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?"

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  "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