Seeing Lorgar's tightly furrowed brow and solemn expression, as though he faced the greatest riddle in an endless collection of scriptures, Anna suddenly snapped her fingers with a crisp crack.
The sound was jarringly loud on the silent bridge, instantly breaking the oppressive air that had all but frozen solid.
The faintly playful smile of an inhuman being returned to her face, brighter than before, even radiant with something approaching absolute confidence.
"Hey, don't look like the sky's falling," she said, wagging a finger, her silver hair swaying gently with the motion. Her breezy tone was utterly at odds with the oppressive atmosphere surrounding their discussion of the Ghoul Stars. "Just because you'll die doesn't mean I will, Lorgar."
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes reflecting streams of glowing data as she looked straight into the Primarch's deep gaze. A sly, confident smile curled her lips.
"As long as I'm here..." She paused, as though stating a fact as certain as the rotation of the Galaxy.
"Getting you all inside safely shouldn't be much trouble."
"Then we're counting on you, Anna." Lorgar answered almost without hesitation, his voice steady, though her words seemed to ease that crushing pressure a little.
Nearly a century together had taught him that beneath this member of the Men of Iron's seemingly flighty, unruly exterior lay terrifying capabilities beyond the understanding of their age, and an almost absolute confidence.
When she made a promise in that tone, it usually meant the situation truly was within her control.
"Honestly..." Anna drew out the word, planted her hands on her hips, and gave Lorgar a reproachful look before rolling her eyes. "Could you at least act a little like someone asking for a favor, oh great Primarch? Maybe show a tiny bit of gratitude, or try