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.

Upon her first use of darkness its taste lingered within her mind, creating an ever growing thirst and revealing her true desires. With her recent elevation to an alicorn and princess she begins to find her desire for power insatiable. Small seemingly inconsequential steps grow into giant leaps, pushing her senses of morality and reason.

Besides, doesn't the ends justify the means? For a queen can accomplish so much more than a princess....

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Special thanks to Omny87 on DA for the inspiration.
FEATURED: 7/1/2014 THANK YOU ALL!