Violation of the sacred Code of the Astartes, even if committed out of necessity and with the best intentions, cannot go unpunished. Uriel Ventris, the demoted captain of the Ultramarines, can atone for his guilt before the Order only by fulfilling his deadly oath. And he will have to do this where the roads paved with good intentions lead. Where the black sun burns in the dead sky. Where nightmares come true and hopes die. But even the flames of hell are unable to incinerate the courage and honor of the true sons of Ultramar.