It had been a relatively peaceful day for the magical land of Equestria. The worst anypony could complain about was an unscheduled rain storm courtesy of an inattentive pegasus but that had been rectified quickly. However, as the little ponies were well aware of, with nightfall came things far worse than a bit of bad weather. So, as Celestia’s glorious sun dipped below the western horizon, most equines retired to the warmth and safety of their homes to dream the night away. They could rest easy knowing that the ever vigilant Night Guard protected them from the terrors that lurked in the dark. While the thestrals patrolled the starry skies, their mistress guarded a more fantastical world; the Realm of Dreams. It was a lonely and often thankless task but it was a duty only the Lunar Alicorn could perform and she would not have it any other way.

"Its really the only way I get to interact with my subjects these days." The Princess of the Night thought as she raised her pale moon into the vault of the sky and placed the stars against the black canvas. "Not that I did much so before."

Luna trotted back into her dimly lit quarters and stood before her crescent shaped bed. She kicked off her shoes and levitated her royal accouterments off with her magic. The last thing she removed was her tiara which she gingerly placed on a stand beside her bed. With a quick nod of acknowledgement to her retinue of silent bodyguards, she climbed in and snuggled beneath the warm blankets. To the common pony, it appeared the Princess of the Night was asleep while in truth her mind had just entered the enigmatic Dreamworld as an astral projection. A spectral tether was her only lifeline back to her physical form. Without it, she ran the risk of being stranded in the dreamscape. Beyond that, there were other risks involved. Chief among them was the fact that an extended stay in the Realm of Dreams tended to erode her mental defenses, causing certain parts of her psyche to bleed forth into her forethoughts. They were mostly benign but she knew one in particular would be hounding her while she patrolled the sleeping world.

“Ohhh~, aren’t you just tingling in anticipation for your little rendezvous?” A sultry voice purred. “Imagine it: candle light, a glass of wine, some music to set the mood, then he lays you down on a bed of roses and then~”

“That’s not important.” Luna grumbled as she drifted through the dreamscape, checking for signs of nightmares or duress among her slumbering subjects. “I am merely visiting to make sure he’s content with his arrangements and check on his quest, as I would any guest.”

“Oh, really?” The voice needled slyly. “Then we add a little sexy sway to our hips for every guest now?”

“That was…a little unbecoming on my part, I’ll admit.” The Alicorn rationalized. “I was just teasing him like he does me with his honeyed words. Lover’s, I mean, friendly games ‘tis all.”

“Well, this game has a winner and he’s waiting for us in all his monochrome glory.” The coy voice cooed. “It’s been too long since you’ve taken a proper 'friend' and, let’s face it, there isn’t a line of virile stallions outside your door.”

The Mistress of the Night did not answer. She was loath to admit it, but the voice had a point. Her choice of suitors had always been abysmally low. It did not help that she felt they only courted her as the ‘silver medal’ should her sister have been unavailable.

“What is the moon compared to the sun?” A caustic presence snarled from the darker corners of her mind. “They will always consider you the lesser.”

“Hold your tongue, knave!" A prideful side chimed in. “Celestia may land more suitors but we actually keep ours! Quality over quantity!”

Luna silenced the whispers and brought herself some reprieve with a quick thwack on her head. The ceaseless bickering and criticizing was tiresome and she took solace in the fact that they only manifested in the Realm of Dreams. At least, most of them did.

“Ah, here he is.” The Night Princess said aloud as she floated in front of a window to a certain dream.

Compared to the sunny and joyful fantasies surrounding it, this one was considerably more subdued and dark. It could only really belong to one equine. Making contact with the silvery surface of Grey’s private world, Luna focused her power to phase through. As expected, Grey’s mind was not an easy place to get into and took some effort on her part.

“Almost…there we go.” Luna’s exertions were rewarded with passage into the sullen stallions dream.

Once again, the dream strider found herself in the ancient king's palace. She was in the small dining room he had taken her upon their first meeting complete with the roaring fireplace bathing the dark stone room in its warm glow. The navy Alicorn took a moment to admire the architecture while she waited for Grey to stealthily say hello. Flanking the fireplace were a pair of tall windows with silver trimmed curtains drawn. The Lunar Princess peaked past one to see the familiar rocky plains of colorless grass spotted with meadows of asphodels stretching out before her.

“This is most certainly his dream.” She murmured as she checked for any new landmarks but found none. “Dark, unsettling…”

“Don’t forget monochrome.” A familiar voice said from behind her.

The Night Princess turned around to find Grey standing behind her in his regular attire of heavy dark robes. He shifted his weight onto his two-pronged staff as he bowed his head in greeting.

“A pleasant night to you, Princess Luna.” The pale horse said formally. “Your presence is always welcome.”

“As is yours.” Luna replied as she returned the gesture. “Please, we need not be so formal; this is a private affair.”

“As you wish.” The stallion returned to his full height. “Forgive my formality. I’ve spent all day reading about the history of the world and the authors tend to take a certain tone of voice when discussing royalty.”

“Ah, yes. They do speak of my sister and I with a certain…” The Lunar Alicorn had to pause to think of the correct word. “…reverence.”

“Perhaps a tradition from the early days of your reign.” Grey concurred as he pulled out a seat for his date. “When you were outright worshipped as goddesses.”

Luna’s ears fell flat against her head. Both she and her sister did not have found memories of that particular period of their history. After they had defeated Discord and began to lay the foundations of what would become Equestria, the mortal ponies revered them as divine beings come to deliver them from the chaos of the world left behind by the old gods. Neither sister had done much to discourage them as they needed all the followers they could manage in order to fulfill their dream of a harmonious nation. Noble and despicable acts were carried out in their names in equal measure but, as time wore on, the many cults and faiths dedicated to them faded into obscurity as the Alicorns promoted their dogma of friendship and love over slavish devotion. Now, only shades of the old ways remained with their ponies such as invoking Celestia’s name as a witness or Luna’s when cursing something.

"Not our finest hours." The navy Alicorn sighed as she took her seat.

"By modern standards, perhaps." The ancient king mused aloud as he sat opposite her. "Given the state of the world at the time, I see no other option you could have taken. Of course, that's just my opinion."

"Most historians would agree." Luna nodded. "Unfortunately, we revisited those times at the Crystal Empire."

"I am aware." Grey said with an uncomfortable shiver.

"You are aware of what I did. Celestia was attacked by the enslaved equines when thrice damned Sombra turned them." The Princess of the Night clarified. "She incinerated them along with a few streets. She has not done something that drastic since those times you've read; not even when the changelings invaded."

"Figures it takes something likes that to light the old fire." A militaristic side grumbled.

"That's why she has been so suspicious and defensive lately." The younger Diarch continued to an intently listening Grey. "It shook her."

"I suppose when you have been at the top for so long, you don't expect something from the bottom to claw at your hooves." The pale horse said as he stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Not to imply you two stare down your noses at others."

"I know what you meant." Luna assured him. "It's just...we used to be like that for centuries. Spreading the word of harmony at the end of a spear, purging the cults of chaos and death and raising Equestria out of the ashes of empires that had come before. Then, one day, she just changed."

"Care to elaborate?" A now very interested Grey pressed for more details.

"It happened some time after the Long Winter forced the few remaining independent tribes to join us." The Alicorn said after some thought. "Celestia wanted to bring a select few under her tutelage to more easily spread our ideals among the populace. Among them was a mage from the old unicorn kingdom, one Corona Blaze."

The Princess of the Night explained that Corona had openly opposed her kingdom's assimilation into Equestria but had suddenly changed her tune when Celestia went recruiting. It was thought she had a change of heart but that was naive as she would prove in less than a month after the Solar Princess took on her first pupils. Luna had returned from putting down an uprising on the frontier to find Corona attacking her sister.

"The witch had already murdered her peers and was attempting to drain Celestia of her powers." The nocturnal Diarch said with a frown. "She possessed potent abilities but against two Alicorns, she might as well have been a candle in a hurricane."

"You slew her?" The caliginious cleric asked.

"Banished to Tartarus." Luna answered, earning a disapproving frown from Grey that she did not notice. "Celestia had suffered superficial wounds but something had changed. Over the next few days, the 'theocrat' gave way to the 'Princess'. She was a lot more kind, patient and understanding. I almost did not recognize her."

"Do you know what prompted this?" The pale horse asked.

"She claimed that when she was confronted by the witch, she saw where our current path would lead: tyranny, madness and an insatiable lust for uncontested power." The navy Princess recalled. "She said that we needed to change or join the rest of the world's despots in the dustbin of history."

"According to what I have read, this change paid dividends." Grey said candidly. "Equines joined Equestria by the droves and your nation flourished."

"I suppose the little ponies prefer the protection offered by a shield as opposed to a sword." The Alicorn of the Night admitted begrudgingly.

"Is it fair to say at that point in time the rift between you two began to form?" The pale stallion ventured upon reading her expression.

"Possibly." Luna sighed.

"Celestia is reformed after a scuffle with a sorceress while I need a millennium long exile and two blasts from the Elements of Harmony." She mentally grumbled. "I guess I'm just stubborn."

“I must say, I’m impressed with the scope of your studies.” The Alicorn complemented as shifted topics to something less dreary. “Did Princess Sparkle assist you, by any chance? I sense her influence in your approach to academics.”

“As a matter of fact, she did.” Grey said with a thin smile. “Her contributions were most valuable.”

“I thought as much.” Luna nodded.” My sister noted she left the palace in much higher spirits than she had a few days ago.”

“After what she has done to assist me, it was the least I could do.” The pallid pony said with a shrug. "But I will admit the state I found her in gave me pause. I have seen less upstanding academics go down dark paths after suffering a tragedy."

"Celestia was inclined to agree." The Alicorn stated knowingly. "She extends her thanks for aiding her favored pupil and is willing to revisit your becoming a citizen of Equestria...should your quest for your home fail to bear fruit, of course."

"It was like pulling teeth for her to admit that." She thought. "But at least we put the Sombra debacle behind us."

"Putting her thought an inquisition over having Cadenza charm Armor didn't hurt either." A mischievous side snickered. "But it does make one wonder what other sneaky tricks she had pulled."

"I will be sure to keep that in mind." Grey said in a tone that suggested he was fighting the urge to roll his eyes.

"Speaking of your quest, you said it went well." Luna refocused. "Have you found a lead?"

"Hollow Shades." The bearded stallion answered. "A thestral colony, I do believe."

"The largest, in fact." The Matron of the Night Guard concurred. "Most of my Night Guard are recruited from there.

"According to my research, they made their homes amongst the ruins of settlement that date back to around Pre-Equestria." Grey continued. "But I am more interested in the ruins in the surrounding area."

"Hmm, I don't know of any ruins that resemble this." The nocturnal Alicorn gestured to the dark stone of the room. "Are you certain?"

"No." The would-be archaeologist admitted. "But it is the best I got. Even if it turns out to be a dead end, I won't know for sure until I investigate."

"He really is a stallion on a mission." Luna had to admire his determination even if a voice disagreed. "To the point where he ignores a beautiful mare in need. Hmph!"

"If only there were more kings as devoted to their homeland as you." The Princess sighed. "I take it you plan to embark on your quest in the morning."

"Indeed." Grey nodded. "I know there is no time constraint but this mystery has been hanging over my head for a long time."

"I'll see to arranging some means of transportation." Luna said thoughtfully. "I can't charter a direct flight from here to the colony, they value their privacy, but I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you, Luna." The pale horse gave her a genuine smile. "So, about tonight..."

“Ugh, finally!” The sultry voice returned. “Put that silver tongue to some real use~”

The Night Princess felt her wings twitch a little in excitement but she kept her composure. She wanted this to be a romantic date. While she was looking forward to the part that comes afterward, she wanted to savor the moments that lead up to it and beyond.

“I have a favor to ask.” He continued when Luna did not respond. “You are not obligated to do it especially after all you have done for me already, I’m just venturing.”

“What is it?” Luna asked with a hint of excitement.

“Could you get me into Princess Cadenza’s dreams?” Grey requested.

“What!?” Sultry all but shrieked in outrage. “What does he want with that little pink cock tease?”

"Does he mean to fill the void left by Armor's demise?" A jealous voice sneered. "To think he would set his standards so low!"

The dream striding Alicorn ignored the rude comments. While she could bring them both into another pony’s dream, she was curious as to the pale horse’s intentions. He always seemed to be working on something or other.

“For what purpose, Grey?” The navy Princess asked.

“The late Shining Armor gave me his last words to pass on to her.” He explained. “I don’t see sneaking into her room in the dead of night ending well for me.”

“No, it wouldn’t.” Luna murmured as she rubbed her muzzle, the painful memory of her last encounter with the Alicorn of Love refreshing itself in her mind.

Of all the ponies in Canterlot, Cadenza had taken Armor’s death the hardest. Naturally she blamed Luna for what happened but she also directed her rage at Celestia, Twilight, and just about everypony alive. Any attempt to console her was met with caustic and often violent rejection. Ultimately though, it seemed the Alicorn of Love placed most of the blame for what happened on herself. Luna could only guess that something horrendous had happened at the empire beyond the invasion and enslavement that she knew about. Perhaps whatever Grey had to say to the Crystal Princess could break though the wall of loathing separating her from those that cared about her.

“She’s a miserable failure! A disgrace of an Alicorn.” A venomous voice whispered harshly. “Let her wallow in despair. She is of no use to Us anymore.”

“I can bring you into her dreams but I must accompany you.” Luna said, ignoring the vile thought. “The dream world can be a dangerous place for the uninitiated.”

“I appreciate it, Luna.” Grey said with a nod. "And I am sure Armor would as well if he were still among the living."

"Or just insult me again." Luna said with a short laugh as she stood up out of her seat. “I passed Cadenza’s dream on the way here. I’ll take us to it.”

With a loud crack of magic, a portal back to the Realm of Dreams manifested against the wall opposite the fireplace. The pale horse was about to trot through when Luna stopped him. If he was about to dive into the deep end of dream travel, certain precautions had to be taken.

"The Dream World can be as treacherous as a storm at sea if not more so." The Alicorn warned. "An anchor is required less one be left adrift."

"Would this suffice?" The pallid pony indicated his two-pronged staff.

"It is not ideal as dreams and the objects within tend to shift and vanish within the minds of ponies. The best option is to create an anchor in the waking world like I have done with my tiara" The dream strider explained as she tapped the bit of jewelry in question. "However, you are a lucid dreamer so you may be an exception."

"It sounds like it would be best if I don't wander too far from you." Grey said with a twinge of unease. "So what do I need to do?"

Luna directed him to embed his bident into the ground which he did with a solid clang that left the staff resonating like a tuning fork. The Alicorn focused her magic and created an astral tether, little more than a thin line of silver to the sleeping eye, between the anchor and her would-be dream companion. When she finished, the seasoned stallion tested the line a few times.

"I was hoping for something a bit more substantial but I trust you." The animus said with a resigned sigh. "Lead on, Luna."

The Night Princess took a moment to double check her own tether and then summoned a hooded cloak to conceal her identity from the likely still hostile Cadenza. With the proper precautions taken, they entered the portal and into the ethereal dreamscape. While they traveled toward the former Crystal Princess’ fantasy, a malevolent presence watched them with insidious delight.

“Muh huh huh huh! Oh, this is delicious.” It cackled maliciously. “That poor foal has no idea what she's dealing with.”

“Indeed, but what does Grey gain from aiding that whore, Cadenza?” The sinister voice trapped in the darker corners of Luna’s mind inquired. “She no longer holds any real authority so what does he hope to achieve?”

“The Hidden One's word is his bond, my dear apostle.” The presence said regally. “I have never known him to break an oath, even when it would benefit him. In addition, gaining the favor of another Princesses of Equestria, weakened thought she may be, is a sound stratagem.”

“For as long as they remain in power.” The voice added darkly. “Hmm, perhaps We should give him a glimpse of what the future holds.”

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza sat alone in a cafe, nursing a warm cup of tea. The midday sun beamed down on the bustling Crystal Empire, causing the ancient city to sparkle like the crown jewel it was. All around her crystal ponies went about their business in the protective shadow of the palace towers. Merchants shouted advertisements from their stalls. Artisans created brilliant paintings of the cityscape. The stoic guards kept a watchful eye over the populace. This was her empire as she remembered it; a bastion of civilization in the otherwise untamed Frozen North.

“I did all I could to protect it.” The Alicorn of Love murmured sorrowfully to herself. “And I failed.”

As she sipped her tea and mourned her fallen city the Alicorn’s ears picked up the rapid sounds of hooves on crystal. Before she could ascertain the direction of the noise, something bowled into her and knocked her out of her seat. Who or whatever had tackled her rolled off and came to a stop a short distance away. Cadenza looked up from the ground to find a small, steel blue colt giggling mischievously. Hanging off his stubby horn was her crown.

“Hey!” Cadenza snapped. “Give that back!”

The colt just blew a raspberry at her and galloped off into the crowd, laughing all the way. Snorting irritably, the Princess got to her hooves and took off after the little urchin. His smaller stature allowed the thief to scurry under the legs of the adult ponies but Cadenza had the advantage of wings. She circled above the plaza, catching only glimpses of the tiny unicorn before he broke free of the crowd and galloped down a dark ally.

“There you are.” The crownless Princess huffed as she flew down to the juvenile troublemaker.

The colt stopped where he was and looked around, searching for any signs of his pursuer. As the coast looked clear, he turned to leave only for the Alicorn to drop down in front of him like a bolt from the heavens. The startled foal fell backwards as the considerably taller mare loomed over him, a disapproving frown on her normally gentle features.

“You little delinquent!” She scolded as she took her crown from him. “Your parents would be ashamed of you!”

“On the contrary, I couldn’t be prouder.” An oily and familiar voice said just behind the colt. "He takes what he wants."

Cadenza felt the blood in her veins turn to ice as King Sombra trotted out from the shadows, his characteristic toothy grin on full display. The colt scrambled to his hooves and galloped over to the dark unicorn. The tyrant patted the small colt on the head, affectionately.

“Really now, Cadence, is that anyway to talk to our son?” He asked as his witch-fire eyes glowed with mirth.

It was then that the pink Princess noticed that on the back of the small thief back was a pair of tiny wings. What she thought to be a unicorn foal was in fact an Alicorn. The colt smiled at the horrified mare, a grin that bore an uncanny resemblance to Sombra’s.

“No!” Cadenza shook her head in disbelief. “That’s a lie! Your lying! I never-!”

“Oh, but you did.” Sombra chuckled. “You spread your legs for me and I planted the seed of my legacy in your fertile field.”

The slaver stooped down to his son’s level and held him close like a proud father. Cadenza felt bile rise in the back of her throat. She had indeed lay with him while under his control but she refused to even acknowledge the possibility of his spawn growing within her.

“Deny him all you want. Once he is brought into the world, he will accomplish great things.” The tyrant said with a wide sweep of his hoof over the city. “Through him, the Crystal Empire will be rebuilt greater than it ever was before and the corpses of the false Princesses will be the keystones!”

As he spoke, an immense shadow fell over the empire like a funeral veil. The sun was bolted out by a colossal storm of swirling darkness. A choir of chittering whispers filled the streets along with a tenebrous fog that coiled about her hooves as if it was alive. Cadenza felt a wave of dread wash over her as memories of the Shadow Fiend that had terrorized the Frozen North came to ahead.

“And he will finally avenge all those who have fallen to her madness; her absolute evil!” Sombra snarled.

The tyrant pointed up where a port in the storm had opened to reveal the nightmarish visage of Princess Luna. Her slitted eyes crackled with eldritch power as her lips peeled back to reveal rows upon rows of flesh rending fangs. The monster swept its malicious gaze over the city like a carnivore ready to feast upon a fresh kill.

“A shame you could not see the monster I knew until it was too late, Cadenza.” Sombra mocked the now terrified Princess. “Hopefully, you make a better mother than a ruler-URK!”

The mad king was cut off by a black blade emerging from his throat. He could only look down at the protrusion as a river of blood ran out of his neck. A familiar armored figure emerged from behind him, the hilt of the impaling sword clutched tightly in his plated hands.

“That’s enough out of you.” The dark knight said coldly.

The figure withdrew the blade and decapitated the loathsome slaver in one smooth motion. His head landed on the ground in front of the Alicorn colt who applauded happily. The knight scooped the young one up and quickly moved over to a slack jawed Cadenza.

“Fly, you fool!” He ordered as he pushed her out of sight of the looming monstrosity.

While the three took shelter, a hooded figure stood alone atop the central Crystal Palace tower. Even as the abyssal jaws of the Nightmare bore down on her, she remained firm. From her long horn, she channeled the unfathomable power of the dream realm into an incandescent ball of magic.

“AVAUNT!” Princess Luna commanded with all the authority of a Princess of Equestria. “OUT OF THIS REALM, TANTIBUS!”

The orb of power was launched directly into the maw of the titanic terror just as they closed around the palace. The city was engulfed in a rushing storm of darkness as the horror exploded. The echoing cacophony of the single stroke duel faded into silence, leaving Cadenza in the limbo of a dreamless sleep.

“Wha- what just happened?” She called out, her voice echoing about the oppressive nothingness. “Hello?”

She did not receive an answer. Instead, a flame ignited in front of her. The flickering light illuminated her rescuer, now standing alone with his sword sheathed. He looked down at her and offered a hand.

“We meet again, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” He said cordially.

“The Knight in Shining Armor.” She recalled as she allowed him to help her up. “But…how?”

"As we first met in the domiciles of the mind, now we do so again." The knight answered plainly.

“So none of this is real.” The pink mare deflated. “Just a dream. I thought that…that if you were alive... he…”

“I know you miss him.” The figure said as a still figure of the courageous Shining Armor appeared, illuminated by a warm light. “Most of Equestria mourns the loss of a hero.”

Cadenza looked over at the figment her husband. It took all her strength to maintain her composure but she still felt a lump form in her throat. She had taken many suitors in the past but he was the one she could say she truly loved. It made her actions, from the charm to the, albeit unwilling, infidelity all the more painful. It was as if that pain had hollowed out her heart.

“Then that emptiness was filled with guilt, sorrow, and anger.” The dark armored knight completed her thought. “Perfectly natural responses but you are letting them consume you.”

“So what am I supposed to do?!” Cadenza snapped, not caring for the knight’s slightly patronizing tone. “Slap a smile on my face and pretend that everything is all sunshine and flowers?! Celestia may be able to pull that stunt but not me!”

As she ranted, two more figures appeared. This time it was the Royal Sisters standing side by side looking down at her with concern and worry. The fuming Alicorn took one look at them and sneered. She had looked up to them as exemplars of how to rule a nation and even tried to incorporate their style into her own reign of the empire. But that image of perfection had been shattered when Luna annihilated the city and Celestia just seemed to brush it off as acceptable losses. Because of them, she had lost her home, her friends, and her husband. Whatever respect she had for them was gone, leaving only seething resentment.

“There are many who share your perspective and fault the sword that felled the Crystal Empire.” The knight said sagely. “But the Princesses merely performed the duties of their position; to protect Equestria from any and all threats. A wiser equine would place blame on those who forced their hooves.”

Two more figures materialized. One was the brutish warlord who had invaded the empire, forced onto his knees with a mortal would in his chest. The other was Sombra, bleeding out on the floor with a look of pure terror on his face. Cadenza felt pity for neither of them. These two monsters had brought war and domination to her nation, setting in motion the events that had led to its destruction. If any good came out of it, it was that they would never again threaten the good citizens of the world. But she had heard this argument before.

“Luna said the same thing.” Cadenza said, her anger still burning. “Did that bitch put you up to this?!”

“I am here of my own accord but I understand your rage.” The armored figure answered sympathetically. “It’s natural to seek culpability in a time of tragedy but it’s unjust to place blame on just one.”

The Princess did not respond. She looked back at the still figures of the Sisters and the villains. Deep down, she knew that her fellow Alicorns would have never acted in such a despicable way if there was even the slightest hope of an alternative solution. Still, the guilt she felt for her part in the empire’s fate weighed down on her like a lead block. The Sisters only knew bits and pieces of the whole story while she had authored her own dark chapter.

“How do you move on from this?” She asked, her anger giving way to hopelessness. “How do you ‘get over’ utterly failing your country and your love?”

“One truly does not.” The knight said knowingly. “Tragedies like these linger, but you need not let them control you. Learn from them and cherish the good memories you have and both will grant you strength to face the future.”

One by one, the figures vanished back into the darkness until only Shining Armor remained. The white stallion stepped off his perch and trotted forward. Cadenza could only look at him sadly as he stopped short of her.

“Cadence, for better or worse, I will always love you.” Armor said as he comforted his wife by putting a reassuring hoof on her withers. “And I forgive you. Eternity is too long to stay angry.”

“Shiny…” The Alicorn wrapped her hooves around him and buried her face in his chest.

Tears leaked from her eyes as her guilt and anger drained out of her. Her relief was almost complete when one particular lump of guilt clogged the drain. As despicable and wicked Sombra was, he did speak one awful truth.

“I-I can’t.” She pushed her late husband away in shame. “Not while I’m…”

Cadenza’s voice broke. She could only hold a hoof to her abdomen. It currently looked as smooth and toned as ever but she knew the tyrant's legacy was growing within. The Alicorn curled up in a ball on the floor, just wanting to disappear from the world. Armor grasped her head in his hooves and forced her to look at him.

“It’s not his foal. It is yours.” He said seriously. “It will be your foal to raise, to teach how to love and tolerate, to be ten times the equine Sombra ever was.”

“Let the tyrant’s legacy end with him in oblivion.” The knight added as he held his cape out like a curtain and then dropped it to reveal the colt beneath. “The sins of the father need not bind your child. He or she is free to forge their own path in the world.”

“Momma?” A small voice said as a tiny hoof poked Cadenza’s side. “Why are you crying?”

The Princess hesitantly looked down. The tiny Alicorn was standing beside her, offering back her crown. The mischievous glint was gone from his eyes. In its place was an innocence only a foal could possess. Armor and the knight were right. Sombra did not dictate the future of this colt. The colt deserved a father and role model like Shining and she would make sure he, or perhaps she, followed in worthy hoof steps.

“I’m not.” The Alicorn said with a sniff. “It’s just liquid pride. Right, Shiny?”

She extended a wing and allowed the colt to climb onto her back. Slowly, she rose to her full regal height. It was hard to explain but she felt as if a great burden had been lifted from her soul. There was still much for her to do but she did not have to do it alone. There were ponies willing and able to help her. A smiling Armor took her by the hoof and led her and their son out of the darkness and into a bright, vibrant field. Before she crossed the threshold, the pink Alicorn looked back at the tall knight who remained in the dark.

“Thank you, noble knight.” She said with a respectful nod. “I know not what dream errantry you're on but I won’t soon forget this.”

“Take care of yourself, fair Princess Cadenza.” The armored figure said with a respectful nod of his head. “Good night and good luck.”

Side by side with her beloved husband, Mi Amore Cadenza stepped into the waiting paradise of her dreams. For the first time in days, she felt genuinely content.

“Your will has been done, Shining Armor.” The Lord of Shades thought as the pink Princess returned to her dream and left him in the formless limbo. “May your ghost rest easy.”

It was a difficult task to bring Cadenza into the little sub-dream but the results seemed to be worth it. Time would tell if the Alicorn of Love’s well-being improved but as of now she was no longer his concern. Still, he did take a small modicum of pleasure in making sure Sombra’s legacy was one of complete and total failure. The ancient king imagined his partner did as well.

“Well done, Luna.” He congratulated as the midnight Princess trotted out of the murky blackness. “Those figures you conjured were a stroke of genius.”

“We…I figured that a visual aid would help make your point to that stubborn mare.” Luna replied with a short grunt. "Is there a reason for the 'knight' form?"

"Initially it was to avoid explaining the Lurker again." The Void escapee explained. "Also I figured that a Princess like Cadenza would appreciate the motif."

"That and you could not resist the 'knight in shining armor' wordplay." The navy Alicorn said coyly before she noticed the sub-dream was disintegrating. "But enough of this. We need to return to the Dream World before this reality collapses.”

“After you.” Grey gestured for the more experienced Luna to take the lead.

Together, the Lord of Shades and Princess of the Night departed the failing world and reentered the dreamscape. As they followed his tether, the pale horse noticed that Luna looked a bit worse for wear since the last time he saw her. Granted, she had just faced down a towering nightmare but there was something else that made her seem different.

“Are you alright?” He asked. “You look unwell.”

“The Nightmare plaguing Cadenza was more powerful than most.” The Alicorn huffed. “It's death throes were like the combination of a quake and hurricane.”

“Being fueled by the guilt and anger of an Alicorn didn’t do you any favors.” The ancient king thought.

"I heard you call it Tantibus." Grey said as he offered a shoulder for Luna to lean on which she gratefully took. "Was it great enough to warrant a name?"

"Something like that." Luna answered somewhat guardedly. "It is a fiend that sustains itself on fear. The fact that it manifested in Amore's dream as me speaks volumes."

“She blamed you for the destruction of the empire but that may have changed after out little intervention.” Grey tried to assure his companion. "Perhaps she will come around."

“Truth be told, I do not care if she does.” Luna said dismissively. “Our friendship was never that strong in the first place. In fact, I doubt we were truly friends at all. She was more Celestia's.”

“That's rather cold.” The stygian stallion observed critically. "Of course, I'm one to talk."

"But that doesn't matter. She got Armor's last words and can finally stop moping in her room for hours on end." The midnight Alicorn continued as she hugged him a bit closer. "Now you and I have the rest of the night to ourselves."

"That we do." The pale horse thought, missing the sly look she gave him.

Before long, the animus' greyscale dream appeared out of the ether. The two phased easily back into his little reality and the cozy dining room. Grey took a moment to shake off the aftereffects of dream travel and retrieved his bident.

"Ah, mind and spirit reunited." He sighed in relief. "So do you want to review more memories?...Luna?"

The navy Alicorn was nowhere to be found. Instead, her cloak had been draped over the chair she had sat in earlier. The pale stallion approached it and found her shoes arranged like hoof-prints leading toward a slightly ajar door.

"That was not there before." The ancient king thought as he cautiously trotted toward the strange entryway. "It's not even the same architectural style."

He found Luna's raiment swinging from the door handle. The stallion had played this game before but was unsure if it was an invitation or a warning. Adjusting his grip on his metal staff, he pushed through into the dark room beyond. What greeted him was the enticing sight of the Alicorn of the Night lying on her side on a round bed surrounded by mood-setting candles.

"It has been a long time since I've had one of these dreams." Grey said candidly as he relaxed his guard a measure. "What prompted this?"

"Does it matter?" Luna asked as she made a 'come hither' gesture. "Maybe your mysterious charms have wooed me or perhaps it has been over a thousand years since I've known a lover's embrace."

“I can sympathize." The eons old Lord mused. “Well then, only one thing to do.”

As Grey trotted over, his robes evaporated like smoke in the wind. The Alicorn’s eyes wandered over his exposed form, taking in every detail. She could best describe his revealed body as a once pristine statue that had endured the ravages of time; solid and but weathered.

“Hmm, I was expecting rippling muscles and member that would shame a dragon.” Luna held her hoofs a fair distance apart over her lower half to illustrate her point as he joined her on the bed. “Most stallions dream themselves as such.”

“Funny, I was expecting you to exaggerate your assets.” The stallion mentally quipped as he looked over her lithe frame. “Though you are a bit taller than I remember.”

“You maintained your proportions so I did the same.” Grey said with a shrug as he placed his staff beside the bed. “And I got to say, very impressive.”

“Oh, hush you romantic fool. You’re making me blush.” The amorous Alicorn said with a smile as he levitated off her tiara and hung it off one of his prongs. “Put that silver tongue of yours to work and kiss me.”

Luna wrapped her forelegs around Grey’s neck and pulled him in, her lips finding his. The stallion placed his hooves on the Princess’s barrel just below her forelegs and gently rolled her onto her back with him on top. With their lips still locked together, Grey moved his hooves to Luna’s outspread wings and traced them along the margins. This earned a delighted moan from the Alicorn. When her mouth opened, Grey seized the initiative and snaked his tongue in.

“Foreplay seems to have remained unchanged.” The adventurous animus thought as their tongues began to duel for dominance. "Though she may yet surprise me."

Back and forth they went, locked in a lover’s embrace. While Luna was more nimble, Grey was devious in his use of caressing her body in just the right way to break her concentration. In time, the nocturnal Alicorn regain the advantage by pinning his silver tongue against her teeth. He was considering tickling her below her forelegs when she playfully bit down on his tongue. The stallion aborted his campaign of muzzle mastery and broke the extended kiss. He sucked on his tongue but did not taste any blood. Luna grinned up at him victoriously.

“Sharp teeth?” The Lurker noticed the pearly fangs glistening in the candle light. “Cheater.”

“Victory is mine, Grey.” The Alicorn panted as she wiped away traces of spittle. “But you fought well- “

“Ah, we are not done yet.” The monochrome horse objected.

Before the Princess could prepare herself, he grasped both sides of her head and pecked the very tip of her horn with his lips. A jolt of euphoria shot down her magical appendage and spread throughout her body, causing her fur to stand on end. Grey did not stop there, however. Minding the business end of the horn, he took it into his mouth until it threatened to poke the back of his throat. His limit reached, the stallion swirled his tongue around the protrusion and vibrated it with simple hums.

“Ooohhhh~” Luna moaned in ecstasy as her eyes rolled back in her head. “Stars above!”

Grey halted his ministrations when the chalky taste in his mouth was joined by the electrifying discharges of magic. It was when a teal glow shined through his lips that he released the Alicorn’s horn and ducked. A split second later, a fountain of magic erupted from Luna’s horn and showered them with sparks. The Princess laid her head back as the mind-numbing sensation of a magical climax washed over her. The pallid pony on top of her simply brushed off bits of lingering magic as he waited for his lover to recover.

“There is something about the danger of being blasted by magic that gets me excited.” He mused, remembering that they were still very much in a dream. "Even if the danger isn't real."

“W-where did you learn to do that?” Luna gasped out.

“I picked it up while I was in Armor's head actually.” Grey responded factually. “When one is married to an Alicorn, one tends to learn their buttons and how to push them.”

“Well…” The midnight Alicorn paused to take a deep breath. “…what else have you learned?”

A thin smile played across the seasoned stallion’s lips. He kissed the expectant Luna lightly on the lips again and began to move down her cheek to her neck, leaving a trail of smooches as he went. The stallion paused for a moment when he reached her rapidly rising and falling chest. He could hear and feel the rapid rhythm of her heart against his muzzle. It was a sensation he missed dearly.

“I haven’t even considered what happened to my corpse.” The animus thought absently. “Probably dust by now. Unless…”

“Why do you delay?” Luna cut into his train of thought. “Is somethinnohhh~”

Grey resumed his trek after giving the Princess an apologetic rub of the wings. He ran his hooves down from the base to her sides, massaging her navy blue barrel. His trek across Luna's being continued southward until he reached the fur of her taut belly, toned by years of adventure and battle. The hollow horse plated a kiss on the Princess’s navel as he passed, earning a foal-like giggle from the Mistress of the Night. The laughter turned into an exited gasp as she felt his forelegs grip her hind legs for balance. Grey was about to move his ministrations to her more intimate areas but was confounded by a layer of lace shielding her teats and nethers. Luna craned her neck to see her lover staring at her undergarments in clear confusion.

"What's wrong?" She asked impatiently. "You look as thought you have never seen a brassier and panties before."

"You've seen what was worn during my time." The pale horse said defensively. "Everything was covered or flaunted openly with very little in-between."

"Did Mica and Armor not have any knowledge of these?" The Alicorn asked suspiciously.

"Like I said: covered by clothing or flaunted openly." The animus reiterated.

"Oh. I see." Luna blushed as their intimacy was tainted by awkwardness. "*Ahem* The undergarments are meant to protect the modesty of mares with short, bouncy or, in my case, ethereal tails while the brassier does the same for the well endowed. Ideally, they would be the same color as the wearer's coat as to create a seamless blend."

"Fascinating." Grey said as he inspected the intricate combination of cloth, cups and straps.

"I thought so until Celestia insisted I wear them over the old wraps we once used, then it became a relief whenever we could take them off." The midnight mare hinted heavily. "There is a clasp in the-EEP!"

The stallion opted for the direct method of ripping off the cups with his teeth. Luna's ample teats bounced free of their dark lacy prison as he tossed the brassier with a flick of his head. The Princess took in a sharp breath as she felt her dusky tips harden in the cool air. It hitched in her throat when Grey nuzzled against her mammaries, his facial hair prickling and tickling her supple flesh.

"Mmmm~" Luna cooed as she squirmed under his touch. "Oh my~"

“After being in Mica, I have a newfound appreciation for these.” The pallid pony thought as he finally slid out of the valley but not before leaving a kiss on the aching twin peaks.

At long last, Grey knelt before Luna’s nethers. The form-fitting undergarment revealed the outline of a clearly aroused marehood and the tight ring of muscle beneath. The scent alone made his emerging stallionhood twitch in anticipation. Gripped the edge of the material in his teeth, the stallion pulled the damp panties aside. The dark flesh of the Lunar Princess’ lips were now exposed and winking enticingly at him.

“I take it you approve of what you see.” Luna said lustily. "The most tender flesh of one of the most powerful equines in the world?"

“Very much so.” Grey had to peek over her to answer.

The monochrome pony placed his hooves on the Alicorn’s cutie marks and pulled her a little closer. He left a trail of kisses along her inner thighs, teasingly close to the plump lips of her entrance but never directly making contact. Luna whinnied happily as he lingered just above her marehood, his course facial hair brushing against the sensitive flesh.

“Ah! You fiend!” She gasped excitedly, her starry tail brushing against his chest. “Must you tease Us so?”

“I just need to get the juices flowing properly first.” The pale horse thought.

He breathed on her nethers, causing her to tremble in excitement. It was when she winked again that he shot forward and locked his lips around her peeking pearl. His teeth grazed the nub as his tongue reenacted what he had done with the Alicorn’s horn. It earned a spectacular reaction.

“AAAIIIEEE!!” Luna screamed loud enough to shake the entire room.

Her hind legs squeezed together, holding the stallion in place as her back arched and wings flared out to their fullest. Another spark of magic blew a hole in the roof as pure pleasure coursed through her body. In the throes of orgasmic bliss, she failed to here Grey’s protests until he started spanking her twin moons for release. The Alicorn quickly spread her legs and freed the stallion from her crushing grip.

“Oh! Apologies!” She said quickly.

“I’m fine, don’t worry.” Grey grunted as he wiped her excitement from his now soaked muzzle. “I think we are ready for the main event, don't you?”

His ministrations had proven effective. Luna’s lips were sopping wet at this point and he was at full mast. He crawled through her legs back toward her. He could feel the heat of a furnace radiating from her folds on his head. The Princess let a sharp gasp pass her lips as he pressed against her awaiting folds. But just as he was about to enter her most sacred passage, she put her forehooves on his shoulders to stop him.

“Wait! Stop!” She commanded.

Grey lurched like a freight train but halted his progress. Still pressed against her entrance, he looked down at a panting princess.

“What?” He asked in concern.

“Would you deny a Princess her rightful place…” The midnight Alicorn smirked slyly. “…on top?”

The pale horse sighed and started to turn them over. This apparently was not fast enough for Luna as she flapped her wings and reversed their positions faster than he could blink. Grey was now on his back with a grinning Alicorn straddling his groin. His length rested between her teats, the damp tip just below her navel. The Princess of the Night stared down at it and licked her lips in carnal hunger.

“Ha! Now this is something We deserve.” She declared as she enveloped his pride in her teal magic. “But do you deserve Us?”

“Where is this coming from?” Grey wondered.

Before he could inquire, Luna’s magic sent a jolt through his shaft all the way down to his jewels that derailed his train of thought. After churning his loins for a bit, the Princess was rewarded with a white dollop appearing from the tip of his member. The Alicorn spread it up and down his length with her magic like it was lotion, moaning seductively in time with her ministrations. Once she finished preparing him, Luna raised her rump in the air with her forehooves on Grey's chest for balance and aimed her lover's engorged stallionhood at where she most ached for fulfillment. She kissed the tip with her dripping nethers once then slowly lowered herself onto him.

“By my throne!” The animus' thoughts became thick with lustful pleasure as his head parted Luna’s velvety folds.

The nocturnal Alicorn let out a protracted moan that ended with a sharp gasp once his head was fully enveloped in her tight embrace. She squeezed her eyes shut and sucked air through her teeth as she took in the rest of him, her breath hitching in her throat as his medial band of flesh brushed past her button. Finally, Luna’s firm rear met Grey’s thighs as the last of him disappeared inside her. Fully sheathed, he was a snug fit inside her burning love canal with his head pressing hard against her final barrier to her most sacred of caverns.

“Ohhh~ yes! At last!” The Alicorn of the Night moaned as she began bouncing up and down on her new mate. “Why did We wait so long?!”

“Third date is about the average.” Grey grunted, his logical mind struggling against the flood of pleasure.

Not wanting to let Luna do all the work, the stygian stallion found her cutie marks again and added his tempo to hers. As the mare came down, the stallion trusted up in a rhythmic dance of sex. With her lover’s contribution, the Alicorn of the Moon felt something hot building in her core as each of their thrusts stretched out her long neglected inner walls. Her horn reflected this building finale with sparks of magic that steadily grew in intensity.

“Uh! Ah! AH! YES!” Luna screamed ecstatically. “OH! I WANT THIS NIGHT TO LAST FOREVER!!! AH!”

Grey briefly considered seeking shelter from the mare that very much seemed about to explode on top of him. The firm, pulsating grip around his member dissuaded him but he could not shake a niggling sense that something was wrong.

“There is something too familiar about that tone.” The animus tried to go through his memories but the sexual thrill was addling his mind.

Luna’s tempo became faster and faster as her core neared critical mass. Her breath came in ragged pants as her tongue lolled out of her mouth while her horn glowed ever brighter. Grey could not help but notice that a candle went out with each thrust of their lovemaking, steadily plunging the room into darkness. He could not dwell on it as Luna sounded like she was on the very edge.

"AH! AH!! AH!!!" The Alicorn's eyes rolled back as her thrust became a series of rapid slaps. "aaaaAAAAAAIIIEEE!!!"

The Mistress of the Night disappeared in the pitch darkness as the last candle went out. Grey felt her velvety tunnel squeeze him like a vice as their sexes met in one last thrust. The ancient king grunted in surprise and pain as his lover slammed onto him with enough force to collapse the bed beneath them.

“AH!!" With a sharp gasp, teal slitted eyes gazed out from the shadows down at the stallion. "Ah! Ah. Ohh~”

A grin of pearly fangs joined the predatory eyes. There was a spark of teal magic and the candles reignited in a gout of ethereal flame. Gone was the younger half of the Equestrian Diarchy. In her place was the Equestrian Usurper in all her malevolent magnificence.

"Nightmare Moon!" It was impossible for Grey to mistake her for anything else. "How can this be?"

“Has that skillful silver tongue of yours failed you?” The Mare-in-the-Moon smirked as she combed the cobalt locks of her otherwise ethereal mane into the familiar shape of her helm with a hoof. “Or does this vision of divine beauty steal your breath away?”

She ground her hips against his, humming lightly in pleasure as she did so. The stallion, however, barely felt it as all the lust and pleasure had drained out of his mind. While he was at a loss for words, there was one action he felt was appropriate.

*CLANG*

He struck the Usurper in the side of the head with the blunt end of his bident. Moon slid off his member and tumbled off the bed in a heap. Ignoring the fresh pain shooting through his loins, the ancient king leapt to all fours and stood on the edge of the bed with his weapon leveled at the dark Alicorn.

"My mind is my own, fiend!" He declared with authority. "Begone!"

“Ahahaha! Ready to fight even when ensnared in the throes of passion.” Moon cackled from the floor in clear amusement. “Truly, you are a stallion worthy of my attention, Grey."

The Usurper vanished in a flash of magic. The pale horse backed away from the edge and kept his staff at the ready as he scanned the flickering shadows for movement. All the while, the gears in his head were working overtime trying to piece together what exactly was happening.

"Did Tantibus stow away in Luna?" He wondered. "Or did I somehow rekindle some old bitter feelings in the Princess?"

"Or do you prefer 'the Lurker' or 'Merchant Prince'?" The corrupted Alicorn's voice echoed about the room. "I favor your true titles: Dark Lord of Shades and Dread King of the Underworld."

Before he could respond, something strong wrapped around the stallion's neck. With tremendous force, he was hurled against the wall acting as the headboard of the bed. The animus landed roughly on the bed and looked up to see Moon seated comfortably before him.

"It is a shame you have to hide your nature from those ungrateful, unworthy plebeians." The Usurper said as she batted her long indigo eyelashes at him. "Fortunately, you and I can finally speak face to face."

Grey straightened up into a seated position. He glanced at his bident and then to Moon who gave him a warning spark from her sharp horn. The Lord of Shades composed himself with a resigned sigh.

"I can't fight her at the moment." He mentally grumbled. "Might as well find out what she wants."

"The historical record claims you met your end in a shower of rainbows." The pale stallion said neutrally.

"The potency of the Elements of Harmony has been greatly exaggerated." Moon said with a derisive snort. "They drained my power, true, but I was locked away deep in Luna's mind rather than outright destroyed."

"I'm noticing a recurring theme here in regards to Equestria's foes." The ancient king thought with a frown.

"My prison is formidable but against the ravages of Luna's dream expeditions and the stress of recent events, cracks have formed." The Usurper continued. "Her recent duel with Tantibus was like a barrage of trebuchet fire against the walls while the climax you so thoughtfully provided have thrown open the doors but, sadly, the shackles remain."

"So this is temporary and I haven't doomed the world just to satisfy a need. Grey mused in relief. "Again."

"This better explains how Luna understood the ancient tongue." He said aloud. "You were whispering through the cracks."

“Precisely.” Moon nodded. “Now, while I love discussing my favorite subject, there are more pressing matters to address.”

The Lord of Shades gestured for his unexpected bedmate to continue.

“Your minions have served you well, Master of Barathrum.” The corrupted Princess said as she ran a critical eye over her temporary body. “They have guarded your realm admirably in your absence but their hold, and by extension yours, now hangs by a frayed thread.”

“Oh?” The Lord's ears perked up immediately.

“The damned of Tartarus conspire in secret but their whispers have reached my ears.” Moon said with an air of disdain. “They gather in great numbers to take the Immortal Throne and use your realm as a staging area for their invasion of the mortal world.”

“Are they now?" Grey arched an eyebrow as an edge of terrible wrath entered his voice. "What more can you tell me?"

"At the head of this horde stands a most vile creature." The dark Alicorn continued with a sneer. "A banished witch now the self-appointed Queen of the Infernal Pits: Coronal Blaze. A familiar name, yes?"

"Of course it would be her!" The pallid pony mentally fumed. "I will have to go through Equestria's entire rogues gallery at this rate!"

As if he needed anymore motivation to return home, the animus now had to stop an uprising. The Underworld was the largest and most populated land to ever exist with countless legions of shades, endless hordes of monsters and some of the most fearsome primordial daemons to stalk the world. It took a certain type of Lord or Lady to keep them all in line and that was both a privilege and burden only the Hidden One could maintain, at least as far as he was concerned. While he was thankful for this crucial information, he did question to motivation the dark side of Luna's motivations.

“My gratitude for bringing this matter to my attention.” The king said genuinely. “But, and forgive my impertinence, what do you stand to gain from this?”

If the Usurper was insulted, she did not show it. If anything, his attempt at being polite was flattering to the embodiment of Luna’s deep rooted jealousy and resentment.

“Should Corona succeed, Equestria will either be put in chains or reduced to cinders.” Moon said, her eyes flashing in indignant anger. “I will not have demons infesting MY realm!”

“I suspected as much.” The Dark Lord thought. “I doubt she discovered this on her own, however. How could she from Luna’s mind? Someone must have told her and I think I know who.”

“I assure you Nightmare Moon.” He said as if he was stating an immutable fact of the universe. “These blasphemers will never get the chance.”

“That is precisely what I wanted to hear.” The dark Alicorn smiled again. “And perhaps after you have secured your kingdom we could see to Equestria’s future.”

“As envisioned by you and the Lady of the Stars, correct?” The ancient animus inferred.

“Hmm~ You are as perceptive as you are endowed, Dark Lord.” She said approvingly.

The darker half of the Mistress of the Night suddenly perked up her ears and looked around, alerted to something only she could sense. She winced and grunted as a visible shiver ran down her spine. Grey was about to ask what ailed her but she held up a hoof to stop him.

“The shackles are tugging and the doors are closing.” Moon groaned, referring to Luna. “Remember what I told you, Lord of Shades. The Lady and I will be watching closely.”

The stygian stallion watched as the fallen Princess withered before his eyes. She moaned as her body shrank back down to Luna’s proportions and coloration. When it was over, the restored Alicorn fell onto her side whilst panting heavily. Grey wondered if she even remembered anything that had just happened.

“Princess Luna?” He ventured cautiously.

The navy blue mare groggily lifted her head to look at him, a silly but very satisfied smile on her face.

“I feel like I went to the moon and back.” Luna slurred happily as she looked down at her nethers, still damp with the product of their love-making. “How about you?”

“I see. She remembers everything up to the climax.” The animus realized.

“Like a million bits...” The pale horse said with a small smile. “…if the state of the room is anything to go by.”

Luna looked around and held a hoof to her lips as she giggled embarrassed. The bed had collapsed, the roof had a few holes in it and there was a rather large dent in the wall above her lover. She also noticed that she was sitting in a rather conspicuous wet spot. The Princess had to admit that she was glad they had done this in a dream rather than in her bedroom.

“I do apologize for the mess.” The Lunar Alicorn said sheepishly as she crawled toward Grey and embraced him near the wall. “I tend to lose myself during the act of lovemaking.”

“You have no idea.” The monochrome stallion had to fight the urge to roll his eyes.

“It’s quite alright.” Grey whispered as he reached down to retrieve her tiara and placed it lovingly atop her ethereal mane. “Am I keeping you or did you clear your schedule?”

“I will have to wake to lower my moon in a couple of hours.” Luna whispered back as she snuggled closer to her lover. “Let us just enjoy each other’s company until then.”

She rested her head against his chest, savoring this period of happiness before having to return to an unforgiving reality. Grey sighed and pulled the dry part of the covers over them. A lot had been revealed to him in the span of one night and there was now a demonic uprising brewing right beneath Equestria’s nose. He would have to deal with that first when he returned to his kingdom but for tonight he was content with his current company, two-faced as she may be.

“Her darker half may have her uses, especially if she can lead me to the Lady of the Stars but after the mistake I made with Sombra, can I really trust her? Not to mention helping her will be to Luna's detriment.” The Lord of Shades mused as he looked down on the mare hugging him. “Priorities. The well-being of the Underworld must always come first. I'll cross this bridge later.”