The Crystal Empire is one of the most exquisite places in Equestria during the 1800s, with magic flowing through every crystal shard, every blade of grass, simply everything.
It is a single pegasus who, blinded by the ambition and stubbornness of a child, dedicates her early years to obtaining magic for herself, jealous of magic wielders like unicorns and alicorns who can "cheat at life". However, it does not take long for Ev to realise the taboo she had committed and how bad things happen to those who try to tamper with the balance of Equestrian magic. Now Ev's brother, Sombra, and the entire Empire must pay the price, and all of Equestria is put under a great threat.
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
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Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.