My life in Equestria

The day was just beginning to dawn on the horizon, and the first golden glimmers of the sun were softly illuminating the room. I felt the soothing warmth of the sun warming my face, especially my nose and ears. It was nice, but the thought of having to get up was starting to cross my mind. However, laziness took hold of me. A heavy weight was resting on my body, as if someone had fallen asleep on top of me. Without thinking too much, I opened my eyes, slightly intrigued. I quickly realized that this weight was none other than Sombra, lying peacefully on top of me. An amused smile appeared on my lips. Why did I ask myself this question? It was obvious that it would be him. He never let an opportunity pass him by to get closer to me, even in his sleep.

I watched him sleep for a moment, observing his features softened by sleep. Even with his dark past, he had that vulnerable, almost childlike look when he slept. It was rare to see him like this, and I could have stayed for hours admiring him. There was something touching about seeing this once feared and respected being so peaceful and relaxed by my side. Every breath he took reminded me of how cute he was in those moments, a side of him that only a select few knew.

But, in spite of this touching picture, time passed. The minutes passed and I had to resolve to get up. Gently, without waking him up too much, I shifted Sombra to the side. He grunted slightly in his sleep but didn't fully wake up, just curling up into a ball. Once freed, I stood up, stretching my limbs numb from the night. My steps led me to the wardrobe where I was storing my royal guard uniform. I took the time to put on my outfit carefully, adjusting each piece so that it was impeccable.

I then walked over to the mirror, peering into my reflection. My face seemed calm, but my thoughts were bubbling up. Today was going to be a busy day. Once satisfied with my appearance, I left the room in the direction of the kitchen. Preparing breakfast would be a good way to start the day. After a few minutes, the appetizing smell of oatmeal pancakes filled the room. I was putting the finishing touches on when I heard footsteps behind me.

Sombra entered the dining room, her hair slightly disheveled, but with that dark, enigmatic look that was unique to her.

"Mady, didn't you see my cloak?" he asked in a still sleepy tone.

I shook my head, a mocking smile on my lips. "No, I haven't seen her, but I'm sure she's not far away. You always find it somewhere."

He shrugged his shoulders as he sat down at the table. "That's okay." He took a deep breath, catching the smell of the breakfast I had prepared. "It smells good, what have you cooked up for us, Princess?"

I placed a plate in front of him with a wink. "Oatmeal pancakes."

Sombra attacked her meal enthusiastically, savoring each bite as if it were a royal delicacy. "It's delicious. Thank you, Princess! »

With a smirk, I retorted, half serious, half teasing: "Thank you, but maybe you should wait before thanking me..." Who knows, maybe I put some rat poison in it."

His face froze, his eyes staring at me with a mixture of disbelief and panic. I couldn't hold back a burst of laughter, feeling my shoulders tremble with laughter.

"But I'm kidding, you moron!"

Sombra let out a nervous laugh, shaking her head. "Not bad, not bad. You could do it, after all."

I raised an eyebrow, amused. "Maybe. But if I had wanted to kill you, I would have done it a long time ago. So consider yourself lucky to still be alive."

He burst out laughing, then took another sip of his drink. "Indeed. Okay, do you have any things planned today? »

I looked thoughtful, mentally reviewing my schedule. "Yes, I have a speech to give in Ponyville about the situation with The Mysterious Mare, then a walk with Luna, and finally a meeting with my brother and The Shining Armor to discuss the management of the guards."

Sombra shook her head, feigning disappointment. "What a program... I see that I will not be able to enjoy my Princess as I would like to-day. »

I shrugged my shoulders and smiled. "Yes, it's a shame for you."

He stared at me for a moment, his gaze softening. "Do you want me to accompany you?"

I shook my head gently, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You know I'd like that. But I don't want to trigger a wave of panic in Ponyville. Your reputation... is still a little... frightening for some."

He sighed, slightly disappointed, but without being offended. "yes, yes, I get it."

I approached him, placing a delicate kiss on his cheek. "Don't take it the wrong way, we'll see you later."

I walked to the door to put on my shoes, but before I could even reach it, I felt a powerful embrace take me by surprise. Sombra grabbed me from behind, and before I could protest, he placed a tender kiss on the back of my neck. My heart warmed instantly, and I turned to him with a sincere smile.

"Be good while I'm gone, okay?"

He answered me with a mischievous look. "I'll try, Princess."

I finally left the house, taking flight to Ponyville. The fresh morning air whipped my face as I flew over the fields and hills. When I arrived in Ponyville, I sat down in front of the main stage where the mayor was already waiting for me, busy organizing the final preparations.

"Good morning, Princess," she said with a respectful smile.

I greeted her in return. "Hello. You know, you don't have to call me 'Princess'. It's a bit too formal for my taste. »

She seemed to hesitate for a moment before nodding. "Oh, okay. I admit that it's a hard habit to break. »

I smile at her indulgently. "It's not a big deal."

The mayor straightened up, visibly a little nervous. "Okay, I hope you have some good news for us today."

I nodded, reassuringly. "Most of the news is pretty good, indeed."

She seemed relieved, but immediately resumed. "Are you also planning to visit the children after your speech?"

I laugh softly. "Yes, I have received so many letters from them since the presentation ceremony. I couldn't refuse. »

The mayor burst out laughing. "They'll be delighted to see you, I'm sure. Okay, I'll prepare the final details for your speech."

I thanked her before taking a look at the clock. I was really ahead. Rather than wait, I decided to go straight to the daycare and school to surprise the children.
When I arrived, I was greeted by an unexpected scene: Flurry Heart was happily playing with a few other children under the watchful eye of her family. The little one had grown so much. As I stretched, observing the scene, I heard familiar voices not far from me.

"Well, I didn't know Mady was coming today," Cadence said with a smirk, surprised.

Shining Armor, who was standing next to him, frowned. "That's right, you planned for that, Twily?"

Twilight shook her head, looking confused. "No."

I could feel a palpable tension in the air as Cadence approached Twilight, trying to understand the origin of her discomfort. I was intrigued by that too. Twilight had always been happy to see me, but now something seemed different. Without announcing myself right away, I stayed in the background, curious about the conversation that followed.

Twilight sighed, folding her arms in front of her, a slightly tired look on her face. "It's not that I'm not happy that she's here, it's just that... She hesitated, as if searching for the right words, and then finally blurted out, "Since she's been with Sombra, everything seems..." different. »

Cadence seemed perplexed, as did I. "Different? In what sense? »

Twilight ran a nervous hand through her hair. "I don't know exactly, it's just an impression. Mady has changed, I feel she is distant. She spends less and less time with us, she is often with him, and... I don't know, I have the impression that it escapes us. As if she was moving away from the person she was before. »

Cadence seemed to think for a moment before answering softly, "I understand your concerns, Twilight. But you know, relationships often bring change. Maybe it's just a period of adaptation for her. Mady has to juggle her responsibilities as a princess, her relationship with Sombra, and her bond with us. It's a lot to manage. »

Twilight nodded slowly, but I could see that her doubts persisted. "Maybe... I know that she has the right to live her life as she sees fit. It's just that, sometimes, I wonder if Sombra is really good for her. »

Cadence, always calm and understanding, placed a comforting hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "I know Sombra hasn't always had the best reputation, but he seems sincere in his efforts to change. And Mady is strong enough to know what's good for her. Trust him. »

Twilight bit her lower lip, visibly prey to her own thoughts. "Yes, you're right. I have to trust him. It's just that... I am worried. She's my sister after all. »

At that moment, I decided it was time to come forward. I took a step forward, loud enough to get their attention. Their heads instantly turned to me, a mixture of surprise and embarrassment on their faces.

"Twilight, Cadence," I said with a smile, though my thoughts were still swirling. "I came a little earlier to see everyone before the speech."

Cadence smiled warmly at me, but Twilight seemed a little caught off guard. She nevertheless approached me to hug me. "Mady, I'm glad you're here."

"Me too," I replied softly, holding her close, aware of the words I had heard just before. I took a deep breath, wondering if I should directly address the conversation I had overheard, or if I should leave it aside for now. Finally, I decided to take it slowly. "Twilight, you know I love you, right?"

She detached herself slightly, a little surprised by my tone. "Of course I do. What's wrong? »

I took a deep breath, searching for my words carefully. "I heard what you said earlier, and I understand your concerns. I know that my... The link with Sombra is not easy for everyone to accept. And I also know that things have changed, including me. »

Twilight blushed slightly, embarrassed. "Oh, I..." I'm sorry, Mady, I didn't want you to hear it like that... »

I cut it gently. "No, Twilight, it's good that I heard it. Because I want you to know that even though I've changed, even though I spend a lot of time with Sombra, it doesn't mean I'm moving away from you. You are my family, my friends, and that will never change. »

Cadence smiled softly, nodding in agreement.

Twilight, visibly touched, nodded in turn, her eyes shining with emotion. "I... I know. It's just that I'm worried about you. I don't want to lose you. Not again. »

I took his hoof in mine, squeezing it gently. "You'll never lose me, Twi. I'm still here. »

A long silence settled, but it was soothing, restorative. The wind blew lightly around us, making the leaves of the trees dance above the square where we were.

Cadence finally broke the silence, smiling teasingly. "Come on, you two. It's good to say that kind of thing, but Mady has a speech to make, and I think Ponyville is looking forward to it. »

I laugh softly, nodding. "You're right, Cadence. But first... I'm going to take a detour to the daycare. There are a few little ponies eager to see me. »

Twilight smiled at the idea. "They will be delighted, you have become a real heroine to them."

I then left for the nursery, a new lightness in my heart. Despite the doubts, despite the changes, I knew that the love and friendship that bound me to my loved ones remained strong, unwavering. And that's no matter what the future holds.

After my discussion with Twilight and Cadence, I headed to the daycare, where the young foals of Ponyville were waiting for me. The freshness of the morning accompanied my steps, and a slight smile lighted up my face. Despite the whirlwind of emotions that had just gone through me, I felt lighter, ready to face this new day.

As I approached the school, I could hear bursts of laughter and childish voices rising joyfully in the air. This warmed my heart. The foals always had this gift of bringing back light, even in the darkest moments. The door to the daycare was wide open, and I could already see Cheerilee, the teacher, supervising the young ponies.

No sooner had I crossed the threshold than several small heads turned towards me, their eyes shining with excitement.

"*PRINCESS MADY IS HERE!*" shouted a small enthusiastic voice, immediately breaking the tranquility of the place. In a flash, a horde of foals rushed towards me, their hooves pounding the ground in joyful chaos.

I laugh softly, surprised by their energy. Among them, Flurry Heart stood out, flying to meet me, a wide smile on her face. "Princess Mady!" she cried, clasping me in her little winged hooves. Her affection filled me with warmth, and I gently took her in my arms.

"Good morning, my little ones," I replied tenderly, watching them move about me. "So, what do you want to do today?"

Ideas immediately flew in all directions. Some talked about playing games, others wanted me to tell them stories. However, a little filly named Angel Sunshine, who seemed a little more thoughtful than the others, raised her paw before timidly asking, "Princess Mady, could you give us a moonstone?"

At these words, Cheerilee, who was watching the scene with an indulgent smile, softly intervened, "Come on, Angel, the princess can't just go into space to look for moonstones like that."

I laugh softly, touched by the children's candor. "Oh, but don't worry, Cheerilee," I replied, activating my magic. My aura surrounded the foals, and suddenly small glittering stones appeared in the air, floating gently before landing in front of each child. Their eyes widened in wonder as they gazed at the shiny little jewels.

"Wow... Thank you very much, princess! Flurry Heart cried, her eyes shining with wonder.

I smile at her as I gently stroke her mane. "These moonstones have a very special magical energy. They bring luck, courage and serenity to those who wear them. »

Another foal, Sand Flowers, asked curiously, "Is it true that moonstones can also be very powerful? As in the legends? »

I took a breath before answering, remembering the story my parents used to tell me. "Yes, there is an old legend about it. It is said that moonstone magic is so powerful that it can fend off even the greatest threats... But only if it is used by a pure heart. The largest unicorns in Equestria have used it in the past, and they've seen the magic with their own eyes. »

Angel Sunshine opened his eyes wide. "Can you tell us about this legend?"

At that moment, I noticed that Cadence, Shining Armor, and Twilight, who had come to pick up Flurry, had come closer. They smiled, amused by the children's enthusiasm, and Cadence spoke, "We'd love to hear that story too, Mady."

I sighed and smiled, falsely exasperated. "Very good, very well... I said, as I sat down on a stone bench in the shade of a tree. The children sat in a circle around me, ready to listen. "But only if you promise to believe in this magic."

Twilight, with a teasing smile, intervened. "I'm sure you're familiar with this kind of magic, aren't you, Mady?"

I pretended to think for a moment. "Yes, but the one I'm going to tell you about is a little different. The black magic of the stars is something that few ponies really know. I saw the intriguing eyes on me, and I continued, in a deeper voice, "It is a fearsome magic, and only those with a black heart can be attracted by its power. But this magic is also a protective force, and it watches over those who have a pure spirit. »

The foals stared at me, captivated, as I continued my story. "A long time ago, a young filly named Blue Star was desperately looking for a cure to save her family, who were suffering from a rare disease called ponyculosis. She traveled all over Equestria, but whenever she thought she had found a cure, it was either denied or too expensive for her. »

I paused, seeing the interest grow in the children's eyes, and then continued, "One evening, after a particularly difficult day, Blue Star rolled her eyes and begged the stars to come to her aid. It was then that a cool breeze caressed her mane and she saw, in the starry sky, the silhouette of a majestic unicorn: Starry Plain, the guardian of the magic of the stars. »

The foals widened their eyes in wonder.

"Starry Plain descended from the skies and presented Blue Star with a moonstone, explaining how to use it to save his family. Blue Star followed the instructions to the letter, and thanks to this magic, she managed to heal all of her people. Since that day, legend has it that anyone who finds a moonstone and makes good use of it will be blessed by the stars. »

I ended my story with a smile, while the children, fascinated, looked at each other, as if hoping to find an even more special moonstone in their paws.

Flurry Heart, curious as always, asked, "And you, Mady, have you ever used moonstone magic?"

I shrugged my shoulders and smiled. "Maybe... I replied mysteriously, preferring not to say more.

As the children continued to discuss the legend among themselves, Cadence, Twilight, and Shining Armor approached me. Cadence spoke first, her gaze gentle and benevolent. "This story... She seems so connected to your own family, Mady. »

I looked at her, feeling a slight tension rising inside me. Maybe it was time to tell them the truth. I took a deep breath. "Yes, indeed. Blue Star and Starry Plain are my ancestors. »

The shock on their faces was immediate. The silence that followed my words was almost palpable. Cadence, Twilight, and Shining Armor stared at me, stunned by this revelation. I could almost have heard their hearts beating so much the hovering silence.

Twilight was the first to react, her natural curiosity taking over. "Your ancestors?" she whispered, as if she struggled to fully comprehend the magnitude of what I had just revealed. "Blue Star and Starry Plain... were really part of your family? »

I nodded softly, a slight smile on my lips. "Yes. It's a story my parents told me when I was a little girl. The magic of the stars has always been a powerful bond in my lineage, but it's not something we've often shared with others. There are things in this story that even the books don't reveal. »

Shining Armor, who had been watching in silence until then, spoke. "And is this magic of the stars still present in you?"

I looked away slightly, hesitantly. It wasn't a question I answered easily, even with my close friends. There were parts of me that I had not yet fully revealed, powers and responsibilities that I had not yet fully accepted.

"Yes," I confessed at last, in a softer voice. "This magic runs through my veins. But it is also a burden. Star magic is powerful, but it can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. That's why I almost never mention it. »

Cadence gently placed a hoof on my shoulder. "Mady, you're not alone in this. We're here to help, no matter what you're going through. »

I smile gratefully. Their support meant everything to me, but it didn't make the choices I had to make any easier. "I know that, and I thank you for it. But there are still things I have to discover for myself, truths I have to face. »

I looked him in the eye, making an inner decision. "I may have to leave soon... »

Cadence frowned. "Leave? How do you leave? Why is that?"

I nodded. "There is an ancient source of knowledge, hidden far north of the frozen lands. It is said to hold the secrets of the stars and the magic they possess. You know my love for astronomy. «

Twilight seemed ready to protest, but I raised a hoof to stop her. "I won't leave right away, and I won't be alone. But it's a journey I have to take, and I know you'll understand. »

Twilight looked down, a little frustrated, but she finally nodded. "Very good. But promise to keep us informed. If things ever get complicated... we will come. »

I smiled at him, touched by his insistence. "I promise, Twilight. You'll be the first to know. »

The joyful cries of the foals broke our moment of tension, bringing back a little lightness. Flurry Heart, as lively as ever, approached me with a mischievous look. "Princess Mady, you're going to go on a quest like in the stories, then?"

I laugh softly, leaning in to be at her level. "Maybe, Flurry. But I'll be back, I promise. »

She nodded, apparently satisfied with this answer. The other children, still unaware of the seriousness of our discussions, continued to play with their little stones, as if all was well in the world. Their innocence was soothing, a reminder that, despite the shadows that might have hovered, the light of hope still shone.

As the sun rose gently across the sky, bathing Ponyville in a soft golden light, I felt a strange mixture of peace and determination. The path ahead of me would be difficult, strewn with pitfalls. I knew that I had lied to them, the reason for my departure was very different but for now, I would enjoy this day, the company of those I loved, and the laughter of the children.

But soon, very soon, the time would come for me to face the truth of the stars. The hours that followed passed more quickly than I had expected. After telling the story of the moonstones to the foals, I found myself immersed in the festivities of Ponyville, a mixture of joy and tranquility that contrasted so much with the heavy thoughts that weighed on my mind. Twilight and Cadence had slipped away to talk about their own royal responsibilities, while Shining Armor watched over the guards with careful attention.

I finally made my way to the small clearing near the school, where sunlight pierced through the leaves, creating golden spots on the ground. I sat down under a tree, enjoying a few moments of respite. As I let my thoughts wander, I felt a familiar presence approaching. It was Sombra. He had the gift of showing up in moments when I needed calm, without ever making a sound. He placed himself next to me, without a word at first, content to look at the sky above us.

After a moment's silence, he finally spoke, his voice deep and soft. "So, you're really planning to leave, aren't you?"

I looked at him briefly, seeing a glimmer of concern in his eyes. "Yes," I said simply. "It has to be. I have to understand what happens with the magic of the stars. »

Sombra nodded, but her gaze remained dark. "I understand. But that doesn't mean I agree. »

I smiled slightly at his typical response, touched by his constant concern to protect me, even though he knew I could stand up for myself. "Sombra, I absolutely have to find information on a few important things, we will be back for two days."

He turned his head towards me, and this time his gaze was more intense, almost piercing. "Is that really why you're leaving? For your duty as a princess? His voice betrayed a deeper emotion, something I didn't yet know how to name.

I frowned, unsure of what he meant. "What do you mean?"

Sombra straightened up slightly, staring at the horizon again. "Sometimes I wonder if this role you impose on yourself, that of princess, is not more of a chain than an honor." His words floated in the air like an enigma, and yet they resonated strangely in my heart.

I remained silent, reflecting on his words. Maybe he was right. Perhaps this burden of responsibility that I had so willingly accepted had chained me to something bigger than myself, something I had not yet fully realized. But could I really escape from this destiny that had been entrusted to me? Should I do it?

I sighed deeply, and Sombra sensed my confusion. He placed a comforting hoof on my shoulder. "I trust you, Mady. Whatever you decide, I'll be there. But never forget that you are more than this princess title. You are much more than what others expect of you. »

I looked up at him, grateful for his words. He had this strange ability to bring me back to reality, to remind me of who I really was, far from other people's expectations. I smile softly at him. "Thank you, Sombra. I will not forget. »

Suddenly, a noise coming from the village caught our attention. Bursts of voices echoed, and there seemed to be some commotion. I sat up quickly, my protective instincts taking over. "What is it?"

Sombra narrowed her eyes in the direction of the village. "It looks like... an argument. »

Without wasting a second, I stood up and quickly walked towards the source of the noise, Sank at my heels. When we arrived at the central square of Ponyville, we discovered a tense scene. A group of ponies had gathered around a stranger—a tall mare with a night-black coat and a glittering silver mane. She wore a cloak that partially concealed her face, but her eyes shone with a familiar glow that I didn't like at all.

Twilight, Cadence and even Luna were already present, their eyes fixed on the unknown. The crowd murmured, frightened and suspicious. The tension was palpable.

I approached, signaling to the crowd to back off slightly. "What's going on here?" I asked in a loud but calm voice, seeking to calm the situation.

The stranger slowly turned her head towards me, and an enigmatic smile appeared on her lips. "Ah, the famous Princess Mady. There is a lot of talk about you in the distant lands. »

I frowned, standing more straight, trying to assess the situation. "Who are you? And what are you doing here? »

The mare burst into a soft but sinister laugh. "My name doesn't matter right now. What matters is what I know... and what I can offer. »

Twilight, who already seemed to be on her guard, stepped forward slightly. "We don't need your offers. If you're coming to get into trouble, you'd better leave. »

The mare ignored Twilight, continuing to stare at me, her smile widening. "You're looking for answers, aren't you, princess? Any answers about your past? On your magic?"

My heart stopped for a moment. How could she know that? I felt Sombra reach out to my side, ready to intervene if necessary.

I took a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure. "What do you know?"

She took a step forward, her imposing presence captivating the attention of the entire assembly. "I know you're looking for answers. And I know where you can find them. »

I watched him carefully, suspicious but intrigued. "Why should I believe you?"

She smiled even more, a cold and calculating smile. "Because, my dear princess, I am the key to the truth you seek. And if you want to save Equestria, you'll have to follow me. »

The silence that followed his words was heavy, almost oppressive. All eyes were on me, waiting for my decision.

The tension was palpable in the air, each pony in the central square of Ponyville held its breath, waiting for my reaction. The piercing gaze of this mysterious black mare destabilized me, but I couldn't show it. She was talking about answers, secrets about the magic of the stars, and that intrigued me more than I cared to admit. But there was a part of me that hesitated. Especially when it came to my parents. This stranger hadn't said anything about it, and it was a relief. No one here, except my close friends, knew my family history.

I felt Twilight's gaze fall on me. She too seemed suspicious, but I could see that she was trusting my judgment. Luna, on the other hand, remained motionless, her expression inscrutable, but her aura reflected increased vigilance. Cadence stood slightly back, watching the interaction from afar, her protective instincts on alert.

"What do you know exactly?" I asked, my words carefully measured, as if to test his intentions without revealing too much of myself.

The mare narrowed her eyes, a smirk appearing on her lips. "I know that the magic of the stars, the one you seek to master, is much older than you think. And I know where you can find the keys to fully control it."

My heart sank. She knew far too much for this to be a mere coincidence. Still, there was something strange about her behavior, as if she knew exactly what she needed to say to arouse my interest.

I risked a glance at Sombra, who was watching the scene with cold intensity. He was ready to act if necessary, but he trusted me to decide what to do next. I ignored the looks of the other ponies and will focus on this enigmatic mare.

"If you really know what I'm looking for, you'll understand that it's not here, in the middle of everyone, that I intend to discuss it."

My tone was firm, unappealing, and the mare nodded slowly, a mischievous gleam shining in her eyes. "Of course, princess. I understand." She took a step back, respecting the distance I maintained between us. "I will come back when the time is more propitious. But remember... Time is running out."

Without waiting for an answer, she turned and walked away, disappearing among the shadows of the buildings. The crowd murmured in confusion and concern, but it quickly dispersed under the watchful eye of the royal guards. Ponyville had seen its share of strange events, and this one was just another ordeal to overcome.

I turned back to my friends, my shoulders suddenly heavy from everything that had just happened. Twilight moved closer to me, her eyes filled with questions.

"Mady, what's going on? Who was she? And why is this magic of the stars suddenly so important?"

I sighed, feeling a pressure rising inside me. It was all getting more and more complicated, and I still didn't have clear answers, only leads and threats. And now this mysterious mare was added to the list of my concerns. "I don't know exactly, but she seems to know more than I do about certain things. Important things that I have to understand..." I left my sentence hanging, not wanting to say too much in front of everyone.

Sombra, who had been silent until then, took a step towards me. "You're not going to go alone on this quest, Mady. No matter what you're looking for, you need support, and I won't let this guy get away from it. Stranger drag you into something even more dangerous."

His serious look reminded me of one of the reasons I trusted him so much. He was right. I couldn't embark on this adventure alone, but I wasn't ready to involve everyone either, especially not until I knew more.

I nodded, grateful for his presence. "I know, Sombra. But I have to think about it. There are too many unknowns at the moment."

As I prepared to leave the square to think, Luna moved closer, her gaze piercing in the fading sunlight. "Mady, it would be wise to talk to your brother."

. If anyone could have any answers or clues about this new threat, it would be him.

I felt a wave of nostalgia run through me at the mention of my brother. We had always been close, and even though our paths had distanced us in recent years, he had always been a rock in my life.

I looked at Luna and nodded. "I'm going to contact him. If there's anyone who can help me understand this situation, it's Solar."

Luna smiled faintly, her eyes betraying a concern she rarely shared. "Be careful, Mady. The magic of the stars is powerful, but it also attracts shadows. Don't let this darkness envelop you."

I took a deep breath. Luna was right. This quest, this search for answers, was becoming more and more dangerous, and the lines between good and evil seemed to be blurred. Between The Mysterious Mare, This Mysterious Mare, and now the magic of the stars, I had to keep my mind clear and not get carried away by my own desires, especially concerning my parents.

I took one last look at my friends and said to them in a calm but resolute voice, "I will go back to the castle to think about all this. We must remain vigilant. I'll keep you posted as soon as I know more."

Twilight, Luna, and the others nodded, understanding that it wasn't time to reveal everything yet. Sombra stayed by my side, silently following me as I moved away from the center seat, feeling the weight of responsibility growing on my shoulders.

As we approached the castle, I whispered to Sombra, "I'm going to send a message to Solar. Maybe he'll know what to do."

Sombra nodded, his expression indecipherable, but I knew he was worried. So do I, by the way. The answers seemed to lie at the end of this quest, but the dangers were just as great.

And deep in my heart, only one thought persisted: would I be willing to sacrifice a part of myself to bring my parents back? When I arrived at the castle, the atmosphere was more serene than in Ponyville, but the shadow of menace still hung over me. My thoughts were clouded by the new revelations and mysteries that were looming on the horizon.
Sombra and I went up to our respective quarters to get ready for the night. Before leaving, I thanked him for his unconditional support. The warmth of his words and the depth of his gaze gave me some comfort in this whirlwind of uncertainty. In my private office, I took out a pen and paper to write a letter to Solar. Every word had to be chosen carefully, especially for such an important message. My mind was in turmoil as I focused on the content of my missive:

Dear Solar,

I am writing to you urgently because recent events have revived concerns that deserve immediate attention. A mysterious mare has appeared in Ponyville, claiming to have knowledge about the magic of the stars, a magic that I am only just beginning to understand. His presence and his words foreshadow dangers that we have not yet fully appreciated. And to my surprise, this mysterious mare knows way too much about our parents...

I just wanted to warn you of my future absence, I know that I had promised others to wait for your decision but it's way too long for me... I absolutely have to solve this mystery and for that I have to leave as soon as possible unless a twisted event gets in my way. But I hope that this obstacle will not be my friends, nor you brother...

I am counting on your usual vigilance to guide us through this crisis. While waiting for your response, remain cautious and watch for signs of any disturbance that could indicate imminent danger.

With all my love,

Your sister Mady

I sealed the letter with a spell so that it would reach Solar safely. While waiting for his answer, I knew that the night would be short. My thoughts were looping, haunted by the uncertainties and dangers that could come. The memory of the words of The Mysterious Mare and the implications of the magic of the stars kept me awake. Later in the evening, I took a moment to think alone in the garden of the castle. The moon shone high in the sky, dwarfing the stars. I felt a strange comfort in his light, but also a melancholy. My thoughts turned to my parents, their evanescent faces in my memories. The light of the moon was the only tangible reminder of their presence.

Suddenly, a shadow moved silently near me. I turned to see Sombra approaching, her gaze full of concern.

"Mady," he said softly, "I wanted to check on you. The last few hours have been... intense."

I looked at him, a mixture of gratitude and fatigue in my eyes. "Thank you, but it's okay, let's just say that it's not the appearance of an imposing mare that will make me feel bad."

Sombra sat down beside me, her silent support comforting. "Mady talk to me, I know you're hiding a few things from me, I'm not an idiot, at least I think."

I took a deep breath, searching for the words to express the complexity of my feelings. 'That's just what the mare said about the stars and about a potential catastrophe, start to seriously torment me. I'm afraid for my loved ones... and then to be I don't see why I got this damn title of "princesses" under the pretext that I saved Equestria from a supermassive asteroid...''

Sombra gently placed a hoof on my shoulder. "You are more than you think you are. The title of princess is not only measured by power or knowledge, but also by the way you act. The fact that you are a princess engaged in the guard, makes you a powerful princess.

His words were like a healing spell on an open wound. The recognition and strength he gave me was what kept me in a normal state. Even though I doubted, Sombra's presence reminded me that I wasn't alone in this fight.

I nodded, trying to dispel the doubts that plagued my mind. The night continued with these thoughts, while Sombra and I remained together in the garden. When morning came, I felt a little more at peace, ready to face the new day. I had to wait for Solar's response and prepare my next steps. In the meantime, the quest to understand the magic of the stars and solve the mystery of the parents remained my main goal.