I bellow after her as she turns away, separated from us by the horde of ­gibbering daemons. Dread takes hold of me, heart and mind and limbs, because I understand now what Ravara has wanted all along. Why she fought and bled and almost died to reach this place. The inquisitor’s desire is no different to the sorcerer’s.

To restore what was taken from her, no matter the cost.

Ravara

RAVARA

I throw myself the rest of the way up the crystal stairs with my heart screaming in my chest, and Sofika screaming in my ears. In my mind.

Ahri. Ahri. Ahri.

I’m aware of Sister Evangeline shouting after me. Zoric and Yumia, too. But I can’t stop. I can’t break my vows. Not here. Not when we are this close. The crystal stairs are little better than liquid, now, pulling at my feet as I run, aiming to drag me down and remake me in silver and mirrors. But I won’t let it. I can’t.

Ahri. Ahri. Ahri.

I hit the top step bleeding and breathless and see Amenthas standing there on what was once the dais, but is now an upturned claw of mirrored glass. The sorcerer’s attention is completely focused on his silent brother. Ishilan stands immobile at the centre of the dais as tiny shards of light fall down from above. From the gateway, and from Sofika. The Heretic Astartes is glowing like a lantern flame. Like the dawnrise. With every new star that lands on his armour, Ishilan grows brighter, and Sofika’s screams grow louder and more desperate.

Ahri! Ahri! Ahri!

I don’t wait. I don’t think. I lunge forwards and sprint across the dais, my muscles burning. I propel myself into a leap, throwing myself towards Amenthas with my sword raised to make the killing cut.

And then my threat-sense blares.

Amenthas turns, catching me out of the air by my throat, stopping me so suddenly and violently that it jars my spine, making my eyes rattle in my head and my teeth crash together. I bite my tongue, flooding my mouth with blood. Even then, I still try to cut him with my blades.

‘Enough,’ Amenthas says, tightening his grip until I drop the swords. This close, I see that his skin is iridescent, like serpent scales. ‘You cannot stop it now. You should know better than anyone that some endings are set.’

Amenthas tightens his grip, compressing the cords of my neck. My world narrows to a point. To just his eyes.