Everypony praises the High Empress, Daybreaker, for banishing the evils of the world and uniting the earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns together into the glorious Solar Empire. What nopony talks about is what the rest of the creatures of the world have had to suffer under the crushing weight of her gold-shod hoof.

Following the conquest of Chiropterra, the thestrals have endured a life of fear. Curfews keep them from being out during their natural hours, and the fearmongering propaganda about vamponyism have had many innocent ponies attacked in the streets out of fear that they may be on the hunt for blood. Guards kick around the batponies they come across with impunity, knowing that the moment the tormented bite back they'll be dragged off to the dungeons or the gallows.

For Azel Moonstrider, a thestral who truly is one of the vamponies the citizenry have been taught to fear, what he cares about most is escape from Canterlot for himself and his young sister, and surviving long enough to do so.

Fate, however, has other plans, and before long, he will find himself entangled with the strangest of bedfellows, leading a revolution he never asked to be part of, in the pursuit of justice for more than just his own family and people.

Written on commission, for HumanUnitNotKilled. If you'd like to commission me yourself, my rules are right here.
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Custom cover art was commissioned from RamenDraws