The summons came during morning education.

  A junior sister entered the classroom and whispered something to the tech-priest, who nodded and gestured toward Lilith and Eve.

  "Subjects Lilith and Eve. You are to report to Sister Prudence's office immediately."

  Every child in the room turned to stare.

  Lilith felt her stomach drop. What now? Did something happen? Is this about the Inquisitor?

  She and Eve stood, holding hands automatically, and followed the junior sister out of the classroom.

  The walk through the corridors felt longer than usual. Lilith's mind raced with possibilities, each worse than the last.

  But when they reached Sister Prudence's office and the door opened, Lilith's fears shifted to a different kind of anxiety.

  Brother Ha'ken stood inside, his massive armored form filling half the room.

  He'd come back.

  "Lord Astartes," Sister Prudence said from behind her desk. "The children are here."

  Ha'ken nodded to her, then looked down at Lilith and Eve. "Thank you, Sister. I require privacy for this conversation."

  Sister Prudence stood. "Of course. I will be just outside if you need anything."

  She left, closing the door behind her.

  Ha'ken gestured to the chairs across from the desk. "Sit, both of you."

  Lilith and Eve sat, their small forms making the chairs seem oversized.

  Ha'ken remained standing—there was no chair in the room that could support his weight anyway.

  For a long moment, he simply looked at them, his glowing red eyes studying their faces with that same intense focus from their first meeting.

  Lilith's hands trembled slightly. She clasped them together in her lap. Stay calm. He wouldn't have come back just to execute us. Right?

  Eve, as always, showed no outward nervousness. She just stared back at Ha'ken with her usual intensity.

  Finally, Ha'ken spoke.

  "I have consulted with my chapter," he said, his deep voice filling the small office. "The Chapter Master, the Forgefather, the Librarians—all have been informed of your existence and situation."

  Lilith's breath caught. They know. The entire Salamanders chapter knows about us.

  "And?" she managed to ask, her voice barely above a whisper.

  "And it has been decided," Ha'ken continued, "that you will come to Nocturne."

  Relief flooded through Lilith so suddenly she felt dizzy. "We—we're really going to Nocturne?"

  "Yes. But not immediately."

  Ha'ken moved to look out the small window, his massive form blocking most of the light.

  "My chapter is currently engaged in a campaign against an Ork Waaagh! in the Phaedra system. The fighting is intense. We cannot spare resources for non-combat transportation at this time."

  He turned back to face them.

  "It will be several years—three at minimum, possibly five—before we can arrange for your transport to Nocturne. You will remain here at the orphanage until then."

  Three to five years. That's... actually not bad. We get to stay here. Keep learning. Stay safe.

  "What happens when we get to Nocturne?" Lilith asked carefully.

  Ha'ken's expression softened slightly. "You will be taken in as chapter serfs. Given shelter, education, purpose. You will learn our ways, serve our chapter, and—if the Emperor wills it—find your place among the people of Prometheus."

  "Chapter serfs," Lilith repeated, trying to remember if she'd ever read about them. The term was vaguely familiar but she couldn't place the details.

  "Serfs?" Eve asked, her brow furrowing. "What is serf?"

  Ha'ken knelt—that same gesture of humility he'd shown before—bringing himself closer to their level.

  "A chapter serf is someone who serves a Space Marine chapter," he explained patiently. "Not as a warrior, but as a support worker. They maintain our fortress-monastery, tend to our equipment, prepare our meals, care for our wounded. They are part of the chapter family—protected, valued, essential."

  He looked at Lilith and Eve.

  “Do you two accept these conditions?”

  Lilith felt something cold settle in her stomach. A weapon. They want to train them as a weapon, but it is better than being hunted by the Inquisition.

  Lilith paused and looked at Eve before looking at Ha’ken.

  “Will you use us as weapons?”

  Ha’ken’s expression slightly softened in microseconds.

  "That will depend on how you see yourself. But control is important and to know what you two really are. After that, you can choose the path you wanted. For Eve, her capabilities as a blank will be assessed perhaps by a Sister of Silence." Ha'ken must have seen something in her expression because he added quickly giving Eve a glance, "Rest assured, you will not be separated and both of you will not be forced into combat. But the skills would be valuable."

  “Lilith.” Ha'ken's expression then grew serious. "The Librarians will assess you. Determine if you can be trained safely. If so, you will receive instruction in control—not to make you a weapon, but to ensure you never again lose control as you did aboard that ship you told me."

  "And if I can't be trained safely?"

  "Then other measures will be taken. Suppression. Binding. The Librarians have methods." He paused. "But let us not assume the worst. You have shown remarkable restraint already. With your sister's stabilizing presence and proper training, you may prove entirely viable."

  Lilith wanted to feel reassured. But the word "binding" echoed ominously in her mind.

  "Will we be together even after all that?" Eve asked suddenly. "Lilith and me?"

  Ha'ken nodded. "As much as possible. The chapter understands your connection. Separating you would be... counterproductive. You balance each other. That is valuable."

  Eve's posture relaxed slightly.

  Lilith had more questions, but Ha'ken was already continuing.

  "During your time here, I will visit periodically. Check on your progress. Ensure you are safe and learning. The Inquisitor's surveillance will remain, but I have spoken with him. He has agreed to... observe from a greater distance."

  "You convinced an Inquisitor to back off?" Lilith asked, surprised.

  Ha'ken's lips quirked into something that might have been amusement. "I did not convince him. I informed him that you were under Salamander protection and that further harassment would be viewed as interference with chapter business. He was... displeased. But he understands."

  Space Marines really do have authority over everything, Lilith thought. Or maybe this one has some way with words to convince the Inquisitor.

  "What should we do while we wait?" Lilith asked. "Is there anything specific we should learn or prepare?"

  "Continue as you have been," Ha'ken said. "I have been told by someone that you are pursuing medicae. That is valuable—pursue it. You possess a maturity beyond your years, allowing you to understand things that are difficult for a child. You are doing well."

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  Lilith nodded.

  He looked at Eve. "And you—keep learning and listen to your sister very well. You are well behaved. That is praiseworthy. Learn from her. She is worthy of your trust."

  He stood, his armor servos whining softly.

  "This is not a sentence or a punishment," he said firmly. "This is an opportunity. Nocturne is a harsh world, but it is also a world of family and fellowship. The Salamanders value humanity above all else. You will be safe there. Protected. Given a chance to grow into whatever you choose to become."

  Lilith felt tears pricking at her eyes. "Thank you. Really. I don't... I don't know how to express how much this means."

  "You need not thank me," Ha'ken said. "You are children in need of protection. That is reason enough."

  He moved toward the door, then paused.

  "One more thing. Your eyes—both of you. The resemblance to Nocturne's sons is remarkable. There may be more to your connection to our chapter than simple coincidence. The Apothecaries will want to examine you thoroughly when you arrive. Do not be alarmed. They are scientists as much as warriors. They will be... curious."

  "Will it hurt?" Eve asked bluntly.

  Ha'ken's expression softened into something almost fond. "Some tests may be uncomfortable. But you have experienced far worse. And our Apothecaries are skilled. They will be as gentle as possible."

  He opened the door.

  "I will return in six months. If you have need of me before then, inform Sister Prudence. She will find a way to contact me."

  "Thank you, Lord Astartes," Lilith said again.

  He nodded once, then left, his heavy footsteps echoing down the corridor.

  Lilith and Eve sat in silence for a long moment.

  "Nocturne," Eve said quietly. "That's... good?"

  "I think so," Lilith said, though her mind was spinning. "I hope so."

  After Ha'ken's departure, Lilith's mind wouldn't stop churning.

  Chapter serfs. What even are those, exactly?

  Her memories from her previous life—Maverick's memories—were vague on the topic. She knew Space Marines had support staff. Knew that someone had to maintain the fortress-monasteries, prepare meals, handle logistics. But the specifics? Those had never come up in the memes and wiki articles she'd absorbed.

  She needed more information.

  She found Sister Prudence in her office, reviewing requisition forms.

  "Sister?" Lilith knocked on the open door. "May I ask you something?"

  Sister Prudence looked up, her stern expression softening slightly. "Of course, child. Come in."

  Lilith entered, Eve following as always. They sat in the same chairs they'd occupied during Ha'ken's visit.

  "Lord Ha'ken mentioned we'd become chapter serfs when we go to Nocturne. But I... I don't really understand what that means. What do chapter serfs do?"

  Sister Prudence set down her stylus, giving Lilith her full attention.

  "Chapter serfs are the support personnel of Space Marine chapters," she explained. "Every chapter has them—sometimes thousands of them. They are not warriors themselves, but they serve the warriors in every other capacity."

  She leaned back in her chair, organizing her thoughts.

  "Think of a fortress-monastery as a small city. It requires cooks, cleaners, technicians, scribes, medicae, armory workers, administrators. All of these roles are filled by chapter serfs."

  "So they're like... servants?" Lilith asked.

  "In a sense, but the term diminishes their importance," Sister Prudence said. "Chapter serfs are part of the chapter family. They are protected, trained, given purpose. Many come from the chapter's recruiting world—people who were not selected for Space Marine transformation but still wish to serve. Others are taken in as children, orphans like yourselves, given shelter and education."

  Eve spoke up. "Are serfs... safe?"

  "Safer than most people in the Imperium," Sister Prudence said. "They live within fortress-monasteries—some of the most secure locations in the galaxy. They are fed, clothed, given medical care. They serve a purpose greater than themselves."

  She looked at Lilith directly.

  "The Salamanders, in particular, treat their serfs well. Better than most chapters. They value human life, remember? Their serfs are not disposable workers but valued members of the community."

  Lilith absorbed this, her enhanced memory cataloging every detail.

  "What kind of work would we do?"

  "That depends on your skills and aptitudes," Sister Prudence said. "With your medical training, you might work in the apothecarion—the medical wing. Assisting with injured battle-brothers, maintaining medical supplies, learning more advanced techniques."

  She looked at Eve.

  "For you, child, the options are more varied. Your strength makes you suitable for heavy labor—maintaining equipment, moving supplies. But you also have... unique qualities. The chapter may find specialized uses for your abilities."

  "What about education?" Lilith asked. "Will we keep learning?"

  "Most certainly. Chapter serfs are educated throughout their lives. The Salamanders will ensure you can read, write, calculate, understand Imperial history and doctrine. Specialized serfs receive additional training in their fields." Sister Prudence's expression was approving. "Your current studies will serve you well. Continue learning. Continue teaching your sister. Build your foundation now."

  She paused, then added more gently, "And prepare yourselves for change. Nocturne is not like here. It is a volcanic death world with radiation storms and dangerous fauna. The culture is different—more martial, more focused on strength and endurance. But the people there value family and duty above all else. You will find your place."

  Lilith nodded slowly, processing everything.

  "How long do serfs usually serve?"

  "For life, typically," Sister Prudence said. "Once you become part of a chapter, you belong to that chapter. But it is not slavery—it is purpose. Community. Family. Many serfs would not choose any other life."

  She stood, moving to look out her window at the orphanage courtyard below.

  "You are fortunate, Lilith. Both of you are. The Salamanders do not take in outsiders lightly. That they have chosen to protect you—to give you a place among them—that is a great honor. Do not waste it."

  "We won't," Lilith said firmly. "Thank you for explaining, Sister."

  "Of course. Now, off with you. I'm sure you have lessons to attend."

  The library was quiet when Lilith and Eve arrived for their usual tutoring session.

  But Lysander was anything but quiet.

  "Lilith! Eve! Did you see him?! Did you SEE HIM?!"

  He was practically vibrating with excitement, bouncing on his toes.

  "See who?" Lilith asked, though she already knew.

  "The SALAMANDER!" Lysander's voice cracked with enthusiasm. "The Space Marine! He was HERE! In the orphanage! I was looking for you guys and I saw him walking down the hallway and he was HUGE and his armor was so green and—"

  He sucked in a breath, eyes wide.

  "He looked at me! A real Salamander Space Marine looked right at me! And I think he nodded! Or maybe his head just moved because he was walking but I'm counting it as a nod!"

  Lilith couldn't help but smile at his excitement. She reached out and patted his head gently.

  "That's really cool, Lysander. What did he look like up close?"

  "AMAZING!" Lysander launched into a detailed description that was probably fifty percent accurate and fifty percent wishful exaggeration.

  Eve watched for a moment, then moved closer to Lilith and pointed at her own head expectantly.

  Lilith chuckled and patted Eve's head too, her hand moving through the short black hair with familiar affection.

  I'm taking care of them both now, she thought, watching Lysander gesture wildly while describing Ha'ken's armor and Eve leaning into the headpat with that contented expression. These are my kids. Well, not actually my kids. But in a way... they kind of are.

  I'm their guardian. Their protector. The one who teaches them and keeps them safe.

  It was a strange feeling. Maternal almost, despite being in the body of a five-year-old herself.

  Maybe that's what happens when you have adult memories in a child's body. You end up feeling responsible for the other kids.

  Lysander finally wound down, his excitement ebbing into a huge smile.

  "Can we start lessons now? I've been practicing my reading!"

  "Sure," Lilith said. "Let's see what you've learned."

  That night, after prayers and dinner, after washing and settling into bed, Lilith lay awake beside Eve.

  The day's revelations churned in her mind. Nocturne. Chapter serfs. Three to five years of waiting.

  We have time. Time to prepare. To learn. To grow.

  But eventually, we'll leave. And when we do, our lives will change completely.

  She turned her head to look at Eve, who was also still awake, staring at the ceiling.

  "Eve," Lilith said quietly. "Can I ask you something?"

  "Yes."

  "What if we can't avoid fighting? When we go to Nocturne, or later, or... whenever. What if we end up in situations where fighting is necessary? Will you fight?"

  Eve turned to look at her, red eyes glowing faintly in the darkness.

  "Yes."

  "But—"

  "Will fight to protect you," Eve said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

  Lilith felt her chest tighten. "I know you'd fight for me. But I'm asking about you. If you had to fight. For yourself. To protect yourself. Would you?"

  Eve was quiet for a moment, processing the distinction.

  Then: "Will fight for Lilith."

  It was the same answer. Because to Eve, there was no distinction.

  Fighting for herself was fighting for Lilith. Protecting herself was protecting Lilith.

  They were so intrinsically connected in Eve's mind that separating the two concepts was impossible.

  Lilith lay there, staring at the ceiling, thinking.

  Fighting.

  Not training exercises. Not hypotheticals.

  Real fighting. Against Orks who'd tear them apart with crude but brutal efficiency. Against Necrons with their gauss weapons that flayed flesh from bone. Against Tyranids whose only purpose was consumption. Against Chaos cultists who'd do worse than kill them.

  The enemies of the Imperium weren't abstractions anymore. They were real. Present. Dangerous.

  We're going to Nocturne. To the Salamanders' home world. That's safer than most places. But safe is relative in this universe.

  Even on Nocturne, there will be dangers. Training that might hurt us. Battles nearby that might spill over. Enemies that might attack.

  And eventually—maybe years from now, maybe decades—something will happen. Something bad. Something that puts us in danger.

  Because that's just how this universe works.

  If Eve will fight for me...

  Lilith turned to look at her twin, at this small, deadly girl who'd killed an entire ship's crew to save her, who'd defied orders for the first time in her life out of loyalty, who'd cried for the first time when Lilith was dying.

  Then I'll fight for her too.

  It was a decision that felt both inevitable and terrifying.

  Lilith had never been a fighter. As Maverick, she'd never even been in a real fight—just some shoving matches in school, nothing serious. She wasn't strong or fast or brave.

  But Eve had fought for her. Had killed for her.

  If she's willing to do that... then I need to be willing too. Not just to survive. Not just to learn medicine and stay safe behind her.

  But to actually stand beside her when the inevitable horror comes.

  I don't know how yet. I don't know what I can do. I'm not strong like her. I can't use my psyker powers safely.

  But I'll find a way. Medicine. Strategy. Something. Anything.

  Because if Eve's going to fight for me, the least I can do is fight for her too.

  She reached out and took Eve's hand, squeezing gently.

  "If you fight for me," she said quietly, "then I'll fight for you. Deal?"

  Eve squeezed back, her expression serious.

  "Deal."

  They lay there in the darkness, hands clasped, two small girls in a universe that wanted them dead, making promises they might not be able to keep.

  But they'd try.

  That was enough.