Lyra Heartstrings was once a talented professor of archaeology at Canterlot's prestigious Hope University. She was well respected by her peers, admired by her students, and loved by the mare of her dreams back home in Ponyville. Ambitious, intelligent, and curious, she was a mare with the world in her hooves.

But on one fateful August day, she's met by an old colleague with a most fantastic story to share. Her old friend, Hidden Chamber, has come upon a strange artifact that predates any pony-made item. A strange slab with the most curious markings upon it inspires the two of them to lead an expedition into the borders of Equestrian territory, into the dense forests of the Northern Wilds. Packing up and leaving for the mysterious border town of Hollow Shades and the neighboring Mount Elder, their company seeks answers to mysteries that have been buried for millions of years.

But some mysteries aren't meant to be solved. There are some things pony was not meant to know. And the revelations may just bring Lyra's perfect world crashing down around her.

(Originally meant to be for the 'More Most Dangerous Game' contest, but it was not finished in time and it ended up vastly exceeding the word limit)

Cover art commissioned from Omny87