The belt muffled it only slightly as the edges of the capsule stretched her farther than she thought possible. Stripped of weapons, armor, and all outward signs of sanctity, Roxy became a living vessel. Her entire body resisted — locked up — twisted in silent torment. “I am ready to die,” she whispered, the belt falling from her mouth. It was a tool. Caelen caught the capsule, cradling it like a relic. His chest was a ruin of ceramite and scar tissue. They took her without resistance. This is the story of an unspeakable mission. In the halls of the Reclusiam, a mural was painted in her honor. Stripped of weapons, armor, and all outward signs of sanctity, Roxy became a living vessel. Power returned with a low, reverent hum. Her hands gripped her knees. The pain was unspeakable. “Are you certain?” Verena asked quietly. When it begins.”
Roxy took it in her teeth and lay down. The Emperor’s wrath ignited anew. Her legs shaked. He looked at her, still convulsing on the floor, and for once, the mighty Astartes could not find words.
