The Ghoul Stars, the Nostramo System of the Nostramo Sector.
Countless asteroids spun through the silent depths of space. They were not natural celestial bodies, but the remnants of a single shattered planet.
It had once been the birthplace of Konrad Curze, as well as the homeworld of the Night Lords.
Now, it was merely rock endlessly tumbling through the void of death, glittering with the dazzling radiance of Adamantium.
On an unnamed asteroid, warriors clad in midnight-blue armor once more set foot upon silver-gray dust.
Shen, one of the Primarch's Attendants, wore furs rather than the human-skin decorations favored by most Night Bat Council lords.
"Barbaroth, the Shadow of Order has launched a full-scale offensive. Why have you summoned us here?"
Anrek Barbaroth's pale face was ashen. "Father luring Nimrod to Chagualsa for a duel was unwise."
"Do not forget that Omega was with him, along with those Daemons from the Warp."
"We must prepare for the worst."
"You do not believe in what Father foresaw?" Shen asked, rubbing his claws together.
Barbaroth felt dark gazes falling upon him one after another. "That is correct."
"I believe Father is already dead."
Beep, beep—
A piercing buzz sounded.
"My lords, the Auspex array has detected a fleet arriving."
"Have you identified them?" Shen asked.
"My lord, the flagship has been identified as the Nightfall."
Barbaroth frowned slightly. Could Father have already failed, been captured, or even killed? Had the Nightfall been seized like the Conqueror and become one of Nimrod's warships?
"Request a communications link."
Amid the crackle of static, a familiar voice entered the channel.
"I am Jago Sevatarion. The Lord of the Night summons you."
Shen raised his pale head. "Father defeated Nimrod?"
"Father was defeated—" Sevatar replied.
"He and Lord Nimrod reached an understanding."
"We will depart