In the year 988, Celestia is on the cusp of Her most ambitious social reforms to date: the reformation of Her government's intelligence apparatus. The chaos that ensues is sweeping and violent, with one murder case, in particular, taking Lyra Heartstrings and her partner to the darkest depths of corruption among Equestria's elite.

Meanwhile, during the same societal upheaval, Octavia Philharmonica, working, ostensibly, on government orders as well, follows her own investigation to uncover secrets of her own past and the meaning behind her unusual birth and upbringing.

Pre-Canon. Grimdark.

Cover image by Jitterbug Jive and Cyanocitta, by commission