King Sombra survived his defeat, but just. By the time he returned to form, Twilight became the newest princess of Equestria and the Crystal Empire was restored to its former glory.

He cannot take over Equestria the same way he tried before, but he has a card up his sleeve. Twilight won't see it coming, and Sombra might gain a powerful ally in the process.

And it will all begin...with a book.

Edits on Chapter 1 done with the help of TempesttheDragnix.

Major props to InuHoshi-to-DarkPen for letting me use this. That artist is really good.

This story is a sequel to The Return of the Shadows

Princess Celestia sends King Sombra to Ponyville to learn about friendship with Twilight and her friends.
But days passed, and between Sombra and Twilight something else grows.

Years have passed since King Sombra was defeated, but the ruler of the shadows was risen from the ice mountains.
Now, he has a new plan, something that will surprise everypony.

Twilight Sparkle, the famed Alicorn Princess, after 3 years, grows tired and restless one fateful night. Going out for a late-night flight, she found plenty more than what she asked for, finding a home to stay at for good.

Twilight Sparkle has failed at getting the Crystal Heart in time, letting the former king, who enslaved the entire kingdom over a thousand years before, return to take over the Empire.

Now, with the Crystal Heart permanently gone, Twilight is now bound to King Sombra for all eternity...

Because of this, it even left the only pony who can save her, her loved ones, and the empire, powerless against him.

Inspired by THIS image!!!!

Cover art by SapsDrow

Now with Dramatic Reading by ME!!!

Twilight does her best to reform King Sombra, but things don’t go exactly as planned.

Edited by ROBCakeran53 and Alcatraz