"Lorgar..."
Horus listened to Mortarion, momentarily unsure how to answer.
His lips parted slightly, then closed again, and his perpetually composed expression went blank for an instant.
The lights of the Communications Room cast shifting light and shadow over his face. His hesitation was brief, but it was enough for Mortarion to catch.
Mortarion read the answer in the eyes on the screen, like a seasoned hunter discerning his prey's escape route from a moment's hesitation.
He stood before the screen, his burlap hood shading most of his face, but the slight straightening of his posture betrayed his understanding.
"Lorgar is with the Loyalist Faction?" Mortarion asked.
His tone was flat, making it more a confirmation than a question.
"No, Mortarion." Horus quickly regained his composure, his voice recovering its distinctive resonance, like an orator correcting a mistaken member of his audience.
"Lorgar has merely been deceived by the False Emperor. For now, he cannot see the truth. Once I meet him in person, I will bring him over to our side. He will understand what the right choice is," Horus said earnestly.
Mortarion answered him with an eye roll.
It was unmistakable, carrying a trace of mockery he could not be bothered to conceal.
An expression of You've got to be kidding me crossed his gaunt face.
"So you haven't brought Lorgar over to your side. Is that it?" A hint of impatience crept into Mortarion's voice.
"Yes, that's right." Horus nodded. His voice was a little quieter than before, and his earnestness now seemed tinged with embarrassment.
He clearly had not expected Mortarion to cut through his attempt to dress things up so bluntly.
"You could have just said that from the start. I'm out," Mortarion said flatly.
"Why?" Horus asked, bewildered.
His brow furrowed slightly, confusion at