The big day arrived, Ms. Sylvain informed Serena that they would discuss the particulars of her impending gift over dinner So Serena arrived around 6 in the evening. She nervously stood in front of the high-rise, eventually working up the courage to enter. Approaching the front desk, the clerk asked her "Can I help you, ma'am?"
"Uh, yes, um... Serena Farris here to see Ms. Sylvain."
"Yes, she's been expecting you." He hands you a key and shows you to the main elevator. "Insert the key into the top floor slot."
"Thanks, sir!" Serena enters the elevator, inserts the key and shyly turns it. She arrived at the top floor, and was immediately greeted by Ms. Sylvain.
"Welcome, Serena!" She said.
The secretary stepped out of the elevator, greeted by a familiar smell. "Is that..."
"Pork ribs... with butter and herb mashed potatoes and corn. Your favorite, as I recall you mentioning."
"That was only once, and four years ago!" Serena was astounded she remembered that.
"A thorough and flawless memory is one of the benefits of being a goddess." Luna remarked as she served up the meal at her dining room table. She also set out a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice for later.
The blinds were shut and candles lit the table. It was almost romantic in a way as the two were seated across from each other. "This almost seems like a gift in and of itself Ms. Syl... uh, Luna." Serena said, taking a bite of her corn. "Mmm... delicious!"
Luna smiled before taking a bite of her ribs. "After a half-century living among mortals, you pick up a few skills; but I assure you, the gift I have in mind is far greater than a nice dinner. The reason I wanted you to be here is my gift required preparation, and approval from my kin to do it."
"Your kin?" Serena asked before taking a bite of her potatoes.
"My fellow goddesses. Even considering the five years of loyal service as my secretary, it still took a great deal of convincing for them to so much as give you a chance. You keeping my secret this past month was the final test."
"Wow, this must be some gift if you had to go through all that to be allowed to give it to me."
"Indeed, it is the greatest gift we can possibly bestow upon a mortal; one we do not give lightly."
Serena swallowed her bite of pork rib. "So, don't keep me in suspense Luna; what is it?"
"If you wish it, I can transform you into a Moon Goddess like myself."
Serena was shocked. This was beyond anything she could've hoped for. "M-Me, a g-goddess!?"
"Yes. Tonight, as I transform to undergo my monthly reenergization, I can perform a ritual that will enable me to energize you with the moon's power, affecting your transformation into a goddess. Admittedly, this will be quite strenuous on your mortal body; particularly the growth of your wings, which is one reason I prepared this meal. You will need all the strength you can muster for the change."
"It sounds like it'll be painful."
"If it makes you feel better, I've heard it described by Psyche, the Soul Goddess as 'the most painful experience you will ever enjoy'; and she, too grew wings as part of her transformation."
Serena imagined what it would be like with wings. "Will they be like yours; my wings?"
"Yes; the Luna Moth wings are the mark, and pride of a Moon Goddess."
The idea sounded appealing to Serena. For her, a mere secretary, to be chosen to become a goddess of all things; it was a true honor. However, the notion of the change itself gave her pause. Luna allowed her to ponder the offer as they finished their dinner.
As Serena wiped the last of the barbecue sauce off her face, she looked up at Luna, and said. "A splendid final meal for me as a mortal, I must say."
Luna smiled, opened the bottle of champagne and poured two glasses. Raising them, Luna said: "A toast; to the rise of the Moon Goddess Serena Farris."
"Cheers!" Serena answered as she clinked glasses with Luna, and took a sip. "So, this ritual; what does it involve?"
"Well, first I must set up an enchanted circle; then, we must remove our clothing as the change will destroy them; finally, as the Full Moon rises and I revert to my true form..."