91. Ambush (Complete, 10,000-character chapter)

Among the Astartes, boarding action was a common term, but ram tactics were not. Though the prows of most Imperial ships were fitted with heavy, sturdy, razor-edged rams, no one chose such tactics unless they had no other choice.

But Sicarius was about to use it now.

Their ship sat within an asteroid belt, the silver of its hull silently shifting into an unremarkable gray. It hung soundlessly amid this man-made shoal of broken stone, carrying a group of seasoned killers.

"Is everyone ready?" Sicarius asked.

There was no doubt he was asking Lady Lelith—the Black Templars did not need to be asked that question. They were always ready to draw their swords and slaughter xenos.

The Aeldari yawned, looking languid. She was not wearing that revealing black outfit, but had changed into a deep crimson one that set off her flame-like long hair beautifully. A sharp glint of silver flickered at the end of that high ponytail, swaying playfully by her ankle.

"Of course I'm ready, Warden. Your question wounds my pride a little."

She said it listlessly, lifting a hand to tug at the tie around her waist and pull it a little higher. It snapped against Lelith's delicate skin with a soft ripple.

Judging by appearance alone, this did not look like the abdomen a seasoned killer ought to have. But Sicarius's instincts were telling him every second that Lelith was dangerous.

Extremely dangerous.

"Then I apologize, Lady Lelith."

Sicarius answered coldly, one hand resting on the hilt of Storm Blade. "Do you still insist on acting alone later?"

"Yes. Taking you with me would only get in the way." Lelith nodded. "That Orc called Old Captain is very strong."

There was a confidence in her tone that had come from nowhere. With that confidence, she made