Meet Lady Astral Swiftstrike, the Changeling Queen's most trusted infiltrator, most talented mage, and most dangerous weapon: the Shadow. Born and bred Changeling to the core, she seems to be the perfect role model for every aspiring youngling in the Hive. A heartless killer, a devious schemer, a cunning deceiver . . . and a traitor to the Crown of the Hive.

She was flawless . . . until she met him.

During a secret mission in Equestria, Astral makes the forbidden mistake of falling in love with the pony prince, of all unlikely figures. Unaware of her true identity, Prince Valiant Heart tumbles head-over-hooves into the same trap.

Unfortunately, he just happens to be the pony she has to capture.

She's lost . . . she doesn't know where her true loyalties lie.

Now, Astral Swiftstrike must decide, once and for all: Is love—their love—truly worth fighting for?