Page 30 of Shattered Galaxies (Tears of the Siren #6)
Lorcan
“You outdid yourself, Isadora!” Jeanie said. The chef offered a playful wink before whisking herself back into the kitchen through the back patio doors.
Jeanie wasn’t wrong—Chef Isadora Moreno, their private chef for as long as I could remember, had created the perfect dinner for tonight. A night of celebration. A night of warmth and family before…well, before everything that came next.
The table we’d brought out for the evening was decorated in vibrant blues, greens, and oranges.
The tablecloth, the glassware, even the flowers followed the theme.
It was absolutely stunning in the setting sun, and the menu had nearly made my mouth water.
From grilled bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese to seared sea bass, Isadora had created a true feast.
But what made it truly perfect? Everyone was together .
Cormac, seated across the table from me and surrounded by his bonded—much like myself—sent a toast in my direction, his smile warm.
The music was too loud for conversation, but I lifted my glass in response.
He turned his head as Maggie said something to him, he, the Nadar brothers, and their parents all listening to her intently.
I’d been surprised that Dr. and Mrs. Nadar had chosen to join us, but it only solidified the confidence I had in them to keep Maggie safe in our absence.
Not only were they powerful—their djinn magic radiated from them like a beacon—but they were warm and welcoming, their protectiveness over Maggie unmistakable.
Between them, the boys, and even her nanny, Pru—whose name I’d just learned and who now sat beside Maggie—I felt completely at ease leaving her here.
It was, without a doubt, the safest option.
Even Woody and Fluff, Maggie’s new kitten, were seated on cushions near the table—an idea that, surprisingly, had come from Jeanie and Nelson.
I couldn’t remember the last time we’d all been gathered like this. I also hadn’t realized how much I needed this before we left for war. It was grounding me in a way I hadn’t expected.
There was a calmness that had settled over the group despite everything looming ahead, as if everyone was determined to enjoy this moment as deeply as possible.
“Something tells me we won’t be eating like this for a while,” Rhett said, cutting into his steak and rubbing a hand over my leg. “You should eat up.”
“I will,” I promised, digging in. He was right—Nova had said as much in her messages.
She had more experience with battle than I did, and while that should’ve made me nervous for my own safety, it didn’t.
I trusted that she’d ensure we were prepared.
I also knew people would listen to her. She was simply that kind of person—a leader.
As the night progressed and the music softened, I leaned back in my chair with a satisfied sigh. I planned to get a good night’s sleep tonight before I called Nova tomorrow to finalize where we’d meet?—
A surge of magic pulsed through the patio, sharp and electric, making my ears ring. Wind whooshed past me as all our attention snapped to the center of the yard—where a man now stood.
No, not a man. Something else entirely.
Dressed in a silver silk suit, he surveyed the space with mild curiosity—maybe even a hint of indifference—before his gaze settled on us.
We were all staring at him, stunned. I didn’t feel any ill intent from him, but appearing in our back yard unannounced probably wasn’t the smartest move. Especially after last night.
“Who the hell are you?” Cash demanded, standing.
“Me?” The man strode forward. Egyptian runes inked his skin, and his slitted, serpentine eyes found mine. “I’m Apep. I’m here with a message from Nova.”
Everyone relaxed a little at the mention of Nova, and a flicker of amusement touched Apep’s otherwise dry expression.
I stood and spoke, keeping my tone even despite the spike in my pulse. I already knew what this was. “I’m guessing it’s time?”
“Yes. Nova arrived through a portal last night, and she’s calling for everyone to gather. I have a portal prepared for you, when you’re ready.”
So helpful. I had a feeling that was unusual for him.
“We’ll need about an hour to pack and say our goodbyes,” I said, doing my best to sound unfazed.
But now that it was real, nerves twisted in my gut.
Who the hell did I think I was, going off to war?
It sounded like something out of a book, not real life life.
Says the woman who’s a member of a literal ‘extinct’ species.
“Of course. I’ll return in an hour and a half—human time,” Apep said with a smirk.
And then he was gone.
“Human time,” Adriel echoed. “Never heard it called that before.”
“Holy shit,” Nelson muttered.
I turned toward him, frowning. “What?”
“That was Apep. He’s a primordial Egyptian god.”
Oh. Cormac chuckled. “Well, glad he’s on our side.”
No kidding.
Trying to shift gears, I looked to my men, then over to Cormac’s side of the table. With a determined nod, I pushed down the remnants of celebration and spoke evenly. “Let’s get ready. I don’t want Nova waiting on us.”
I didn’t say it out loud, but I had an eerie feeling the dark ones were closer than we realized. The skies—the entire universe—had been too quiet this evening, and that was never a good sign.
“Oh! I have something for you, Lorcan,” Elora said brightly. “Also for you two,” she added, looking at Elliot and Quinn as she stood. “Meet me in the foyer!”
Curiosity got the better of me, and I followed her into the house as my men slipped into logistics mode behind me.
I caught snippets of conversation—Desmond letting his parents know, others alerting our allies, and the Reid brothers planning to run to their family’s estate to grab weapons from a vault I hadn’t known existed until Nova’s crew raided it for their Demonic realm mission. Maker, that felt like ages ago.
“Do you have a present for us? I love presents,” Quinn said as Elora stepped outside toward their large SUV. I leaned near the front door beside Elliot, both of us watching curiously.
“It is a present. I haven’t had a chance to do work like this in ages,” Elora said cheerfully. “I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned it, but up until a century or two ago, I was really into metal work. I was even a blacksmith during medieval times.”
“Damn that’s cool,” Elliot admitted.
“But then I got accused of witchcraft…because my work was infused with magic.” Elora heaved an exaggerated sigh, pulling out three large bags.
“That’s badass.” Quinn chuckled.
“The witchcraft part—but also the blacksmith thing,” I added.
Elora grinned and handed us each a bag. “If you think that’s cool, wait until you see the actual work.”
Carrying my bag to the center of the foyer, I sat on the ground and began to unpack it. My eyes widened, and I looked up at her in surprise.
“Is this armor?” I asked, stunned.
“Custom battle armor,” she confirmed with a wink. “Figured us girls could match.”
“Ah!” Elliot cheered. “I love it.”
“No, seriously, this is gorgeous,” Quinn said in awe.
“That’s an understatement,” I murmured, running my fingers over the plates.
The armor practically hummed with siren magic.
It was made of intricate silver and steel platework, polished chrome tones with magical blue accents that flowed like water beneath the surface.
The armbands, shoulder guards, and chest plate bore celestial patterns etched in metal.
The waist and hip segments were more flexible, crafted for movement.
When my fingers brushed over them, my magic intertwined with Elora’s and the armor glowed—almost as if it was greeting me.
“Elora…” I looked up at her, overwhelmed. “Thank you. Seriously.”
Her eyes lit with warmth. “Of course. You deserve armor that reflects your purpose in this. You all do.”
Her words hit deep, and for a moment I just nodded, caught in the rush of emotion.
“I didn’t even think about armor, truth be told,” Quinn said.
Elliot laughed. “Yeah, because the bar fights in the Demonic realm were all fists, not swords.”
Their levity eased the moment. I repacked the armor slowly, my chin lifting with pride as I stood. I would wear this in battle like a true warrior. I might not fight like Nova, with a sword or searing magic, but I had my own purpose. My own destiny. And I was ready to own it.
After another round of thanks to Elora, I brought the armor upstairs to show my men before finishing my packing. It wasn’t until I was nearly done—folding up small personal items like my toothbrush and deodorant—that a soft knock sounded on the door.
“Hey!” Maggie chirped as she entered, Fluff perched on her shoulder and Woody padding loyally at her feet. “I wanted to give you something before you leave.”
Crouching down as Woody came to sit in my lap, I smiled. “That’s really sweet of you, Maggie.”
“I can’t take all the credit—Mr. and Mrs. Nadar helped me make it,” she said, sitting beside me and presenting a beaded bracelet.
I made a curious sound as I reached for it, noting the soft curl of smoke protectively wrapping each bead.
Sliding it onto my wrist, I instantly felt the hum of warding magic.
“This is awesome,” I said sincerely. “I can feel how strong it is. This was your idea?”
“Yep.” She grinned. “They just helped bring it to life. I’m glad you like it. I made some for my brothers and the other guys too. I just wish I could do more to help. I know I can’t fight, but?—”
“Hey.” I cut her off gently. “You’re doing plenty.
You’re holding down the compound with Jeanie, Nelson, and the Nadars.
You’re watching Woody and Fluff. You’re going to be the person everyone in the pride turns to when they’re scared and have questions.
You’re doing more than enough. Probably too much. ”
That seemed to brighten her, her shoulders straightening. “You’re right. You’re totally right. Maybe I’ll plan a pride night—a pool party or something—to help people relax.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” I said with a sincere smile. “And thank you for the bracelet. I’m keeping this on through the entire battle—and probably long after.”
“Woody’s going to miss you,” she said softly after a long moment, as I scratched the puppy’s ears.
“I’m going to miss him too, but he knows he’s got an important job—keeping you and Fluff safe. And when we get back, maybe we can build them a pet house with air conditioning in the back yard.”
Maggie’s giggle was full of warmth. “You spoil them.”
“Maggie?” One of the Nadar brothers appeared in the doorway. “Everything good?”
“He could tell I was getting emotional,” Maggie teased with a knowing look. She leaned toward me and whispered, “Sometimes that’s not always the best thing.”
“Always a good thing,” The kid countered gently.
Standing as the pets ran to greet him, I grabbed my bag and followed them downstairs, listening to their lighthearted banter.
If anything, it made me even more determined to end this war quickly.
Maggie should be thinking about teenage crushes, not cosmic battles. The sooner this was over, the better.
Mrs. Nadar waited at the bottom of the stairs. “Lorcan? Could I speak to you for a moment?”
“Of course.” I smiled, passing my bag to Draven as he walked by. He took it without comment, though I caught his little headshake—clearly unimpressed I’d even carried it downstairs myself. “What’s up?”
“The bracelet is more than a ward,” she said. “It will also infuse with any weapon you use. It may not make a massive difference, but hopefully it will help.”
“I appreciate you making anything,” I replied sincerely. “But that’s incredibly helpful.”
She smiled. “I also wanted to assure you that while we may not have met before, we are fully committed to protecting this pride—and Maggie.”
“I believe you,” I said gently. “And Dean believes you. Dean believes nobody.”
Mrs. Nadar laughed, and we made our way into the kitchen, where everyone else had gathered. My chest tightened as I looked around the room. I didn’t know if we’d all be in the same space like this again. I squeezed Jeanie’s arm as I passed, walking out onto the patio.
And right on cue, Apep appeared again in the exact same spot where he’d stood earlier. Hell, maybe he hadn’t left at all.
“How will our allies get there?” I asked, already piecing together that we weren’t just traveling across realms—we were going to an entirely different plane of existence.
“There’s a group of us coordinating the portals. Everyone involved will be transferred or has been transferred already.”
I looked at my men, and they all nodded in silent agreement. We were ready.
With a snap of his fingers, the portal appeared, a rippling, shimmering surface like liquid silver. With one last look at my men, then Cormac and his bonded, I stepped through.