Neos's words, "Everything is over," seemed to carry some miraculous power, instantly dispersing the heavy atmosphere in the hall.
The lingering scent of conflict in the air was replaced by a warmer emotion—relief at being reunited after countless trials, the bittersweet feeling of gathering again after long years and separation by life and death, and confusion mixed with faint anticipation for an entirely new future.
Valdor, the quiet Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes, moved almost instinctively. The instant Neos finished speaking, he silently shifted to a position half a step behind and to Neos's side, just as he had through countless days and nights ten thousand years ago.
He stood tall, guarding the lord to whom he had sworn loyalty, who had returned across death and time.
Though he remained silent, the slight relaxation of his shoulders and the nearly inaudible exhale of relief from beneath his helmet revealed the turbulent emotions within him.
Neos sensed Valdor's movement. He did not turn around, but an almost imperceptible warmth flickered through his eyes.
He walked to a broad stone table in the center of the hall and sat down casually, his gentle gaze sweeping over everyone present.
His voice was calm, yet carried a reassuring strength. "Tell me. What has each of you experienced since then...?"
His gaze first fell upon several Primarchs, including Dorn and Vulkan.
The Primarchs' accounts were relatively brief. For the most part, while wandering or fighting somewhere in the galaxy, they had been discovered by the elusive "Raven," then brought back to this former Imperial Palace, now the Governor's Mansion of the Hilling Empire.
After that, they had remained here, reviewing the changes to the Imperium through the archives.
When Neos's gaze shifted toward the corner—especially toward the petite figure who had been trying to hide