Leman Russ was suddenly blasted backward by Worldbreaker's heavy blow, like a super-heavy tank shell, and embedded deep in the Vengeful Spirit's bulkhead.
Horus's sudden reversal and assault had caught him off guard. Worldbreaker's blow had broken several of his bones, and combined with the shoulder and arm that Horus Claw had already pierced, the Wolf King's condition had reached a critical low.
But a primarch was still a primarch. Their minds moved at speeds mortals could not imagine.
My hesitation cost me.
The Wolf King's heart went cold. He had thought he would have more time to help Horus break free from the Warp's control, but he had not expected the opportunity to be so fleeting.
No, perhaps he had never had an opportunity at all. The moment the Spear of Dionysus left Horus's body, Chaos's power would instantly seize him again.
And under such repeated torment, could the fragment of Horus's benevolent soul continue to hold on?
A terrifying thought had already formed in his mind, but he did not dare acknowledge that it might be true.
Russ hated his own indecision. Why had he softened at the very moment when he should not have hesitated?
He struggled back to his feet amid the metal wreckage as Horus walked toward him.
The pain vanished from Horus's face, replaced by the pride of imminent victory. He drew in a deep breath. The wound at his flank healed rapidly as the Emperor's power was driven out by the Warp. Even the cracks in his power armor sealed themselves.
"You had only one chance, Leman."
"Unfortunately, you missed it. And I will never give you another."
One claw after another on Horus Claw lit up, charged with Chaos's power. Those terrifying talons pointed directly at his utterly weakened brother.
Horus did