Time crawled by in the weighty wait, every second as long as a century.
Liang Bing's data slate refreshed its readings over and over—vital signs stable, soul fluctuations harmonious, mental model construction 100% complete, energy circulation unobstructed... Every indicator showed that Sanguinius's newly reborn body and soul had fused perfectly. She should have awakened already.
"Strange..." Liang Bing frowned, a rare sight, her fingertips unconsciously tapping the edge of the slate. "No problems with the hardware or software, full signal strength—so why isn't she responding?"
Luke stepped closer as well. His deep blue eyes fixed on the blonde woman lying on the platform, radiating a tranquil Glory. His powerful perception through the Force, like the finest of probes, carefully reached into her spiritual realm.
What he sensed was a tranquil, profound sea of consciousness as vast as a golden ocean. The light of her soul was warm and resolute, without the slightest disorder or obstruction.
"Her soul... is complete, and her consciousness is clear." Luke's voice carried a trace of confusion. "It seems... she herself doesn't want to wake up?"
"She doesn't want to wake up?" Guilliman's voice abruptly rose, filled with disbelieving anxiety. "Why? Could it be... the resurrection failed? Or is there some hidden danger?"
He looked toward Dante and found the Blood Angels Chapter Master deathly pale, his body trembling faintly. Those battle-worn eyes were fixed on Sanguinius's face, brimming with terror and hope on the verge of shattering.
Even Horus, who had been immersed in her own pain and numbness, had raised her head at some point.
Her eyes turned toward Sanguinius on the platform. That familiar yet unfamiliar face, carrying a sacred maternal radiance, was like an icy needle piercing through the defenses around her chaotic despair.
*It was her... it really was her... the