’s get it over with.”

Marnie looked relieved. It was like I’d just spared her life. She rushed towards a double-door wardrobe on the far side of the room. She opened it with both hands, revealing a row of gowns that looked straight out of a medieval fantasy but stitched with modern flair silk lace. Deep tones and intricate embroidery.

She pulled out a deep crimson gown with gold threading. It shimmered when the light caught it.

“This one was specially made,” she said softly. “Alpha Elrich gave strict orders.”

I stepped forward and ran my fingers over the fabric. It was heavier than it looked, rich and regal.

“Alright,” I said, “dress me up like your Luna then.” I instructed.

Marnie moved with surprising speed after that. She helped me out of my clothes with gentle hands, never meeting my eyes for too long. She helped me with a hot bath. When the gown was slipped over my head, I felt the weight of it settle on my shoulders—a literal and metaphorical reminder that this wasn’t a game.

The dress hugged my body in all the right places. The bodice was tight, boned to give a perfect silhouette, while the skirt flowed like water down to the floor. Gold thread spiraled down the sleeves, curling like flames licking up my arms.

“Sit, please,” she said, gesturing to the vanity in the corner.

I obeyed, mostly because I was curious how far this would go. She opened a velvet box, revealing a stunning set of jewelry. Gold earrings with crimson stones, a matching choker necklace with a sunburst charm, and a chain that wove through my hair like a crown.

She worked silently, brushing and curling my hair until it fell in soft waves. Then came the makeup — light foundation, a touch of gold shimmer on my eyelids, and a deep red lipstick that made my lips look dangerous.

“Your shoes,” she said, holding out a pair of gold-strapped heels. They looked ridiculous. Beautiful, but ridiculous.

I sighed. “If I break my ankle, I’m haunting Elrich.”

Marnie didn’t laugh, I wasn’t sure she knew how to. As soon as the heels were on, she stepped back and let out a small gasp.

I turned toward the mirror. For a second, I didn’t recognize myself.

I looked like someone out of a prophecy. Elegant, and untouchable. Like I belonged to something powerful. Like I was walking into destiny instead of being dragged.

“Elrich will be pleased,” Marnie said softly.

“Let’s hope he’s more talk than bark,” I said, standing up and straightening my shoulders. “Because I didn’t come here to play house.”

There was a knock on the door — two sharp raps.

Marnie turned pale. “That’s the Alpha.”

I didn’t flinch. Instead, I walked toward the door slowly, the fabric of my dress whispering along the stone floor.

“Open it,” I said, not taking my eyes off my reflection.

If I was going to step into this world, rogue or not. I was going to own it. And Elrich? He had no idea what he just agreed to.