Mira

"What do you mean you're my mother? How is that even possible?" I sputtered, staring up at the goddess.

She held her hand out to me, helping me stand. Wait, how is she holding my hand? Lilith chuckled at my confusion, "Well, as for how is it possible I'm your mother, I'm assuming you already know about the birds and the bees." I rolled my eyes, making her laugh louder. "As for touching you, well daughter, I am a goddess."

"At least I know where I got my sass from," I muttered. She raised her eyebrows but didn't respond. "So what exactly are you offering?"

"You must return to the coven for a year and a day to complete your transition. Then and only then will you be able to reunite with Raiden." Lilith watched me carefully, gauging my reaction.

How did she know about Raiden? "But what will happen to him during that time? He will think I'm gone, he's already going mad with grief." I asked, concern filling my voice.

The goddess directed my attention to the doorway. "Your father will take care of that."

"Father?" I asked, my head snapping to the doorway.

The god Deimos took a step into the room, clearing his throat, "It is good to finally meet you, my daughter. You are as beautiful a soul as I ever imagined."

My mouth hung open for a moment. "Wait, both my parents are gods?" I sputtered, "Does that mean I'm a..." my question trailed off.

"Yes dear, you are a goddess," Deimos spoke softly to me, "and it's time you took your place as such. I'm sure your mother has explained what is required of you."

"Well, we were getting to that but suddenly she was more concerned about Raiden than herself. That's why I summoned you." Lilith rolled her eyes, "I fear our daughter is just as stubborn as both of us. She will not agree to the year and a day of servitude unless she knows that her demon will be safe."

Deimos chuckled and winked at Lilith, "I guess the bad-boy attraction runs in the family huh darling?" She shot him a harsh yet playful glare. "Fine, fine," he threw his hands in the air in an act of mock surrender. "I will make sure that your demon does nothing dangerous to himself or others during your transition."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding. "Thank you. Now, what exactly do I have to do during this year and a day?" I asked, turning back toward my mother - that phrase sounded so odd.

"Well that's easy child," Lilith said quickly with a smile across her face. "You simply have to learn how to be a queen and high priestess." My parents continued to explain my duties and obligations. Mother would lead in my magical instruction, while Father would teach me to fight and lead an army. It all seemed very overwhelming to me but if this was the only way back to Raiden, I'd do it.

"May I say goodbye to him?" I finally asked. "I know I can't tell him what's going on, but I think it will help if I can at least tell him goodbye."

Lilith and Deimos exchange concerned looks. "You may go to him in his dreams. Do not tell him about your training," Mother warned. I nodded eagerly. "Come, I'll show you how to perform the spell." She held her hand out to me as she led me down to the pantry for the needed supplies.

****

"Be careful what you say to him, Mira," Lilith warned. "Once you return, you will receive your new corporeal form. You won't be the same, daughter." She had a sad expression in her eyes.

"But, I'll still be me, right?" I asked, my voice wavering. "How will I ever get him back if I'm not the same?"

She pulled me into a fierce hug, "The universe will take care of the details, darling. Just know that this is the last time he will see this version of you." She gave me a smirk, "Use the visit wisely." I felt the heat rise in my cheeks at her implication.

She pulled back and commanded me to strip, then helped me into the ritual bath. We mixed the herbs and lit the candles as she slipped from the room, closing the door quietly behind her. I began chanting and felt myself slip beneath the surface of the tub. I felt the softness of the bed, the warmth of his body, and his familiar smell. I tentatively slipped my hand onto his arm.

Raiden jolted and quickly rolled over his eyes wide, "M...Mira?" he gasped. My heart - did I have a heart - was pounding so loudly I thought the whole castle could hear it as I waited for him to move, speak, do anything.

"Raiden," I whispered.

As if he had just snapped out of a trance, he grabbed me, pulling me to his chest. "I've missed holding you, little one," he murmured against my hair. He ran his hands along my back as I arched against him. "I know this is a dream, and I don't ever want to wake. I just want to stay here with you."

I pulled back, meeting his gaze, then pressed my lips against his before continuing. "We don't have much time, Raiden. I came to say goodbye." My eyes glistened with tears. "I can't continue in this form, it's becoming too difficult."

He shook his head, letting out a low growl, "Please don't leave me, Mira."

"I'll find my way back, I promise." I laid my head against his chest as his arms wrapped around my waist. "I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too," he choked, lifting my chin. He brushed his lips against mine, parting them with his tongue. A moan slipped from my throat as I tangled my fingers in his ebony hair. Raiden rolled on top of me, nudging my legs apart, pressing against me.

"Raiden," I moaned as his erection pressed against me. He dipped his head down, suckling my taut nipple. My back arched, as I wrapped my legs around him. He pressed forward, sliding inside me as I let out a soft cry.

"Oh, gods, Mira," he groaned as he began thrusting deeper. My nails were digging into his shoulders as I clung to him. Raiden crashed his mouth against mine as I felt the knot in my stomach grow. His thrusts became frantic and I felt my walls shudder around his length. He roared out my name as warmth flooded my core.

Raiden fell onto the mattress and pulled me against him as we both tried to calm our breathing. "Best dream ever," he teased, kissing the top of my head, then let out a serious sigh, "You'll be gone when I wake up, won't you?"

I nodded, trying to fight back the tears. Leaning up, I met his gaze. "I will come back to you, Raiden, I promise. It will just take some time." He nodded and pulled me close again.

"I'll wait, Mira. I'll wait forever if I have to," he whispered.

****

I stared down at the water, looking at his sleeping form once again. I watched as he sat up, looking around the room for me. Throwing his head back, his sorrowful roar filled the entire castle as my tears fell and the water drained.

Author's Notes:  I just had to give you a bit of smut before they part...for now.