I felt his magic surround me. There was no pain, but I felt an odd floating sensation. Memories of my childhood played out like a movie in my mind. He was watching my memories?!
“I could learn from this Crimson Fiend. He sounds like a very imaginative fellow with his training. And, I need a new general.”
The Crimson Fiend backed by a god was the worst thing that could happen.
“Who knew you’d be such a fount of information? I knew there was something different about you when I saw you the other night.”
A flash lit up the sky, followed by an explosion. There before us was a goddess. Things just got worse. Let the shit show start.
“Muiredach, father has need of you,” said the goddess.
She paid me no mind and I was okay with that. Maybe this was my chance, but nothing every came for free. The price of my freedom would be steep. Was it worth paying?
She was beautiful, but then again, so were almost all goddesses. It’s like beauty was a guarantee. If I were asked to describe here, I’m not sure I could. Her appearance flickered and shifted. One minute she was a teenage beauty and the other a handsome matron.
“I’ll get there after I finish with my newest pet,” he said.
“Father was specific, it must be now,” she said.
“Very well, but keep an eye on my pet. I will be much displeased should anything happen to her in my absence and the blame will fall directly on you, Porrima.”
“Now we can have some fun,” said Porrima, who clapped her hands.
I really didn’t want to know what gods and goddesses considered fun. Based on what I’d seen so far, it was the very opposite of fun. I still felt overheated from whatever The True One did to me. I suppose I should be happy that he didn’t literally boil my brain. Feeling feverish and shaky was probably his idea of a love tap.
“What a funny, little thing you are. I see why my brother finds you so interesting. And, such a warrior spirit. I knew I was right to save you,” she said.
“So, you are a the one that the Sisterhood follows?”
“Yes, they are my faithful followers. Speaking of following, you have quite the path you are on. I see many adventures ahead for you. Not all will be pleasant, but seeing how you tackle those will be entertaining. I can give you protection. It’s temporary, but it at least gives you a fighting chance against my brother.”
“While I’m grateful for protection, can you tell me about the Sisterhood?”
“Do you have a calling? You aren’t a seer.”
“No, the Sisterhood is plotting. I heard them talking about taking sides and that something had started. You would know about that, right?”
“My dear, there are always more questions than answers. Should you need to know this, you will. But, this isn’t information I’ll give you.”
“I suppose there’s no changing your mind. I’m not to get any kind of warning about what is coming?”
“Now, what fun would that be? I don’t want to spoil the surprise.”
“Can I go home now?”
Is she going to punish me for asking for that?
“That is going to be a challenge. Once my brother takes an interest in something, it’s very hard to divert it to something else.”
“So, he can do whatever he wants to me?”
“Yes and no. I can help you with that.”
In her hand was a small pearl ring that glowed.
“Take this. Wear it at all times. It prevents him from bringing you into this realm or anywhere else. It also voids out his magic. He’ll know what I’ve done, but it’s worth the trouble. I have a feeling we will be seeing each other again.”
“What do you want for this gift? You wouldn’t just give me something so powerful for nothing.”
“Who said it was for nothing? I require a favor.”
What choice did I have? An open favor to a god was far worse than one to a fae. She could literally ask anything of me.
“The only option is agreeing to your terms. How do I know you’ll stick to your end of the bargain?”
“So distrusting, Little Warrior. Because I will swear an oath to you and you to me. Not a blood oath, but just as binding because it’s made in this realm. There is no getting out of this.”
“What do we do?”
“Concentrate on your desire to fulfill your part of it and what you want in return. Then, we kiss.”
“You want to kiss me?”
“Want has nothing to do with it. Humans place far too much importance on such a thing. A simple kiss is such a small thing. Is that what is stopping you? I can change my form if that makes it easier.”
Standing in front of me was Lochlan.
“Oh, not so hesitant now,” she said.
Hearing a woman’s voice from Lochlan was creepy, so very creepy, but it would make things easier. I’m glad that she made any kind of concession.
I approached the Lochlan/goddess. She/he reached for me and pulled me to her/him as her/his mouth descended on mine. Then I was meeting his lips and passion with my own. I pressed against his hard body, putting as much of my body against his.
I gripped his hair, keeping him close, as I deepened the kiss. I didn’t want it to stop. It felt amazing. Heat flared up in all sorts of places as desire raced through me. He broke off and laughed. It was the goddess’ laugh. I forgot it wasn’t him. It seemed so much like him. Stupid Marty.
“That was worth it. Lochlan is a lucky man. Should you change your mind, my door is always open? I’ve been looking for a new play thing.”
“Thanks, but I’m pretty set on men.”
I’d nearly made out with a goddess and liked it. Not hard to do, but in the aftermath, it was incredibly awkward.
She handed me the ring.
“Put it on and keep it on. Hurry. My dear brother should be back soon.”
“Why don’t you call
