The flower bud opened completely, and long, silky black hair—like the Emperor's, but even longer—spilled out, draping over the throne entwined with flowering vines.
The God-Emperor rose to her feet, familiar golden armor encasing her entire body. Compared to the Emperor waiting in the Throne Room in loose robes, the God-Emperor was more majestic and composed, exuding a cold aura that permitted neither desecration nor offense.
A massive golden eagle was engraved across her breastplate, its contours making it seem as though it would spread its wings and soar the very next second. Smaller, more numerous decorations depicted various skulls and the unsmiling faces of ascetics. Only the falling leaves and petals softened the most inhuman aspect of that religious divinity.
The God-Emperor stood and walked, her sunlike golden eyes fixed on her palm. "This happened much faster than I expected."
The God-Emperor did not mind her female form, but Sanguinius and Ferrus Manus had fallen into deep shock.
The two brothers looked at each other, neither able to speak. They could only convey their thoughts through their locked gazes.
"Oh! God-Emperor, welcome back." Isha warmly waved to the God-Emperor, then wrapped her arms around her arm. Compared with the God-Emperor, Isha was much smaller.
The God-Emperor frowned and asked, "Isha? Or Slaanesh?"
"You can call me either. We have become one." Isha's smile grew even brighter. The fact that the God-Emperor had not roughly pushed her away or driven her off with golden flames was simply too delightful.
Isha stared at the God-Emperor's cold, majestic face and could not get enough of it. She desperately wanted everyone else to see the God-Emperor's new appearance as well.
"Let's go."
Isha dragged the God-Emperor away, with Sanguinius and Ferrus Manus following closely behind.
Flowers bloomed, and golden light descended. The psychic