Queen Chrysalis plans another invasion. A mare plots to wipe out the entire changeling race. An ambitious changeling climbs the ladder in hopes of becoming king.
Chrysalis is alone and lonely, a black heart, in a black skin. There is no love, and none to love; everything had been eternally lost or, so she had thought. Yet, there is the one who is willing to reach out a hoof, in friendship and hope.
Compound's lost her administrative post and been assigned to what amounts to a suicide team. Will she have to spend these last months of her life alone? Or will she find friendship in the least likely of places?