“The spirits must be disturbed,” observed Inky Rose, who stood with her arms crossed and studied the overturned tombs. Phantasmal energies swirled about, and she swore faces were visible in them, which made her shudder. “If only Somnambula were here. She'd know what to do. Alas, at least I don't believe they wish to harm the custodians of their land.”

"Perhaps I can be of assistance, yer majesty," a calm, gentle voice called to her. The queen jumped in alarm and turned to see someone walk into the open. Mystical blue robes flowed with her movements while she walked with a staff that resembled a dreamcatcher. Curved horns protruded from her hood that tried to hide her face with light blue hair braided underneath. Warm, honey-colored eyes looked back at Inky's cautioned expression. "If you'll permit me, that is..."

"And who am I permitting?" Inky asked, covering her arms over her exposed breasts.

"Oona Ewe, dream shepard of a lost world. Normally I would never come physically to people's affairs, but..." Her smile disappears upon looking at the Necronomicon. "I fear trouble is brewin' by all those who've messed with that lil' black book."

The pegasus clutched the book as if trying to protect her friends within it from this stranger. "W-what business do you have with the Necronomicon?!"

"O, plenty yer majesty, plenty," the goat woman responds, slowly easing Inky to place the book down as she flipped through the pages. "You're probably aware that this book connects many worlds and dimensions with its black magic, aye?"

Inky narrowed her gaze while watching her. "Of course! Our world has suffered thanks to it. It brought upon the Eldritch who nearly eradicated our existence."

"So it has. And just where do ya think the Eldritch come from?" Ewe asked before finding a page near the very end of the book, coated in nothing but black ink.

"T-the... the Demiurge..."

"Ha. If only that were true. All my problems and worries would be just that. But I'm afraid something else is the culprit. Something, not even the Demiurge, is likely aware of."

"T-then speak, shepard!" The dark queen demanded, tiring of this goat and her riddles. "If you're here to help, then please explain what it is! My husband and friends are trapped in there!"

Ewe touched her cheek if only to calm her nerves. Her caress was so soft, Inky felt herself growing drowsy.

"Queen Inky Rose, I assure you I will help protect your king and anyone else whose fallen victim by the torments of the Necronomicon," Lady Ewe insisted. "But ye must understand. The purpose of it was to contain the most wicked and darkest of spells and magic. It's the only thing keeping him from breaking free.."

"Him..? You mean the Pony of Shadows?"

She shook her head before beginning a light hum left the ram's muzzle as blue aura formed into a single dewdrop to wet the paper. And by its majestic, the mysterious black page was revealed. And what it showed frightened Inky to her very core.

The page detailed a dark mass of a black...thing. A thing with many tentacles and appendages wrapping around what looked to be a sun, many eyes sketched into it. And near the base of where all the tendrils met was what seemed like an endless pit of teeth.

"Sombra, Luna, and Stygian have all tasted the madness that came from this creature. None do know where it came from, only that it has existed before time. It is known by many names; Sun-Eater, Sen-me, the Shadow of Humanity itself. His real name... is Zeloph."

"Zeloph..." The very mention of this thing's name left an unsettling shiver roll through her spine.

Ewe nods, her own face contorted with dismay. "Another shaman and I managed to seal the demon away into this book, in hopes that no one would read it. But time and desperation proved us wrong as many would find it through different periods, different dimensions, and give into it's insane and illogical design; forming and creating new spells that cost many their lives...just for a taste of power. I fear that if the Demiurge digs deeply into the source of the Necronomicon, Zeloph will break free."

"T-THEN WE WARN THE OTHERS!" She yelled in a panic. "Beatrix, Sombra, Spike, Twilight, Sommabula. None of them are aware of what lies waiting for them!"

"It's why I am here," Ewe exclaimed, clutching her staff while casting a spell over the cover to activate a new portal into its confinement. Clutching the queen's hand, she would whisper, "Pray for us, your highness. Pray for our swift return. And above all, keep hope we will succeed!" And with that, the mystical ram vanished into the Necronomicon.

Inky Rose could only stare blankly at the black book before hesitantly picking it up. She just couldn't process what she just discovered. All this nonsense about many sources of darkness linking to one primordial being, all from this strange goat woman. What could she genuinely believe in? What would make this all go away? What would bring her husband, their child, and friends home safely?

“My Queen,” said one of her guards who flanked her. Her handmaidens had retrieved another sheer black gown for her, and a golden sheen reflected off them from the scattered treasures. It seems they failed to notice Lady Ewe's entrance. “There is no need to despair! King Sombra will return soon.”

Her gaze softened before she managed to force a smile on her face. “Yes,” she agreed before looking to the Necronomicon and then resting it back on its column. “They will make sure of it.” She clutched the ankh between her breasts, a symbol of her faith, and sighed. “Oh, Beatrix...I hope you'll return to him. I know your love for him is strong too...”

With their mistress away, Somnambula's priestesses Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow stayed close at Inky's side to watch over her. “You're restless,” said Tiara, who quickly added, “Understandably, under the circumstances.”

“We'll take care of the trivial stuff,” offered Cozy with a smile.

“Thank you all.” She would have to trust in everyone who entered the dark tome, for the sake of Pacific Glow's daughter, who she'd raised like her own, and with the knowledge that if they failed, it could incite an incident between the alliance.

The Eldritch and the Demiurge still haunted her, like they did many of the survivors. And even after their defeat over many years ago, new scars kept showing up in their new foundations of Equestria.

It hurt her as much as it hurt looking towards the sun or the moon, reminded of the mistakes of the alicorn sisters. “The old rulers are mostly dead,” she whispered. “We must build a better world on our own.”

It's the reason she had given herself to Sombra, tried to soothe his pains, and turn that darkness towards the betterment of all. He would help her create a society they all wanted.

A united Equestria that outdid what Celestia and Luna ever achieved.

But as she glared over to that accursed book, and the image of the beast within it clear, doubt began to root into her faith on if there would ever be peace in Equestria.

Knowing she couldn't mope forever, Beatrix Belladonna wiped her eyes on the back of her glove and started to rise. She half-stifled a shriek when the mare whose head rested in her lap stirred. “What the!! Y-you're alive?! N-no, this is just this wretched place tricking me.... It can't be?” She studied her with eyes dilated, uncertain whether the dimensions here were playing more tricks on her.

Yet Radiant Hope slowly rose up, holding her chest were the hole in her heart was. Her eyes looked pale as she looked over the place and the quivering unicorn. "W-Where am I...how am I...alive?"

"Here...let me...geh!” She helped her stand back to her feet before removing her cape to wrap around her. “This place is crazy, but we're gonna find a way out, I promise! My name's Beatrix Belladonna, and if we can find my sister, maybe she can heal that up," the witch introduced herself while pointing out the mare's wound.

“Radiant Hope..." She coughed. "And considering you're the only one here present, I'll follow you. Just...don't do anything to harm me, please?"

She grinned and raised her index finger, which sparkled with magic. “You can trust me!”

A sad smile graced Radiant's muzzle as the two traversed the labyrinth, steps echoing, and the chipped walls would audibly shift on occasion, which chilled them to the core. It was a reminder they were trapped here, little more than prey, observed every moment.

Beatrix knew there were many potential exits from the Necronomicon. The trouble was locating one. Especially if the Demiurge really had seized control over the interior and could twist it. They could wander aimlessly forever, or quickly fall for a trap.

She stayed close to Radiant Hope, thankful that at least she didn't have to undertake this venture alone.

Neither spoke unless necessary, and their footfalls echoed in the silence. There was so much Beatrix wanted to ask her new ally but figured it was better left for another time, especially since it involved Sombra. She at least wanted to know her teacher's side to this grim tale.

“Wait, is that...?” Just as she was thinking of him, he suddenly appeared resting around the corner, a naked mare by his side.

"Sombra! Sombra...” Radiant Hope repeated, her voice hissing low without a hint of emotion.

At his name being called, he and Cerise turned to them. “My student, you came to-” Any joy he would have had in reuniting with her died the moment he laid eyes on his 'deceased' lover. And after the tainted deed was done with the awakening mare beside him, guilt and shame were difficult to hide on his face. Swallowing, he gently rose up with hesitant steps. “R-Radiant Hope...” He whispered. "I-is it really you, or is the madness of the Necronomicon starting to overcome me?"

She exposed the cavity in her breast where her heart once rested. “You tell me.”

Beatrix bit her lip, wanting to hug him as well as yell at him. With a breath inward, she settled for as neutral an approach she could manage. "There are...many questions I need to ask you. The first being... well..."

Sombra nodded uneasily. “I can't comprehend how this place plays with our minds, but during that moment, it felt...right," He brushed his daughter's hair, who cooed with a smile. “It's like we're being compelled to obey a greater force, much like you did when the Demiurge was inside of you," he pointed out, recalling the time it overwhelmed her to rut with Shining Armor.

“Y-yeah, don't remind me. The Demiurge saw him as a perfect mate for me to try and bring about a suitable vessel for it to possess.” And while she had more than moved on from that compulsion, she still had trouble getting over Sombra, like the obsession had transferred. Of course, she wasn't ready to admit that to him. Her faces flushed at the thought. "Just so we're clear, say it wanted us to sleep with each other. What would you..."

“Contraceptives are easy to craft,” he reminded. “I'll make sure there are no accidents." The witch sighed in relief, though a darker part of her felt disappointment.

"I'm sterile now anyhow," mumbled Beatrix.

Cerise rubbed circles around her belly with a soft blush and murmured, “I wouldn't mind, daddy...”

"Hush love!" Sombra insisted, struggling to keep a calm composure. “We must find a way to escape here.” He stood and helped Cerise to her feet. They collected their scattered garments and redressed, though Sombra kept his distance from Hope. “I have done as I swore. Now then, my student. I'll trust you to guide out of this horrid place."

Beatrix clicked her tongue. “I mean, I'm doing my best here, teach. I'm not worried, but I've gotta keep hope I'll figure something out!"

And like that, they were off, Sombra wisely choosing to let his pupil figure up while his daughter and former lover followed behind them. Still, he couldn't help a dark chuckle, unaware that the darkness came from within. The Pony of Shadows had successful phased into Sombra when he gave in to his lust with his daughter.

Soon, he would take root within his new vessel and show him who the real master of shadows was...

With claws and flame, Spike tore through the walls that closed in on him, determined to find one of his loves. Due to his bulk, whatever traps he triggered were easily dealt with. He smashed and melted stone, straining his muscles below his armored scales, smoke swirling out his flared nostrils while he made his ceaseless advance. “Rarity,” he cried.

“I'm here, darling. Come closer.” Her sweet voice whispered sensuously from the gloom.

His ears flicked. To his wide-eyed shock, his body started to shrink. “What's happening to me...?” He could still hear Rarity call to him, and he found himself unable to resist her sweet voice, which drew him closer despite his reservations.

A sparkly mist like moon dust rolled around him, enveloped him in a dense shroud, and chilled him into a dazed stupor.

“My little Spikey-Wikey.” Her bright eyes appeared in the miasma.

He gasped and realized he'd shrunken down to his average size, thankful that he hadn't been turned back into the awkward drake with a crush he'd once been. Still, he couldn't help but feel intimated in her presence, not helped by the fact that he was naked.

Her eyes trailed over his muscles in approval. She wandered closer, nude as he was, her mane swirling about her. Her fur had turned dark, and she had filled out even more to an impossibly voluptuous figure. Somehow she had become 'Nightmare Rarity,' or 'Nightmarity' as he'd nicknamed her, and moved with a sensual grace that swayed her wide hips and massive tits.

Frozen to the spot, he practically drooled. Her smile widened, half her face obscured by her wavy mane. She cupped her pendulous breasts in both palms, rubbed them inc circles with a squeeze, and tweaked her dark, erect purple nipples.

His twin cocks rose and twitched at sight. She moved so close, her breasts pressed upon his bare chest, and his shafts rubbed on her belly, beaded with precum. He grunted and resisted the urge to simply seize her with his claws and ravish her. She made a move for him, guiding his claws to her generous buttocks, and he squeezed the soft marshmallow flesh with a needy groan.

“This...this is wrong,” he whispered, trying to maintain his sanity.

“Why? Don't you want me, dear?” She batted her lashes. “I'm yours for the taking, however, you wish.” She dragged her tongue around the inside of an ear, tickled him with her warm breath. “I know how much you love to stuff my lower holes full...”

Unable to restrain himself anymore, his eyes glazed over, and he bared his teeth in a show of bestial dominance. Flipping Nightmarity over onto all fours, he mounted her like an animal, desperate to rut her absolutely senseless. She whined in appreciation when he yanked her thick mane, and he pounded into her pussy and asshole, spread her wide amidst his relentless assault.

With his loose claw, he alternated between squeezes and slaps at her buttocks and tits. He'd pull her head back, pressed his snout to hers, force his elongated tongue down her throat. She cried out encouragement at his dominant behavior, determined to make him hers, aware that she'd missed her chance to be his favorite with her coyness and fallen out of his favor over the years.

With each grunt and hammering thrust, her body rocked under him. He left small red claw marks on her tits and ass, bite marks on her neck, spank marks from the beating he handed her plush derriere. She blushed and whined, clenched her fuckholes around his fleshy, ridge-lined tools, and he plunged balls deep past her cervix, all the way into her slippery womb.

“Shoot it in me,” she demanded with a hiss. “I want to bear more of your offspring!”

Spike's cocks pulsed and unloaded. An excess of cum filled her up, made her belly swell up as he'd heavily impregnated her, and he fired into her with such force she came too with a lusty, continuous moan, repeated squirts painting his groin and sluicing down his heavy balls. His leather wings flared out, silencing her cries with another forceful kiss.

He slumped atop her, and she murmured, “Stay with me, Spike. Forever. I'm yours to do with as you wish. I led you on, teasing you, manipulating you, using you. Better that you let it all out, darling. Ravish me until I'm full of your love~!” She stroked his cheek, and he panted, still embedded deep in her. His seed sloshed within her stomach.

Part of him wanted to accept her offer, to finally have her love as he'd always wanted. Once she'd only treated him as a friend, and even after she became his lover in his harem, he could sense her resentment that she shared between several lovers who competed for his affection.

He partially surrendered, wanting to make love to her again.

Twilight Sparkle watched through a cloud of dark mist she couldn't penetrate. “Spike! Come back to us!” She tried to teleport in, simply to end up in the exact same place. She balled her fists and snarled in frustration. “Somehow, we have to find a way in there. The last time this happened to Rarity, it took all her closest friends to wake her up from this nightmare.”

Fleur de Lis tried to pierce the miasma with her halberd only to be rebuffed by an invisible barrier. “Brute force won't work.”

“Perhaps we need a touch of more magic,” said Trixie, who started to flare her horn.

“Allow me to help,” offered Flurry Heart, who poured her own aura into opening a way through the mist. At the same time, she had improved her artificial horn and wings, both brutalized by Chrysalis when she and Cadance had been her slaves, the extension sparked from the rush of pure power, barely able to contain it without cracking as it pulsed under vibrations that hummed.

“If only Sunset were here,” lamented Twilight with regret and added her own power to what they'd channeled. They strained themselves to the fullest, and Fleur added in her own aura, hopeful they could tear a simple rift in the blockade.

At the same time, Spike and Nightmare Rarity continued to intertwine. They lost themselves in flesh and its pleasures, moments drawn out like hours like they were trapped in a dream neither of wished to be awakened. Repeatedly he claimed her, and she submitted to her mate, driven to possess him in her own way, to make him a slave to her affection and desire.

Sweat poured down Fleur's strained brow. “It's...no use...”

“Don't give up,” called Flurry Heart who tried to redouble her efforts. “We can do it!”

“Too much...” Trixie swayed and nearly slipped unconscious.

Gritting her teeth, Twilight called, “A little more....!” The spell between them shattered with a crackle that tossed them all onto their bottoms. “Damn it.” She punched the stone floor below them. “If Sunset or Starlight were here-”

“You would have used me, just like before.” They turned and gasped at the sight of Starlight Glimmer, dressed in the same leather attire like she had been under the Eldritch, complete with the torn wound in her skull where their cybernetic implants had once been.

“Impossible,” cried Trixie with a snarl. “You're dead! We all saw it!”

Starlight pursed her lips, an unnaturally wide smile on her face. “Maybe you wished I was dead. I mean, it's far easier to accept that then deal with what has become of me. Or deal with the fact that it was your fault that I became an abomination!”

Trixie shot up. “Starlight wouldn't say or even think such things, I know it! You went off alone to face the Eldritch and abandoned me!” She balled up her fists, and tears ran down her cheeks as she vented her frustrations.

“Why would I ask someone who never believed in me? Or trusted I could overcome the Eldritch? That's why I went alone. And you.” She turned to Twilight while scratching at the cybernetic implants on her face, drawing black blood. “My dear teacher, look at your star pupil. Look at the mess you made! Is this what you had in mind? Just another friend, you made a monster?”

Twilight shook her head with watery eyes, refusing to accept this reality before her. “No, I-I never wanted this!” The weight of her failures hung heavily on her, ate at her soul, gnawed by the guilt she needed someone to absolve her of. “I'd do anything to set this right...”

Starlight Glimmer tilted her head to one side, a sickening crack in her neck. “How foolish. You could have set things straight from the beginning! Remember the spell I used to travel through time? Use that, and you could have made sure the Eldritch never attacked, then things could be like they used to be. Like how Equestria was~.”

“No.... No, that's too dangerous.” Twilight remembered she'd made a similar pitch to Beatrix, who'd almost accepted before Sombra intervened. She believed it was another trick of the Demiurge, that it would provide the Eldritch with another opportunity to make their plans a reality. “You're not Starlight. Just an evil phantom that's wearing her face!”

Taking a step forward, Trixie added, “That's right! The mare I love would never blame us for what happened!” She blushed a little at her confession but continued to press onward. “Now leave us, before you face the full brunt of Trixie's wrath!”

'Starlight' began to twitch violently before her body flexed backward, and a harrowing crackle echoed in the halls. Twilight and Trixie both readied their magic before a sickening sound stopped them. Flesh began to peel back from the other side of Starlight's face as shadowy tendrils sprouting from her appendages. Slowly, eyeballs opened from each tendril to gaze over the horrified expressions of the mares. Inside the void of Starlight's face, where muscle and bones should have been, was instead pitch-black darkness. Darkness and a set of teeth fixed into a smile.

"Phantom? Oh no, child~! I am but a truth you refuse to accept!" A voice emanated. It sounded like a deep octave mixed with different genders and tones, all while screams provided its bass. "Lurking within your very mortal minds, I've been patiently watching...waiting for these bonds to weaken. My time is approaching, little ones. I guarantee it~."

Wriggling about, the dark monstrosity bent its body crookedly backward and rapidly crawled back into the thick mists. Frightened by what they just saw, each mare clutched at each other for comfort in whimpers.

Whether that was an illusion or real being, it mattered not as they we're no closer to a way in, and could do little more than watch while Spike and Rarity mated, their words unheard. The foursome slumped down to rest, drained by the spell they'd attempted to cast as they tried to think up another method.

“It may be up to Spike,” said Flurry who massaged her horn. “Unless he chooses to reject the temptations, he'll remain trapped.”

“You may be able to influence him.” The voice came from Somnambula, who walked through the curtains of miasma with Bellatrix and the unconscious Stygian in tow. “I am aware you have questions,” she began raising a hand to silence them. “But for the moment, my concern is with our egress. The longer we tarry, the more likely we will end up corrupted, or lost forever.”

The priestess moved close as she could to the barrier that divided them, still in her pegasus form. “Focus your thoughts on Spike and Rarity. Try to draw them back to us. What happened to Spike is my responsibility.” She pressed her palms on the invisible wall, closed her eyes and concentrated, her faith in the idea that they would eventually be reunited.

Her allies moved to support her. Their emotions focused on Spike and Rarity, the latter who Twilight worried was far gone already, and she sniffled with the pain of another close companion now forever gone.

Spike paused between his latest session with his lover, flicked his fin-like ears again, and swore he could hear the faint voices of those close to him, but t no avail.

"Gotta be...somewhere," Beatrix groaned. It felt like they were roaming through the labyrinth aimlessly. Not helped that all parties with her were silent. Sombra and Raident wouldn't say a word while Cerise gripped her father's arm tightly. At this rate, she wondered if she would ever figure out a way out for them.

Suddenly, a door opened amid the maze and light spilled from the white room, blinding them in its serenity. “This way,” came the soft but firm voice. A goat woman appeared in the frame, horns curled about her head, her bluish-white curls pulled into braids that connected at the bottom by a purple jewel. Her tall form wrapped in robes and sandals covered her feet.

She beckoned them in with her curled staff, her features delicate and warm, eyes alight with wisdom that belied her youthful appearance. Inside was a stark contrast to the horrors of the Necronomicon. A blue valley of grass and life that faded into the light mist. It took Beatrix a few seconds to recognize this mystical land and the lady who welcomed them in. "I...I remember... Lady Ewe?" She asked, recalling the shepard during a previous adventure.

“Aye,” she replied and waited for all of them to enter before closing the gate. “Ya'll may relax. This place is safe from the Necornomicon's magic or the influences brought by it.”

Cerise swallowed, looking around suspiciously. “C-can we really trust her? This feels like a dream... too good to be true."

Beatrix nodded enthusiastically. “Of course! Of all the people who I met, she's one of the few I trust with my life! Oh, I can't believe you're here~!" She took Ewe's hands and shook them, practically hopping on her heels. “How did you know where to find me! This place defies all logic?!"

Lady Ewe tittered with a smile. “By now, I've got a familiar lock on your powers whenever you've traveled. It takes me time, but I'm never far in case you may need me. Even with the Necronomicon destroyed, that was merely a shell that contained the wonders here. As I drew close to this world, I sensed familiar energy and chaos; compelling me to venture to you. I'd say though if circumstances were better, I'd be happy to see you~."

Radiant Hope sat and wrapped up in Beatrix's Ursa Minor cloak. “So what do we do now? Wait here forever?”

"Not forever, I'm afraid. You'll need to head out if you want to leave with your minds intact," Ewe warned.

“Then, for now, we take it easy, I guess,” said Cerise who settled down next to her. “I'm not afraid. Daddy will lead us out, won't you?"

Sombra did not answer, looking away while Ewe approached him with a stern look.

"You've gotten yerself into some wicked trouble, lad," she said knowingly. "I'm half tempted to release you back to the void and let the darkness consume you."

"W-what?! No," exclaimed Beatrix with concern. "Why would we, Sombra is my teacher, my friend, m-my..."

“Sombra,” interrupted Radiant, who sat up while quietly studying him. All he could do was stare back at her, unable to mouth anything in his defense. For he knew, both her and the goat woman were right. “He's not the stallion any of you think he is. I learned the hard way.” She brushed her fingertips around the hole in her breast.

Cerise winced. “W...what happened to you?”

“Only know that your father is to blame,” she replied curtly. “And hope the same fate doesn't befall whoever your mother is.”

His eyes bore into hers, full of guilt and sorrow as he turned to walk away, unable to face her. Beatrix, in her emotional state, pursed her lips while walking past Oona.

"Let me try and talk things out with him. I'm sorry; I just don't wanna lose any more people in my life..."

Oona simply nodded with a glint in her eye. “Understandible, child. I only wish you picked yer friends more wisely. That one has a lot of demons to fight.”

Rushing to him, Beatrix stopped and watched the once proud ruler, his back turned, and his crimson cape behind him. She'd seen him brood many times, but his saturnine mood seemed particularly bleak at the moment.

“I never wanted any of you to see this,” he admitted with his head bowed. “The part of me I thought was buried during the war with the Eldritch. The part of me you got through to see who I truly am."

Carefully she approached, and trembled, realizing that he was softly sobbing. He winced when she caressed his cheek and said, “Radiant Hope was the first pony I ever loved. The one I betrayed in pursuit of power. My greatest regret that still haunts me to this day. Seeing her again should ease the pain, as it gives me a chance to make it right, but instead, it's another reminder of my failures and makes me wonder if one can truly change. If some sins are beyond forgiveness, no matter what I do.”

“D-don't beat yourself up like this. Inky would understand. She loves you with all her heart. I-I will too," she murmured almost inaudibly, pressed close to his armored chest.

He drew his apprentice close and kept an arm secured around her, feeling the weight and heat of her bosom squish into his arm while feeling the rhythmic beats of her heart. “For all I know, Radiant Hope is another trick of this labyrinth to weaken my resolve. Another cruel test.”

"She is alive," Ewe's voice interrupted while she walked to their side. Muted footfalls sounded on her approach. “A spirit given form here by the power you once sought and the emotional heartbreak you left her.” She shook her head. “I'm not here to judge you for what you've done. You've have plenty of people ready to do that. I only hope to see you do what is right."

“I can set her spirit free,” he considered, looking up to her. “But only if she accepts my wishes.”

She nodded with a reassuring smile. “Give her time, Sombra. That one has her own path to figure out. Excuse my intrusion, but it's best not to return to the labyrinth with bleak outlooks or hopelessness." She stepped away and left them to their intimacy.

Sombra narrowed his eyes and squeezed Beatrix. “That goat.... She is familiar to me as you were. Maybe some version of me met her once.” At least some version of him that dabbled in the dark arts the Necronomicon before h was reborn to this vulnerable form. His potential was almost endless, but with it came a heavy burden. He tried to draw from faint memories. “We may have been reluctant allies, once.”

“Here. Let me talk with Radiant,” Beatrix suggested while kissing away his tears. “Show her who you've become-”

He shook his head. “I fear this one I must do alone. Still, I am forever grateful for your support, Beatrix."

“She was your first love,” lightly teased Beatrix, who poked an unarmored portion at his side. “I hope Inky won't be jealous!”

With a chuckle he said, “She's not that kind of mare. Especially since she routinely invites her handmaidens, Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow included, into our bed. Or allows me to do stuff like this...” He teased her back, cupping her ample buttocks hardly contained by the thong portion of her leotard and giving the fleshy cheeks a firm squeeze, which made her giggle.

“Frisky, aren't we? Once we get home, maybe I'll join you and Inky for a little celebration.” She half-lidded her eyes. She felt him stiffen against her scantily clad crotch, clear that he wished he could take her right here.

Her breasts heaved when she flattened the supple globes on his breastplate, her nipples stiff through the thin fabric. She was tempted to rip off her clothes and ignore the others, to have him inside her again, but knew this wasn't the time. They needed to return Cerise Silhouette home soon, and fast! Besides, the anticipation they built would make their session all the sweeter!

Breaking away from him, she headed back to the others, Lady Ewe, in particular, who she wished to learn more from. She considered her another teacher, too. She was his opposite in a way—a kind master of the arcane arts, her connection with nature, and benevolent magic far greater.

Her attentions briefly trailed over Cerise and Radiant. It was their duty to protect them. After all, like her father Shining Armor would say, it was their place to fight on behalf of those who couldn't. The ones who made a peaceful society possible by their day-to-day struggles.

Sometimes, it was the little moments like these which made her adventures worthwhile.