The smoke of war over Camas rapidly settled beneath the absolute power of the three Primarchs acting together.
The corrupted nest was purged, and the remaining forces of Chaos were completely wiped out.
The loyalists' stronghold once more raised the Imperium's aquila. Though scarred and battered, the spark of hope had been rekindled.
Yet on the shattered plaza of Crescent Fortress, the air carried the weight of parting.
Sanguinius stood before the Crimson Crescent warriors she had pulled back from the abyss of bloodthirst, whose genetic flaws He Xi had stabilized.
Their eyes were filled with reluctance and fervor. They had only just met their gene-mother, yet they already had to face separation.
"Children," Sanguinius said, her voice gentle yet firm. Her wings stirred softly in the breeze, scattering warm radiance. "The battle for Camas has come to an end, but your mission is not yet complete. Defend this world, restore order, and let the Emperor's light shine once more upon this defiled land."
She paused, her gaze passing over every scarred face etched with loyalty. "At the same time, spread word of me to all Blood Angels. I also need time to adapt to this new body, master this power, and handle some... necessary matters. While I am away, Dante will assume full command of all Legion affairs."
"As you command, Gene-Mother!" the warriors answered in unison, their voices thunderous and filled with unquestioning loyalty.
Though reluctant, the Primarch's command was their highest will.
Elsewhere, Zabriel approached Lion.
The Terra veteran's face no longer bore its former madness and resentment. In their place was a deep exhaustion and the alienation left behind by ten thousand years of hardship.
"You're leaving?" Lion asked, a slight frown on his face as he looked at Zabriel.
He had thought that, now the