He was my Captain, my brother, my dearest friend.
All his actions had a clear purpose; I firmly believed he always knew right from wrong.
We, these traitors lost in time... the fires of war we ignited, the abominable allies we recruited, were all just so he could approach some great hero of the Imperium."
His voice gradually faded, like ashes scattered by the wind.
"Even when he told me the details of the plan, he said that what we were to do was not regicide, but the liberation of the Emperor.
I thought he must be right, because he understood the Warp better than I did.
But now, this galaxy has long since descended into madness."
The Lion nodded silently, his gaze scrutinizing this former enemy.
"What made you change your mind?"
His voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable power.
Bella closed his eyes, as if wanting to escape some unbearable truth.
"That man... is no longer Serafax."
He said softly, his tone filled with pain and relief,
"He is no longer.
My brothers held on for so long, but when I heard his voice, and saw what he has become, I knew he was no longer there.
And you... when you faced him, you chose to protect my brothers.
This is not The Lion who destroyed Caliban."
The Lion was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "They chose to come with me, simply because it was their own decision.
Perhaps one day, I will have to ask them to sacrifice, but that will never be because of my machinations."
He raised his head slightly, his gaze piercing through the smoke of battle, as if looking towards the end of the galaxy.
"The world calls them Fallen Angels, but I call them Lions Guard."
He extended his hand forward, his voice low but firm: "Rise, Bella."
Bella's body trembled, and he slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with struggle and bewilderment.
"Your Highness... I am a traitor, a Heretic.
I once firmly believed this path was the only correct one, but now..."
The Lion interrupted him, his voice like heavy armor, bearing an unshakable responsibility:
"My Legion is my responsibility.
It was I who failed to perceive the wounds in the hearts of my sons, or my former Knightly Order brothers.
If I had seen it earlier, perhaps all of this could have been avoided.
Now, you have, by your own will, turned back from the wrong path."
Bella opened his mouth, and finally just nodded slowly, staggering to his feet.
"Alas, it is all too late."
The Lion nodded sadly, as if these words also pained him.
"Yes, too late."
He reached out and placed his hand firmly on Bella's arm.
"I wish I could trust you, to guide us on how to destroy your allies.
However, Chaos is treacherous and unpredictable.
But today, you helped me and my sons; you have earned my gratitude and forgiveness."
Bella showed a bitter smile, with a hint of disdain, a hint of relief.
"Regardless, I don't think I can live to bear the scars Serafax left behind.
I only ask for a quick death."
The old man silently raised loyalty.
He knew that Bella's past could not be erased, his beliefs were still wavering, and his soul was still stained by the shadows of Chaos.
Reason told him that Bella could not be trusted, that he must die... but he still hesitated.
He had said he would not watch his sons die before him again.
And now, he was about to personally break his own vow.
The air seemed to freeze.
A stumbling figure appeared on the dais... Zabriel, his body covered in scars, his broken arm armor indicating the fierce battle he had just endured, one of his hands hanging limply at his side due to a fracture, the other gripping his weapon.
"Bella."
Bella looked up, his voice hoarse: "Zabriel... it's good to see you..."
"You killed Serafax."
Zabriel said softly, his tone firm, interrupting Bella's unspoken words.
"Actions speak louder than words.
Thank you."
He turned to The Lion, knelt on one knee, and bowed his head: "Father, if you wish, I can do it for you."
The Lion slowly shook his head.
"No need."
His voice was deep, yet full of authority.
"loyalty is too heavy for you, especially with only one hand.
And Bella, he deserves a swift end."
His tone paused slightly, his gaze as deep as the ocean.
"Besides, as I said, my Legion is my responsibility."
The smoke of battle seemed to dissipate, leaving only the weight of decision.
The Lion's blade cut a silver arc through the air, precise and swift as lightning.
The energized blade instantly severed Bella's neck, blood gushing like a fountain, splashing onto the broken ground.
Bella's body fell silently, his head rolling to the side, his eyes still slightly open, seemingly still carrying a hint of relief.
The Lion gazed at the fallen warrior, his eyes complex and heavy.
He looked at the bodies of two sons who had fallen into darkness, letting grief churn in his heart for a moment, then took a deep breath, as if to seal away all emotions.
His voice rang out again, solemn and firm, like a war drum beating, the wheel of fate continuing to turn.
At this moment, the entire planet began to become unusually active due to the reactions of the exploding crust.
"Kadaran! Do you still have fuel for your flamer?"
"Yes, Father!" Kadaran replied, his steps still somewhat unsteady after the intense combat.
"Burn this place as much as you can."
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