The voice seemed to come from time immemorial, bearing an irresistible majesty. The instant it rang out, the air in the hall froze.
A moment later, almost everyone except the source of that voice had bowed and dropped to their knees. Hard armour struck the cold floor in a muffled, synchronized crash.
Ecclesiarch Sidereus XXIII's body was enveloped in dazzling golden light. Fierce flames rose beneath his feet from nowhere, their colour pure, yet radiating a cold that seemed to freeze the soul.
Within the light, the Ecclesiarch's face was indistinct, but that terrifying pressure, at once familiar and alien, left everyone certain of exactly who stood before them.
After a brief moment of shock, Lion El'Jonson slammed his heavily armoured knees into the floor, raising a cloud of dust.
He lowered his head, his voice carrying an almost imperceptible tremor.
"Father."
The God-Emperor's gaze was as cold as ancient ice as it swept over Lion El'Jonson, then Guilliman and Dorn, who likewise knelt on one knee beside him. That gaze held no human emotion, only pure scrutiny and judgment.
"Lion El'Jonson."
The God-Emperor's voice sounded directly inside their minds, its timbre weathered by the ages. "Explain your actions. Do you intend to defy my will and slaughter members of the High Lords of Terra whom I personally appointed?"
Lion El'Jonson's heart tightened. He forced down his surging emotions and tried to keep his voice steady.
"Father, we had cause. They went too far this time. We have obtained conclusive evidence proving that the High Lords of Terra secretly colluded with Chaos, plotted treason, and intended to overthrow the Imperium."
"Absurd!"
The God-Emperor's rebuke struck Lion El'Jonson's heart like a hammer, leaving him momentarily dazed.
He was not alone. Even the normally composed Guilliman looked shocked, while Rogal Dorn, the