Happy times were always fleeting. Lorgar had not even finished his chilled drink when Seras, commander of the Third Chapter, pushed the door open and entered, his steps steady and his expression grave.
He wasted no time on salutes. "Father, Warmaster Horus wishes to speak with you."
Lorgar raised his head, his glass stopping in midair.
"Horus?" He frowned slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes. "What does Horus want with me?"
"I don't know. But the connection has already been established, and you need to go in person." Seras's answer was brief and clear, without any unnecessary speculation.
Lorgar fell silent for a moment, set his glass on the table, and stood.
His movements were unhurried, but the weariness he had only just allowed himself to show vanished the instant he rose, replaced by the calm vigilance with which he faced the unknown.
"All right. I'll go now."
He had barely taken a step when the sound of a sofa shifting came from behind him. Angron put down the book, "Heroic Epics," and rose from his recliner in one crisp motion, without the slightest hesitation.
Curze closed his book as well and stood silently, his pale face resembling carved marble beneath the dim lights.
"We'll go with you, Lorgar," Curze said, his voice calm but firm enough to brook no refusal.
He offered no explanation, nor did he need to.
Lorgar glanced at them and simply nodded, making no objection.
The three left the Lounge side by side, their footsteps echoing down the corridor toward the Communications Room.
Inside the Communications Room, the enormous holographic screen was already lit.
Two images stood on opposite sides of the screen, like statues confronting each other across the void.
On the left was Horus. The Warmaster's expression was grave, his brow