Apophis's words, "Let us join forces," fell like a boulder into a frigid pool, stirring silent yet violent ripples through the stagnant space.
"Join forces?"
Mortarion's face, rigid as carved stone beneath his respirator, betrayed no expression, but cold fury suddenly blazed from his gray-brown eyes, almost tangible.
To him, "joining forces" with xenos, especially such blasphemous xenos intent on seizing the galaxy, was no less absurd than asking him to embrace the filth of Barbarus.
The knuckles of his furious grip on the scythe Silence creaked, as though he meant to crush its metal haft.
As for Lorgar, the instant Apollianus finished speaking, the muscles at the corners of his mouth twitched ever so slightly, disturbing the calm, faintly mocking expression he had maintained.
Then an unmistakable glimmer of amusement flashed uncontrollably through his golden eyes, threatening to spill over.
He quickly lowered his eyes, seemingly struggling to contain something, but his faintly shaking shoulders and the trembling corners of his tightly pressed lips betrayed the emotion roiling within him, almost ready to burst forth.
It was neither fear nor anger, but the natural reaction to hearing something so utterly absurd, so outrageously ridiculous.
Had he not been trapped in such desperate circumstances, with a powerful enemy beside him and his psychic energy suppressed, he would probably have burst out laughing already.
"Do not be surprised, Primarchs."
Apophis seemed quite pleased with the "effect" of its words. The voice ringing directly within their minds still carried that unhurried, condescending tone that made them itch to punch it.
It even leaned forward slightly, as though sharing a great secret.
"The Rangdan Emperor's heart is as vast as the abyss, his wisdom beyond the stars. He embraces all things and accepts every being of value."
"Strength, knowledge, loyalty... all can become