《W40K Return of the Second Born》


 Prologue

    Bonds forged in blood. Trust. A shared commission to bind us. All for our father. All for the future of mankind.


    I was a fool.


    Laying in a rorschach illustration of my own blood, unable to bring myself to harm my sons, my dearest friends, even as they rip into me as a wolf tears at the flesh of a fresh kill. I saw the psyker father had assigned to me, Kairin the Shade, disappear after melting my eldest son at his infernal touch, and leaving a double in his place. This was it. I had failed, and my sons, unknowing of the deceit that blinds them, were to be my end. And yet, amidst the maelstrom that eviscerated my heart, I plucked out the feeling of pride, and gripped it tightly in my fists. My sons were not wrong. My sons were still the Unbroken.


    I looked up at my dearest friend and confidant, Custodes Curian Dredd. His metal boot pressed down on my breastplate, a bolter to my head. What I saw in his eyes haunted me. The sheer anguish of betrayal. I allowed myself to grieve in that brief moment as my sons drove off the traitors into the warp, and the other Custodes killed the reprobate who stood in Kairin¡¯s place. I died, my closest confidant believing I had betrayed him. Tears of crimson flowed from my eyes, and I slowly closed them, allowing Curian to fulfill his duty without my gaze upon him.


    I heard his armored finger clink and grind as it squeezed the trigger. The inner mechanisms whirred, clicked and danced in a morbid waltz of impending carnage. Flames erupted from the muzzle, charring my flesh as the bolt lurched through my skull.


    I was lost in the void, voices nipping at the edges of my mind like piranhas testing their prey before taking a jaw-full. They were the voices I''d heard countless times before, the cries of anguish and agony tearing away at my soul in a death by a thousand cuts. Yet it did not stop at a thousand. Nor a million. Each cycle would end abruptly, and his voice would whisper. He would offer me respite, an escape from this grim torment. He called me daughter. His voice was oh so sweet. Intelligent, thoughtful. But I knew the plague that infested his every word. His fermented breath was not of wine, but of fetid flesh. I would not fall to him.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    I know not how long I was interned in the storms of chaos as the putrid one slowly eroded me away. My soul was as worn and tattered as the clothes of a street urchin on a Hiveworld. But one day, all went silent. The quietude was somehow more tempestuous than the ones who cried out to me, and yet there was an eye in that storm. My soul was not clean enough to exist in this presence. I was too ragged, too broken. I could feel the might of the being before me, and all I knew in that moment was terror.


    "Please, father! Don''t look at me!" My voice echoed in the black, and was met with silence. I didn''t need to look to know his expression: his taciturnity carried his disappointment as slaves would carry a litter.


    When he finally spoke, it was as a terrible thunder, and a disparate whisper. "I have designs for you, my child."


    I felt my whole being go rigid. Designs? For me? A failure? I dared not question.


    "You need only speak it, and I shall obey."


    A hint of pride slipped from my father, yet I knew it was not pride in me, but for himself.


    "You will avenge yourself on the traitor, Kairin the Shade, and earn your salvation."


    Avenge myself against Kairin? But I was dead. How could my father expect me to do such a thing from behind the veil of death?


    "I will do as you command, father."


    His divine smirk could be felt across the void. "Good. Now go, my daughter. Make known the name Evaria Manoash once more."


    I finally met my father''s smug gaze for but a brief moment, and I bowed my head. "As you wish."

 Chapter 1

    The 41st Millennium, Miv''tzar System, Planet Miqdash.


    Screams ripped from Palatine Sarai Eloroch''s lips, her body failing her as she convulsed and raged against the darkness that encroached upon her mind.


    Inquisitor Fahlia Kurchen watched with detached indifference as the Adepta Sororitus fervently worked at their Sister''s wounds in the inner sanctorium. The smell of incense permeated even the stonework of the structure, pinpricks of emberic light aglow in the darkness around them, the fragrant whisps of smoke lazily drifting into the air. Candles illuminated the large space, but only just the lower area, as a bastion of darkness held the ceiling above from view. Fahlia glanced down at her chronometer.


    "It has been twenty seven days." Her scratchy voice carried a distinct business-like tone, yet the undercurrents of her words betrayed her seeming pleasure at the failure of these sisters. "Twenty seven days, and the Order of the Crimson Grail has yet to execute, or even injure, Canonness Ori Reuben. While she has managed to kill roughly half of your order."


    Fahlia tisked and leaned against a dark stone pillar, the candlelight flickering around her and making the shadows dance across her rough features. Her battle skirt rustled with the movement, the strips of cloth dragging against her grieves. Her gauntlets glinted as she lit a Lho-stick from one of the sacred candles nearby, and pinched it between her thin lips, aligned with a wrathful, crooked scar that crossed her mouth.


    Sarai cried out to the God Emperor, her pleas desperate for his salvation even as her body failed her.


    "You asked for a month to settle this issue internally, Palatine Eloroch. But I suppose this should be expected from a Sister whose pen is more worn out than her sword." Fahlia flipped a lighter in her fingers. Her chronometer chirped, and she flipped her lighter closed in that same moment. "Your time is up."


    The entire structure was racked with tremors, dust and loose mortar breaking free from the rugged stone around them. Fahlia''s vox-caster crackled and growled.


    "Inquisitor, chaos rifts are tearing open across the planet''s surface. One in particular is..."


    Fahlia narrowed her eyes. "Is what?"Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "It''s larger than the Judicial Pyre, ma''am."


    Fahlia''s fingers gripped the vox-caster tighter, the metal box straining from her crushing hand. "Send the Thunderhawks to our location for evacuation."


    "And the local government, ma''am?"


    Her lip twitched as she looked down at the still praying Sarai.


    "Inform the Planetary Governor he ought to evacuate, but to do so quietly. Cut all lines of communication: mass panic will accomplish nothing."


    Sarai turned her gaze to the Inquisitor, and in a moment her eyes flashed with a golden light.


    In a blur of movement Fahlia snapped her arm towards Sarai, her wrist mounted crossbow firing its shot as the light blinded her. She drew her power stake and lunged forward blindly, only for her weapon to hit something too solid to pierce. Her gauntlets slid from their position as she put her weight behind her thrust. As her vision slowly returned, her gaze landed on the large hand that her power stake pierced through.


    As the Inquisitor grunted and struggled, Sarai looked up at the being before her. The golden light had faded, and her gaze was transfixed. The new entity stood nearly double the height of the shortest sister of battle there, her long mahogany hair tumbling down her shoulders and bare form, almost as a dress unto itself. The being''s skin was free of blemish, and perfect in proportion. In a moment Sarai felt a peace she had not felt in an age. An indomitable will to survive and fight. Her heart swelled with a wrathful defiance against death, and she cried out in the Emperor''s name one last time before the golden light could fade. Sarai''s wounds mended before her very eyes, and the sisters around her turned their gaze to the intruder.


    The intruder spoke, her voice soothing yet stern as she addressed Fahlia. "Who are you to strike me?"


    A deep sense of fealty to this stranger stirred in Fahlia''s heart. She recalled her teachings of the disparate powers of daemons from each archenemy, and knew that to respond with anything but resolve against them could be her end. "You dare address an Inquisitor, heretic scum?"


    The being tilted her head slightly, her emerald eyes flashing with hurt, the words more devastating than the wounds in her flesh. Sarai rose to her feet and drew her power sword. The pain from the being permeated her, and her protectiveness enflamed her heart. She leveled her sword at the Inquisitor.


    "You will disengage, Inquisitor."


    Fahlia''s brow furrowed, and she spat out her Lho-stick. "I knew you were as corrupted as your Canonness!"


    "She is the answer to our prayers!" Sarai shot back, her words dripping with hope. "You dare to oppose the will of our Father?"


    The other sisters followed the lead of their Palatine and surrounded Fahlia. The inner peace and devotion rose up within her, and her will began to waver. Simultaneously, her desire to destroy the heretic burned ever brighter, tearing through it all as she stared up at the enthralling woman before her.

 Chapter 2

    Something embedded itself in my thigh. The warmth of my blood oozing from the jagged wound drew my gaze, and my eyes landed on a crossbow stake. In a moment I heard movement, and felt murderous intent. I snatched blindly in that direction, and felt a searing pain as my hand was lanced. Curling my fingers around the spear tip to keep it from piercing further, I turned my gaze to the one who wielded the lance.


    "Who are you to strike me?"


    My senses were slow to return, my body an unfamiliar vessel. I could see my assailant''s lips moving, my mind reading the motions as I was called a heretic. The word struck deep within my heart. The sting of the accusation cut deeper than the woman''s lance, and in that moment I knew that Kairin''s treachery still held fast the minds of mankind.


    I felt the woman''s synapses firing like a heavy bolter, her heart like the drumming of a thousand Astra Militarum Guardsmen marching to certain death. My lips parted to speak, but another''s voice filled the room.


    "You will disengage, Inquisitor."


    I glanced at the speaker. She was a mere human, and yet her spirit seemed to soar past that of a mere mortal. I could feel a deep connection to her, and noticed I felt more connections behind me. I couldn''t help but admire these women, standing against my assailant as they surrounded me in protection. But when the first speaker allowed the words ''prayers'' and ''father'' to fly from her lips, a chill went down my spine. Father had succeeded in spite of my failure. My gaze fell to the cold, rugged stone beneath my bare feet as the women around me contended for dominance.


    "Cease these hostilities." My voice commanded their attention, and I knelt in front of my assailant, the one they called ''Inquisitor'', her lance still piercing my hand. I held her gaze. "I understand your reservations. I willingly inter myself into your custody until such time as I can be verified."


    The Inquisitor stared at me as if she''d been struck. She slowly stirred.


    "This is some trick. You serve the Blood God, like the Canonness of these heretics."


    I wrenched the lance from the Inquisitor''s hands, and bracing myself I unsheathed it from my flesh. I held it out to her. "Khorne may be evil and desire the shedding of blood, but he holds to honorable combat. Were I a servant of his, then I would have simply slaughtered you all."


    The Inquisitor glanced at the armed women who surrounded her, her neurons firing as she clearly weighed her options.


    I set aside the pain that radiated from the wounds this mortal had inflicted on me. "I am not an agent of chaos, Inquisitor."This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    My heart lurched, and I lunged to the side. Before any could register my movement, the nearest wall exploded inward, stone fragments embedded in my skin as I tried to shield these humans. I managed to become their bulwark against the shrapnel, not a one harmed. More women stormed the room, their dark armor akin to those already present, yet colored in more grim shades.


    "Halt!"


    I couldn''t mask my surprise as the Inquisitor ordered the cessation of hostilities. I returned to my kneeling position, watching with interest as the Inquisitor commanded the newcomers.


    "She is in my custody. We will determine who, or what, she is off world."


    I spoke, and my voice echoed within the chamber. "I am Primarch Evaria Manoash, second child of the Emperor."


    I could feel their minds simply stop, and the Inquisitor slowly turned to face me.


    "You..?"


    I felt a frown touch my lips at the genuine confusion in those around me. Did they not know about me? She assumed me a heretic: she must have known. I could do nothing else but silently nod, acutely aware how this claim had put me into more dangerous waters than before.


    The Inquisitor narrowed her eyes, her desire to purge any who dared make such a heretical claim warred with her desire to work with me.


    "As I said, I give myself into your custody, Inquisitor, and submit to whatever authority you shall subject me to. I''m sure my brothers can vouch for me." I could feel their suspicion. "Unless... Did something happen to my brothers?"


    Panic began to settle in as I realized these humans, though enemies of chaos, may not be fond of my brothers.


    I expanded my reach, stretching my aura out as far as I could. My abilities had yet to fully return, even the city I was within sprawled too far for me to grasp it''s borders. But it was enough. Chaos had returned.


    "We need to leave now."


    The Inquisitor narrowed her eyes at my warning, as if offended I''d even offer a suggestion.


    "The Immaterium has breached the city. You need to enact a mass evacuation, else the Warp will corrupt everyone."


    The Inquisitor scoffed. "We needn''t bother with this world. Exterminatus will handle the corruption."


    A deep seated rage stirred in my heart, railing against the minds of those around me as I stood to my full height.


    "The duty of the empire is to her citizens. In the face of Xenos and Warp threats, it is not only our purpose, but our honor to ensure the safety and security of mankind."


    The Inquisitor''s eyes flashed with confusion, and I knew then this was not the Imperium I had fought and died for. It was a corrupted, desecated corpse grasping blindly at the last vestiges of its former glory. I needed to change my tack.


    "The more people who are turned, the more powerful the chaos daemons will become. I have seen a Champion of Chaos stop an exterminatus single handedly, simply by rending the souls of the corrupt to fuel his power."


    The Inquisitor weighed her options, then finally grabbed her vox-caster. "Judicial Pyre, enact a planetary evacuation. But ensure all vessels stay close to you, that they may be searched for corruption once we jump from the system."


    She then turned her pale grey eyes to me. "Come."

 Chapter 3

    Sarai kept close to the self proclaimed Primarch Evaria. A part of her was of a mind to kill her, and reclaim her Order''s honor by ending a suspected heretic. Yet as soon as that thought entered her mind, it was torn apart by a sense of awe at Evaria''s every movement. Sarai pulled a banner from the wall and held it up to Evaria.


    "For modesty, my lady."


    The angelic being looked down at Sarai, unadulterated gratitude and warmth spilling from her gaze. A blush creeped up on Sarai¡¯s skin, spread across her cheeks, ears and neck. It was a warm, foreign feeling as Evaria accepted the banner and wrapped herself in it. The woman bowed her head gratefully to Sarai, her gentle smile and warm, approving eyes only further endearing the Palatine¡¯s heart to her.


    Sarai cleared her throat. "Sisters! It is our duty to guard the prisoner. The Ordo Hereticus will lead the way."


    Fahlia''s head whipped around to Sarai, poison on her lips. "My Adepta Sororitas will guard the prisoner. Palatine Eloroch, your order will spearhead our advancement back to the Thunderhawks."


    Sarai took a step forward, her hand gripping her power sword tightly. Yet, before she could utter any words, Evaria placed a large hand on the Palatine''s shoulder. "Do as the Inquisitor says, child. My w-" she stopped herself, and Sarai stared up at her. "My father''s will protects."


    Unbeknownst to Sarai, Evaria¡¯s blood smeared on the exposed skin of the Palatine¡¯s shoulder through her broken Sororitas power armor. The crimson fluid sunk into the battle sister¡¯s flesh, and she felt her heart swell with boundless pride for her people, and unfathomable rage for the forces of Chaos that encroached upon them.


    "Sisters, we will lead the way. To me!"


    The Inquisitor watched, dumbfounded, as Sarai and her remaining order members followed her. Sarai glanced at one of her sisters.


    "Hanai, send out this message: every sister of the Order is to assist in the evacuation, and to get aboard a vessel themselves. Martyrdom here will not bring the atonement we seek: the God Emperor has provided us an alternate path to glory."Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Hanai relayed the message through her vox-caster. As responses started coming back, they were suddenly cut off. Sarai led her sisters through the breach in the wall that the Ordo Hereticus sisters had made, the rest following close behind with Evaria amidst the Inquisition''s Sororitas. They made their way down dark and silent corridors. Candles cast intermittent light in the gloomy stone pathways. Sharp chains hung from the darkness above, censers dragging the chains down like weighters. The aroma of incense remained ever present. The only sound was the metal clad boot steps of the Adepta Sororitas, and the soft slapping of Evaria''s bare feet on the damp stone. Her eyes widened.


    "Stop-"


    She rushed forward at dizzying speeds as a warp tear ripped open before them. She came to blows with two large crimson daemons, the symbol of Khorne branded on their foreheads. Sharp teeth snapped at her, their dead white eyes still somehow burning with an insatiable fury. Each bore an enflamed greatsword in their claws that they swung with unreserved ferocity. Their skin was left bare, save for a loincloth the color of dried blood, girded with skulls that clattered against one another with each movement. Smaller twisted creatures, reminiscent of hairless maroon minotaurs, rushed through the portal and assaulted the sisters of battle.


    Sarai and her sisters ran into the fight without hesitation or regard for their own safety, the Palatine herself moving like a whirlwind of blades and bolter rounds. Fahlia was stunned for a brief moment, awe creeping in at the administrator''s sudden prowess. The moment was short lived however, and Fahlia joined the fray with her battle sisters. With each beast of the Immaterium that they felled, the remainder only grew stronger. Sisters began falling to their foes, torn asunder by crushing blows that rent armor and shattered bone. Yet for the Order of the Crimson Grail, their cries were that of pride and war, no pain, nor tears shed amongst them as their sisters fell. The stones ran red with the blood of warriors from both sides, the bodies piling up. And yet still more minions of the Blood God spilled through the portal.


    One of the Ordo Hereticus sisters cut a Khornate warrior in twain with her chainsword. "What are we to do, Inquisitor?"


    Before Fahlia could reply, an all too familiar power sword made the sister''s head topple, her body dropping to its knees. She was left staring up at a Khornate space marine, his skin rippling with corruption. His voice the grating roar of a chainsword, he bellowed the warcry of his infernal master.


    "Blood for the Blood God!"

 Chapter 4

    I was thrown against the wall by one of the beasts of Khorne. A heady mixture of panic and dread filled my heart as the reality of my weakened state set in. I felt the stone crack, so I ducked beneath the next strike. As its fist crashed upon the stones, I came up with a blow to its chin that snapped its head back. I felt its neck crack, and the sound brought a semblance of satisfaction and confidence amidst my earlier anxiety, if only by a little. Swiftly I kicked the other Bloodletter, but it managed to block my blow, though its claws did cut through the stone as the force pushed it back. They were getting stronger the more that died, and yet I could not use my full strength. This weakness tore into me, only serving to make my near nakedness more pronounced.


    The bloodletter swung once more, and I let loose a flurry of blows to each of its ribs until they began to crack. In a cry of rage I punched through its ribcage and tore out its heart with my uninjured hand. The look of blissful victory on the face of the creature stirred deep revulsion in me. I crushed its still beating heart, the viscera splattering to the stone at my feet. Grabbing one of their swords, I used it to clear a path through the Khornate warriors, until I saw an affront to nature: the son of one of my brothers, twisted by Khorne. I was in shock, frozen as he beheaded one of the Inquisitor''s guards. His armor was as red as the blood spilt on the stone floors, brass framing the crimson hues and adorned with the bones of his fallen adversaries. It was battered and worn, the lower half of his faceplate torn off to reveal his sharp, gruesome maw of teeth. The greatsword he wielded seemed partly made from bone, the bloodied blade cleaving through any and all who stood before him. I lunged forward and slammed my injured hand into his face, forcing my blood into his mouth after he uttered the Khornate warcry.


    I watched his eyes go wide as he cut into my arm, desperate to be free of my grasp. Yet I did not yield. In a fit of defiance he opened his mouth further and clamped his teeth down on my hand, which only served to flood his mouth with more of my blood, hastening his downfall. Once he had gone limp in my arms, I gently lay him down.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "Rest now, dear nephew. The nightmare is over."


    I turned and surveyed the fight: we were losing. The one called Sarai''s forces weren''t enough. Not as they were. Only Sarai kept pace with the demons.


    "Inquisitor, we need to fall back."


    "There''s nowhere to fall back to!" The Inquisitor made to drive her power stake through the Khornate marine, but I gripped her wrist.


    "He is not a threat. Focus on the others."


    "I will put an end to this corrupted thing!"


    "I already have, Inquisitor." I forcefully turned her towards the demons. "We fight here and now, against our true enemies."


    The Inquisitor made to snarl, but before she could speak she was forced to fight some of the lesser demons. I closed my eyes and focused, bringing to bear my full psyche on the women around me. They all perked up, filled with my will as it pushed them beyond the limits of their bodies.


    It took too much. I was too out of practice, and I fell to my knees, barely maintaining it. As my will wavered, so did theirs. My eyes tightened, and I held myself as I felt my mind begin to fade. My thoughts turned to desperate cries from the depths of my soul. Please, please father... Do not let it end here...


    The air crackled with an unknown energy, and I opened my eyes to see Adeptus Astartes in blood red armor, standing taller than any marine should. Their pauldrons bore a soft cream color, and a black bird spread it''s wings in flight with a drop of blood on the body. I could do nothing but stare as they tore through the demons before them.


    "Sisters, fall back and cover our Lady!"


    My heart soared. Tears of crimson flowed freely from my eyes as I felt their hearts, their connection to mine. I felt the smile on my lips, the pride in my heart; the last things I registered before I passed out.

 Chapter 5

    Screams echoed across the darkened landscape, exciting the metal spikes that had been driven into his skull to pierce his brain. He groped in the dark until his hands found purchase, his fingers digging into whatever had been unfortunate enough to be in front of him. Bloodlust crashed over him and took control. He drove his fingers through the flesh of the being before him, until lightning flashed and thunder rolled. As the sky ignited and illuminated the field of blood and bones upon which he stood, before him was the woman who¡¯d just bested him. He didn¡¯t recognize her, yet he knew her still. Her presence reminded him of the Primarchs he¡¯d met in the Great Crusade, before Horus had led them in revolution against the false Emperor. But there was something¡­ off, about her.


    Amidst the anguish, terror and pain of Khorne¡¯s Realm in which he now stood, she was serene. His rage and thirst for her blood were quelled by the delicate smile that graced her lips, but when his eyes met hers, his blood boiled as what he saw there was pity. With a howling cry he tore into her, his bare fingers ripping through her neck and severing her head from her shoulders. He basked in the fountain of her blood, a moment¡¯s reprieve from the agony that the Butcher¡¯s Nails in his skull usually inflicted upon him.


    *    *    *


    Fahlia watched in abject awe as the Blood Raven Terminators laid waste to their foes in a storm of plasma and metal. She''d yet to experience such a spectacle, but even as they did so, she couldn''t shake the words of the leader of their saviors: Evaria was ''his lady''.


    Sarai and her sisters fell back, deferring to the Blood Raven''s authority. The palatine noticed Hanai''s body and dragged her back behind the terminator line.


    "May you rest in the Emperor''s light, sister."


    She grabbed the vox-caster and attached it to her own armor. Reports came flooding in from across the planet of Blood Raven Astartes dropping in and assisting in the evacuation. The rift before them closed, and the terminators turned. One strode forward, his boot steps threatening to crack the stone beneath him. Fahlia moved between them and Evaria.


    "She is my prisoner."


    The Blood Raven stared at her, his helmet concealing any expression at her defiance.


    "She willfully submitted to the Inquisitor," Sarai added. "She submits to the authority of the Lords of Terra."


    The Terminator turned his emotionless gaze to the sister, who stood proudly.


    "I am of the same mind as you, brother. But it is her will."


    The Terminator returned his gaze to Fahlia. "Then I will carry her, Inquisitor."


    Fahlia narrowed her eyes. "So you can make off with her, as your kind do with everything else within your grasp?"


    One of the terminators spun up his assault cannon, and Fahlia tensed as she prepared herself to be cut down by the heretics before her. The kneeling Blood Raven put one hand on the end of his brother''s weapon, the barrels grinding against his gauntlet as he forcefully lowered it.


    "If it is our mother''s will, then we shall do everything in our power to bring about that end.¡± The Terminator returned his gaze to Fahlia. "You and the sisters will not be able to carry her. Allow me the honor."


    Fahlia''s jaw muscles tensed as the rest of her body relaxed. She knew she was cornered. Sarai would side with the Blood Ravens, and even without her the three Terminators could eviscerate Fahlia and her Ordo Hereticus Sororitas with ease.


    "Then the honor is yours."


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    The Terminator bowed his head as Fahlia stepped to the side. He reverently slid his armored hands beneath Evaria, tenderly lifting her into the air and holding her close. This specialized power armor was clearly not a recent acquisition for its wearer.


    "Brothers, lead the charge. Sisters of the Inquisition, you will make up the rear guard. Lash the fallen marine to my back. Sisters of the Crimson Grail, you will move as needed to the front or rear. Palatine Eloroch and Inquisitor Kurchen, you both will remain with me to command as needed."


    Fahlia wanted to protest, but her gaze fell on the terrifying weapons wielded by these monstrous feats of Imperium engineering. Still, she couldn''t let the order go.


    "I approve."


    The words passed by her lips as if she was in a position to veto the decision, maintaining some semblance of Inquisitorial Authority. The two other Terminators lead the way forward, their heavy footsteps rattling the stonework around them. The sisters quickly lashed the chaos marine to the Terminator''s back. Fahlia glanced up at the Blood Raven carrying Evaria''s unconscious form as they walked down the once hallowed halls of the convent.


    "What is your name?"


    He didn''t hesitate. "Lieutenant Simeon Orlochan."


    "A lieutenant in Terminator armor?" Fahlia scoffed. "You''ll have to try harder than that."


    "We do not give out ranks that aren''t earned, Inquisitor." Simeon glanced about, and she noticed a tome on his hip.


    "You... You''re a librarian?"


    "I am."


    She tightened her grip on her power stake.


    "I am not corrupted, Inquisitor. To be in my mother''s presence protects me. Her will becomes my own."


    Fahlia narrowed her eyes.


    "She is far outside of your jurisdiction, Inquisitor. Her realm is of the Lords of Terra, the Imperial Regent, and the Lion. While I submit to her will to be vetted, I will not allow you to harm her further." He glanced at the stake still in Evaria''s thigh. "We will be her guard, no matter where our mother is, or for how long, until she deems elsewise."


    Fahlia returned her gaze to scouring their surroundings. "So you would betray the Imperium for her?"


    "We follow our Primarch, the Incorruptible."


    A chill went through Fahlia. "If she''s incorruptible, then why is her name, her description, her very existence beyond the number ''two'' expunged, even from Inquisitorial records?"


    Simeon fell silent. Were it not for his crimson helmet, she could know whether it was shame or defiance that clouded the Blood Raven''s visage and held his tongue, and the mechanical gait of the armor betrayed nothing of the enhanced being''s true emotions.


    Her head snapped forward as she heard shots erupt from the terminators ahead of them, but before she could act the symphony of death ceased. A chill went through her once more as she was pulled back to staring down the barrels of the assault cannon. She shook herself from it and looked to Sarai, who''d since donned Hannai''s helmet, covering her face. The Palatine was single handedly orchestrating the Order of the Crimson Grail''s forces across the planet while coordinating with their Blood Raven comrades.


    It was too much blood.


    That thought smashed through Fahlia''s mind. The Order''s name should have been cause for suspicion from the beginning, and the Astartes Chapter had always been a mystery, with heretics rising from the Librarians. Yet, she was at their mercy. If nothing else, the Judicial Pyre could track her location and fire upon them. She held tightly to the small comfort that her martyrdom could end a demon as she glanced at Evaria. She still felt the powerful being¡¯s presence to her very core, even as she was unconscious. But she wasn''t going to let it interfere with her mission. Whatever vessel the Blood Ravens had brought on such short notice couldn''t be a match for the Judicial Pyre.


    A smile crept across her lips, and they neared the main gate, the sound of warfare getting all the louder. The Terminator''s glanced at Simeon, who nodded. They opened the doors, and Fahlia stepped out, her gaze on the sky, searching for a Blood Raven Light cruiser. She was not prepared for the colossal veritable mobile fortress that loomed over the city. Her gaze dropped to the two dreadnoughts that flanked the open courtyard, covering civilians that ran towards the Thunderhawks that ferried them up to the battle barge. Her ire fell on a particular Astartes that stood in the middle of the courtyard, organizing the evacuation efforts. A great hammer adorned his back, and her blood ran cold as she recognized Chapter Master Gabriel Angelos. The battle barge above them was no mere warship, but the home of the Blood Raven Chapter, the Omnis Arcanum.

 chapter 6

    I was still weak. I could feel my body failing me, and my mind was the murky fog of a bogworld. Yet my eyes cracked open and were met by skies painted in the blood of the fallen. My senses returned to me one by one after that. I felt the cold hybridized material of the arms that carried me, and my gaze turned to find it was one of my sons. My heart swelled with pride and love, until the smell distracted me. The tainted stench of chaos permeated everything, including the blood that stained the armor of my sons and the warrior maidens.


    It had been so long since the whirlwind of scents that battle with chaos could muster had invaded my nose. I sneezed, to my surprise. The sound boomed out, and my son shifted. I realized I''d just interrupted an important argument as the Inquisitor glared at me, yet a son I¡¯d yet to meet knelt before me. My other sons who weren''t fighting did the same, and I brought my voice to bear.


    "Do not kneel for me, my sons. Please. Focus on saving as many as you can."


    The others immediately rose to their feet and organized into teams before marching off into the city. My son who seemed in charge rose to his feet, his one remaining eye locked on me.


    "I am Gabriel Angelos, Chapter Master of the Blood Ravens."


    I pat my son''s shoulder, and he allowed me to stand, though I kept a hand on his shoulder to steady myself. "I am Primarch Evaria Manoash, second born of the Emperor."


    I held out my hand to him. He seemed confused, then took it. I used him to step forward and embrace him. His confusion seemed to grow, yet so did a sense of belonging. I could feel it.


    "I missed you all so much."


    Tears of crimson broke free from my eyes.


    "Thank you for coming for me."


    I felt him hesitantly return the embrace, and I kissed his forehead before disengaging, though I still held his arm to steady myself.


    "Tell me, my child. How goes the evacuation?"


    "We ought to evacuate you, my lady."


    I shook my head and pat his arm. "Tell me."


    I could feel it within him. An aversion to affection, as if he were afraid of this new figure in his life.


    "We''ve gotten thirty two percent of the population."


    A smile spread across my lips. "That''s wonderful news. Far better than I expected... Can you show me where the Immaterium Tears are?"


    He led me to a table and began to show me the world map. I felt someone''s gaze boring into the back of my head: the Inquisitor. But my people were more important.


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    "Abandon efforts in Sector''s 3, 5, and 8. Anais Quadrant should be bombarded without restraint. Do not allow anyone to go near Kili City. It will bring only death."


    I could feel Gabriel''s unease, and I smiled. "If that works for you, of course. I wouldn''t want to override you, but for Kili City. That one is a direct order."


    "I will trust your stratagem, my lady."


    Yet, I felt no trust. I could handle that for the time being: I had his loyalty.


    "Thank you, Gabriel. Now, I believe I am to go with the Inquisitor here-"


    "I protest, my lady." Gabriel paused, then bowed his head. "Respectfully, may I speak?"


    I smiled and pat his arm. "Of course, my son."


    He lowered his voice. "Every Blood Raven will attest that you are our Primarch, as will members of the other chapter''s our brothers were split off to."


    I nodded and leaned down to whisper in turn. "I understand, and I appreciate you. All of you. However. I have missed much, and this will be the quickest way to be vetted and to get answers of my own."


    "We have amassed greater knowledge than the rest of the Imperium combined." Gabriel''s voice was low and urgent, his gaze resting on the Inquisitor.


    "I need to see my brothers." I smiled and kissed his cheek. "Everything will turn out as it should, my precious son. But I will permit you and your exquisite vessel to escort the Inquisitor''s to wherever they take me."


    "I would have even if you''d ordered me not to."


    I laughed softly, a glint of humor in my eyes. "You remind me of an old friend, Gabriel. I look forward to many years working alongside one another."


    Gabriel bowed his head. "As do I, my lady."


    I looked out at the horizon, then closed my eyes. "May I have a communication device connected to the planetary PA system?"


    He immediately provided it.


    Fahlia stormed forward. "Wait!"


    Gabriel turned his cycloptic gaze to Fahlia. "The only reason you and your Ordo Hereticus sisters still stand is my lady has deemed it so. Do not presume to hold authority here, Inquisitor."


    Fahlia''s face went crimson, and I placed a hand on Gabriel''s shoulder. "Please, my son. Don''t act with such hostilities. She only acts as is within her role."


    I turned my gaze to Fahlia. "May I please address my sons, and my people?"


    Fahlia glanced at the Blood Ravens that surrounded them, and the two dreadnoughts.


    "Yes, but make it brief."


    I bowed my head. "Thank you." Taking in a breath, I brought the Vox-caster to my lips, my voice projected across the world.


    "My sons and daughters, hear my voice and know me. I am Evaria Manoash, your Primarch, the Incorruptible. I will liberate you from the clutches of Khorne, and you will be mine once more."


    I felt my tears running down my cheeks, and I knew my words must have felt hollow. But I did not waver. "I love you, my children. I will return."


    I could feel lives being snuffed out and twisted throughout the area.


    "Finish the evacuation in half an hour, Gabriel. To stay any longer will only feed Khorne."


    I watched his will falter, guilt overriding his heart.


    "But my lady, to give up is to condemn-"


    I smiled and took his armored hands in mine, and his eyes returned to see my crimson tears. The pain in my heart flowed outwards, touching all in the area. "I know. But we must leave before we too are swallowed in Khorne''s lust for blood. This world is lost once more."


    His jaw muscles tensed, but he nodded and gave the order. I turned to Fahlia. "Let us depart."

 Chapter 7

    Crimson rivers flowed through the realm of bones. It permeated everything, spilling forth from mountains of skulls. Across the fields warriors from all eras, races and creeds were locked in eternal conflict, daemons jumping in to fight the victors. Beraal ripped through a fellow World Eater with his bare hands, the Butcher¡¯s Nails in his skull sang a rapturous war hymn. He basked in the blood of his fallen opponent, and ripped the skull from his foe, the spine following along. It snapped at the air, blood flung in every direction. Before he could offer the skull he was beset by a lesser daemon. He turned on the crimson skinned creature and whipped it with the spine, a gash slashed across its chest from the sharp bone. He tackled it to the bones beneath their feet, and blood surged from below. He wrapped the spine around the daemon¡¯s neck, placed his boot on its back and pulled. The spine sliced into the daemon¡¯s neck, and a blood curdling howl ripped from its maw. He twisted and wrenched the spine until its wretched head was severed from its wretched body. Yet its scream continued to ring in his ears in an awful symphony. Once more he turned to the skull throne that loomed in the distance, bones crushed beneath his boots. He suddenly stopped, his body a traitor to his will. His hands trembled, and he dropped the World Eater and daemon skulls. A cry broke through his throat as one of his Butcher¡¯s Nails was ripped from his skull.


    * * *


    Sarai stood beside Evaria, Simeon flanking her other side as the Thunderhawk''s engines roared. Simeon stared down the Ordo Hereticus sisters that surrounded them. Evaria knelt in the middle of the compartment, her eyes closed as she held the World Eater Marine''s head in her lap, her thumbs gently caressing his cheeks. His armor had been removed, leaving him only in his carapace. The brink of a short and bloody conflict loomed between those gathered, all knowing that Evaria could be the one to start and end it in the blink of an eye. Eventually the Thunderhawk landed aboard the Judicial Pyre. Evaria opened her eyes and looked up to Simeon.


    "Please carry your cousin."


    Without question Simeon knelt and picked up the World Eater. Evaria managed to get to her feet and held onto Someone''s shoulder for balance.


    "Inquisitor, do you intend to remove the stake from my thigh and provide me medical attention, or leave it as an inhibitor?"


    Fahlia narrowed her eyes at the large woman. "I think I''ll leave it, so long as you won''t bleed out from it."


    "I''ve suffered worse." Evaria leaned against Simeon a bit as the doors opened. "I ask then that you provide me with Simeon, that I may have someone to help me around."


    Fahlia was about to protest, but then a conceited smirk crawled along her lips. "Yes, so long as he relinquishes his Terminator armor."


    Simeon growled and almost turned towards Fahlia in defiance, but he stopped, as the movement would have made Evaria lose her balance.


    Evaria spoke, her tone calm and measured. "Agreed, but the armor goes back to the Blood Ravens. It is their property, after all. I would also ask for some proper clothes, for the sake of modesty. This banner only does so much."


    Fahlia weighed her options, and realizing the Blood Raven Terminators could just teleport aboard her vessel and force the issue, she acquiesced.


    "I shall grant your request."


    Evaria bowed her head. "You have my thanks, Inquisitor. I will wait in the hangar here for Simeon''s return." She turned her gaze to Simeon as she took the World Eater from him.


    "Please tell your brother Gabriel that I wish for him to closely monitor the rescued civilians for corruption. Any that are to be imprisoned, do not put down. I''ll do for them as I''ve done for your cousin here." She held the World Eater a little tighter. Simeon nodded as Evaria exited the craft. Adeptus Mechanicus, servitors, and Navis Imperialis sailors all looked up in awe and alarm at the being before them, already having gathered at the feeling of her presence as she embarked upon the Judicial Pyre. She took a few steps with as much dignity as she could muster, then knelt and cradled the World Eater''s head on her lap once more. She met Simeon''s gaze.


    "I won''t allow them to take me anywhere without you, my son. Perhaps if you and your brothers have some clothes prepared for me, you could bring them."


    Simeon looked to Sarai, and they shared a wordless moment. The sister of battle nodded, and moved to stand beside Evaria.


    Simeon departed on the Thunderhawk.


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    "Sarai, was it?"


    Sarai immediately turned and dropped to one knee before Evaria. "Yes my lady!"


    Evaria laughed softly and placed her hand under the young woman''s chin, lifting her gaze. "You needn''t kneel, young one. Sit with me."


    Sarai''s heart raced, and once more a blush blossomed in her cheeks as Evaria pulled back her hand and returned to caring for the World Eater. She nodded and knelt beside her.


    "And you may call me Evaria, Sarai. I prefer being on a first name basis with people, unless the situation calls elsewise."


    "Of course, Evaria." Sarai watched as Evaria tenderly held the World Eater. Her heart almost stopped as she felt the shift in the fallen Astartes, and noticed Evaria carefully removing pieces of technology from his head. The dread of Khorne''s influence was fading all the more with each piece removed. Her whole body tingled with fascination and awe. Once the Primarch had finished removing the pieces, she removed the bandage around her hand and held it on the wounds left behind, her blood mingling with the Astartes.


    "So tell me, Sarai. What is your organization? It is clear there are different sects, akin to the Astartes, yet I sense all of the women so far are only human."


    "We are." Sarai smiled. "It is through our faith in the God Emperor that we achieve more than we ever could alone. And you are right that there are different orders."


    "And yours is..?"


    Sarai''s gaze fell in devastated shame. "The Order of the Crimson Grail. An order now..."


    "Now?"


    "In disgrace."


    Evaria smiled gently and nudged the battle sister with her elbow. "I''m proud of you."


    Sarai went eerily still, as though the words had cut through to her very core.


    "I don''t know what it is that you think has you fallen from grace, but the way you fought today, your loyalty..." Evaria gave her a gentle side hug, careful not to touch her Vox Network equipment. "I am as proud of you as I am my sons."


    Tears stung Sarai''s eyes as the last month of failure came down on her.


    "Their Canonness turned to worship the Blood God." Fahlia''s sneer was palpable.


    "And?"


    Fahlia blinked a few times at Evaria''s casual dismissal as she comforted Sarai.


    "Every group is made of people, Inquisitor. As such, there will always be failures and traitors."


    Evaria smiled gently as the World Eater opened his eyes. Evaria tenderly gripped his head, keeping him in place, yet it wasn''t necessary as he simply stared up at Evaria with wide eyes.


    "Hello, nephew."


    The World Eater remained silent, his eyes slowly clearing.


    "Welcome back."


    His lips moved to form words, yet no sounds broke free from his throat.


    Fahlia noticed the Astartes awaken, and she pulled her power stake. "What did you do to him?"


    "I freed him. Well, am freeing him. His journey to recovery will take time..." The self proclaimed Primarch turned her verdant gaze to Fahlia, whose heart raced. "I would like to request he remain with me. I want to continue his treatment."


    Fahlia glanced down at the World Eater and saw something that made her body tremble with chills: there was untold depths of peace in the fallen astartes'' eyes.


    "I-I don''t..." Fahlia cleared her throat. "Everybody clear the landing platform save the Ordo Hereticus Sisters, now!"


    The crew glanced at one another, then turned their gaze to Evaria, as if awaiting her permission.


    Evaria noticed their collective gaze, and with one look dismissed them. Fahlia''s chest rose and fell as she tried to grapple with the power the being before her had. Lesser minds fell to her will from mere proximity. She herself struggled as two sides warred within her, one declaring that she must turn over this potential heretic to the Inquisition, and the other side wanting nothing more than to simply sit and have a conversation with her.


    Once the crew had departed, Fahlia took a few agonizing steps closer to Evaria. The World Eater heard her, and glanced at her momentarily before returning his gaze to Evaria''s. Fahlia began to wonder if Evaria was telepathic, communicating wordlessly with the fehl Astartes in her care.


    "I''m not a telepath."


    Fahlia froze.


    "And no, I did not read your mind just now either." Evaria turned her gaze to Fahlia, her eyes somehow carrying a motherly quality while simultaneously seeing to her very core. "Those powers are beyond me. Malcador, Father and brother Magnus were the few I knew of that could do so skillfully without being dedicated astropaths. Now, as for my request?"


    Fahlia''s gaze flicked between the two, the Inquisitor within her raging at the idea of allowing such a prisoner to do as she is, yet she also knew that her own command might be subject to mutiny should she refuse.


    "I will allow it, but you must give me something in return."


    Evaria giggled, a soft, feminine sound that Fahlia had not heard even in her childhood. Evaria began to lean towards her, not aware of her arm getting closer to Sarai¡¯s Vox equipment.


    "Of course, Inquisitor. I''m not sure what I could possibly give as I am, but-" Evaria went still, her gaze unfocusing. Before Fahlia could speak, she felt a blast of emotions rip into her. An overwhelming rage and sorrow that threatened to swallow her whole. It forced her to her knees, as it did the battle sisters present. Only Sarai and the fehl Astartes seemed to manage to stay afloat amidst the raging hurricane. Fahlia cried out and curled up on the floor as the other sisters all fell to various states of distress, the collective cries of the sisters and many workers in the hangar echoing to be louder and louder in a catastrophic symphony of sorrow.

 Chapter 8

    I made a mistake. I accidentally touched Sarai''s vox-caster, and was opened up to the world below as hell rained down from the Omnis Arcanum, cleansing the face of the planet. I felt each and every soul lost as it was snuffed out of existence, my people eviscerated from this plane of existence. In that moment, I lost all reason. I was overcome by their terror and pain, and I couldn''t keep from projecting out my own sorrow and rage. Those closest to me fell near catatonic, the ones further away had their hearts torn asunder as they experienced the breadth and depths of my pain. By the time I''d reined my heart in, it was too late. All but Sarai and my nephew had fallen into despair. Sarai''s expression betrayed her being overwhelmed, but she did not falter. I looked down at myself; I had sweat blood alongside my normal crimson tears. It had been so long since I''d lost myself in such a way. My nephew had simply passed out, and I turned my gaze to the Inquisitor.


    "Sarai, please bring her to me."


    I watched as Sarai approached the Inquisitor, her gait predatory.


    "Gently, please."


    Sarai''s demeanor shifted, though only slightly. She carefully disarmed the Inquisitor and brought her, struggling, to me. I held out my arms, and Sarai handed her off to me. I held her close as she struggled.


    "You''re safe, daughter of man."


    I fought within to shift my emotional state. I needed to change it, to bring about an inner peace that would help those around me after the emotional wounds I just inflicted upon them. I closed my eyes and tried to focus on my friends, but my heart was torn asunder as I knew they must be dead by now. My brother''s likely lost in some cataclysmic event. Father now resided in the Immaterium in some manner, else he''d have been there when I awoke. I was alone. Even my sons were not the sons I had with me in my life before. That feeling crushed me, which only made the others around me worse.


    The roar of Thunderhawk engines drew my attention as it flew in and landed. The doors opened, and my son Simeon disembarked, a dress I remembered from my last life folded over his arm, and a massive raven on his shoulder. The Raven''s breast feathers made a crimson teardrop, and I felt my spirit soar as it launched from Simeon''s shoulder and collided with me.


    "Navah?"


    She croaked at me, and I leaned my head into her affections. Slowly, the people around me came out of their distress as I felt everything within calm. The Inquisitor pushed off of me and reached for her power stake, only to find she''d been disarmed.


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    "Sarai, please return her armaments."


    I could feel Sarai''s discontent with my request, but she ultimately complied. I felt a smile grace my lips, and gently pet Navah as the Inquisitor leveled her power stake at me.


    "First, please allow me to apologize, Inquisitor. I did not intend for what happened to happen. I accidentally touched Sarai''s vox-caster, and wasn''t prepared for it."


    "Explain." The Inquisitor''s gaze was filled with fear and rage, her knuckles likely white beneath her gauntlets.


    "My ability as Primarch is to... Hmm... I''ve never actually had to explain it before."


    I stared off for a moment, grasping at errant ideas and concepts to try and explain it simply.


    "I can... Interact with the spirits around me. I can control how far, but there is always a large area around me that is affected whether I want it to or not. Those who carry my blood are more deeply connected to me, and the... Effect is filtered. Hence why Sarai was still standing."


    Sarai blinked a few times and looked to me.


    "But I never..?"


    "My blood got on your skin back in the convent. I did so to give you a boon for the combat I assumed would come."


    Sarai only seemed to swell with pride at her newfound connection to me.


    "Yes, this makes you my daughter now, if you''ll have me."


    Sarai''s pride seemed to outclass her physical presence, and Simeon approached and knelt with the dress.


    "My lady-"


    "Evaria, or I''ll accept mother as well. That was once quite common..." My eyes flashed with amusement. "I recall you calling me that back in the convent before upon our first meeting."


    He paused, then continued.


    "Mother, I have brought the dress you wore to Imperial Gatherings, and as you know Navah. We cared for both, and upon request we will return your armor to you as well."


    I smiled and bowed my head. "Thank you, Simeon. I trust Gabriel will follow us to wherever it is I''m being taken?"


    "Yes, mother. The Omnis Arcanum will finish the Exterminatus shortly." I watched Simeon turn his gaze to the Inquisitor. "He requests that you wait to leave the system until then."


    "He has no authority over me."


    I noticed the pang of regret for her sharp response amidst Fahlia''s indignation.


    "Which is why it is a request, Inquisitor. But considering the fact a Primarch is aboard your vessel, and that the forces of Chaos would clearly like to prevent her from getting to safety, you would do well to have the escort of the Omnis Arcanum."


    I could feel the Inquisitor''s neurons firing like an assault cannon. They finally came to a grinding stop as she stood straighter.


    "I need the word of your Chapter Master that he will strike down Evaria should she be corrupt."


    Simeon''s jaw tensed, but he gestured to Sarai''s vox-caster. Fahlia nodded, and Simeon spoke through it, requesting the presence of the Chapter

 Chapter 9

    Fahlia stalked like a tiger behind a fence in a zoo. Her gaze was locked on Evaria, as if waiting for another outburst of emotion. She could feel Evaria''s peace washing over her, which only made her fight all the harder to stay alert. The raven on Evaria''s shoulder looked scaled up about as much as Evaria was compared to a normal human. Fahlia couldn''t help but wonder how such a creature had survived campaigns alongside a Primarch, unless its body was made more durable, or perhaps it had its own armor. As if knowing she was thinking of it, the beast of flight turned its gaze to her, its black orbs taking her in before letting out a croak. Evaria reached up one hand to gently pet the creature, calming it. Simeon stood between Fahlia and Evaria, his posture slightly relaxed, though still clearly ready for a fight.


    The tension only grew thicker as a Thunderhawk flew in. It landed nearby, and Gabriel disembarked, his heavy armored boots slamming against the metal deck plates as he stepped forward, a look of pure disdain cut through his rough features.


    Fahlia faced the Chapter Master, more confident standing up to the war hero in Terminator armor with a daemon hammer than she did the nearly naked woman behind her.


    "Chapter Master Gabriel Angelos."


    "Inquisitor."


    She narrowed her eyes at the lack of recognition. "If you''re to escort the Judicial Pyre, then I need to know that you would destroy Evaria were she to be corrupt."


    A shadow passed over Gabriel''s eye. "I killed the previous Chapter Master for falling to Chaos. I killed my own father and called an Exterminatus on my home world to end a dangerous revolution." With each proclamation, his voice hardened and deepened further. "My forebearers killed-"


    He stopped himself.


    "They killed what, Chapter Master?"


    He shook his head. "The records are sealed deep within the Inquisition Vaults. Only a Grand Inquisitor in concert with the other Lords of Terra, or Imperial Regent Guilliman on his own, can unseal those records."


    Fahlia bristled with indignation. "And why should you know?"


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    "I am Chapter Master of the Blood Ravens. Few within the chapter are trusted with this information, and permit me to remind you that you would not be alive to speak to me right now were I not privy to this information."


    The Inquisitor withheld her snort. "And under whose order do you keep it?"


    "The God Emperor himself."


    Fahlia tried to search Gabriel''s face for deceit, yet found none.


    "The information would vindicate us and Lady Manoash. I would give it if I could, but I cannot."


    Fahlia cracked her neck. "But you pledge to strike down Evaria should she be corrupt?"


    "I would crush her skull under my own hammer, Inquisitor." There was a hint of a forlorn pain in Gabriel''s voice, yet an indomitable determination carried his words.


    "Then you shall remain aboard the Judicial Pyre as my guest, Lord Angelos. Should the need for your hammer arise."


    Gabriel''s fingers curled into fists. Fahlia recoiled as she felt a presence behind her. She stepped to the side as Evaria took the Chapter Master''s hands in hers.


    "Please, my son. I would feel safer knowing you were within reach."


    Fahlia realized her mistake: she was gathering more loyalists to Evaria aboard her vessel, but there was no going back now.


    "I understand, my lady. I will command the Omnis Arcanum from here. Lieutenant Orlochan will minister to your needs."


    Sarai stepped forward. "As will I, Evaria, should you permit me. Having a female attendant as well would be wise."


    Fahlia noticed the slight rivalry in the shared glance of the Astartes and Sororitas. She made a mental note of that, and was about to respond when Evaria spoke.


    "I would love and cherish the company of you both."


    Fahlia turned her gaze to Evaria, once more trying to discern the deception that must be lurking beneath the surface of this impossible woman. Gabriel giving orders to the Omnis Arcanum was mere background noise. She found herself getting lost in the smile of the self proclaimed Primarch, princess of the Imperium. It was warm and genuine, a stark contrast to... Everything existence had to offer.


    "Inquisitor?"


    Fahlia was snapped back to reality like a ship torn from warp. She didn''t look at the one who''d spoken.


    "Yes, Lord Angelos?"


    "Shall we depart?"


    Fahlia''s gaze didn''t leave Evaria as she waited a beat, trying desperately to maintain control. She didn''t respond to him, instead lifting her Vox-caster to her lips.


    "Captain, let''s