Sharrowkyn's figure seemed to grow taller. His body remained in the same posture, but his presence, the aura of a predator lurking in the shadows, swelled severalfold in an instant.
It was as though something larger, older, and more terrifying were gazing upon the world through his body.
He silently watched Brutus leave, watching the figure disguised as Abaddon disappear around the corner of the corridor. A complicated gleam flickered in his blood-red eyes, as though he were watching a chess piece about to fall.
"Father." Sharrowkyn's voice sounded deep within his consciousness, filled with the reverence and obedience of someone facing a being beyond himself.
At that moment, Corax had taken complete control of Sharrowkyn's body.
The Primarch of the Raven Guard, the ghost who walked in the shadows, the being who had become one with the darkness, was watching everything unfolding on Taal through the senses of his most loyal son.
His will was an invisible thread connected to Sharrowkyn's nerves and muscles, controlling his every movement, every word, every breath.
"Prepare yourself, Sharrowkyn." Corax's voice echoed within Sharrowkyn's consciousness, solemn and heavy, as though pronouncing an irreversible fate.
"For the war to come, one that may never end."
Sharrowkyn—or rather, Corax at that moment—slowly turned. His figure faded into the darkness, dissolving as though merging with the shadows, until he vanished entirely.
Those prophetic words lingered in the empty corridor for a few seconds before silence swallowed them.
"Aximand."
Horus's voice rang out through the celebration hall, light and cheerful.
He sat in the High-Backed Chair at the head of the hall, holding a glass of Amber liquor, leaning back slightly in relaxed comfort.
A satisfied smile rested on his face. His gaze swept over the celebrating officers and officials of Taal before settling on a