Vengeance at nightfall

(chapter 53) visitation

Nightshade made it a point to visit her father every day, keeping a guard close by at all times. She knew it was going to take some time for him to truly turn good, but she was willing to rush it, in any way she could. Every day she saw him, she brought books, books that helped Sapphire learn the purpose of being good. And although some of them were meant for foals, she thought it might at least give him an idea of what Luna wanted. Before long, she began to notice a change in him, and although she didn't believe he was fully charged, she wasn't going to call him out on it.

Eventually, he was let out, kept far from the princesses and on constant watch but free regardless. It made Luna more uneasy, and she banned Mantis and Sapphire from the hallway their grandfather was in, forcing Nightshade to always keep them close. They were often bored when it came to the time when she was busy, but that time was usually spent playing and teaching each other stuff.

All seemed well, until later that day, a nightmare shook Nightshade out of her sleep and made her heart race with fear. The dream was of a bloody and beaten Mantis, he was still breathing when the image first crossed her vision, but by the end he was dead. She had no idea what it meant, but hurried out of bed to check on him, only to see his room door open and hear the voice of her father insulting someone. She was not happy to hear this, but made sure to approach the room slowly and quietly, as she peeked in.