Warriors: Poisoned Loyalty {COMPLETED}

Chapter 5

Poppypool paced in the darkness of her den, her heart racing in her chest. She had just woken from yet another nightmare- except this time, it wasn't just Rowantail's voice haunting her. He had given her a name. A cat. A target.

Stormfern.

Her paws felt like they were weighed down by stones as she moved to the herb store. She knew the consequences. If she didn't act, Rowantail would make her like unbearable. The Dark Forest's grip on her mind was growing stronger, and the guilt over Darkeyes' death- no, her murder- still clung to her like a shadow. But this...this was different. Stormfern was a good cat, a loyal deputy, and a symbol of strength for GlacierClan.

And now, she had to die.

Poppypool's eyes fell on the bundle of water hemlock, hidden beneath the safe herbs. Her breath caught in her throat as she reached for it, her paws trembling.

You've already crossed the line, Rowantail's voice echoed in her mind. There's no turning back.

Her heart pounded with the weight and severity of the decision. She had killed before, but this- this was blatant murder. She wasn't sure she could live with herself afterward.

But she didn't have a choice, did she?

*****

Days went by as Poppypool waited for the best time to take down the noble deputy. Rowantail's encouragement every night was eating her alive, but she had to do this. She didn't have a choice.

Then, the opportunity arose. A border scuffle between GlacierClan and OakClan left Stormfern injured with large enough wounds to put the water hemlock in. She'd dressed and treated his injuries as normal to not draw suspicion onto herself. But now...now was her best shot at getting the job done.

Poppypool found Stormfern in the clearing, speaking quietly with Hawkflight and Sparrowstar. Her paws felt heavy as she approached, her heart racing. She knew she couldn't hesitate, couldn't show any sign of what was to come.

"Stormfern," she called softly, keeping her voice calm. "I need to check on your injuries."

The deputy looked up, her expression softening as she excused herself from the conversation. Her large frame looming over her as she approached, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "I'm fine, Poppypool. But if it'll ease your mind, I won't argue."

Her heart clenched as she spoke, her tone warm, trusting. The guilt of what she was about to do gnawing at her, but she forced herself to smile. "It won't take long," she assured the she-cat, leading her to a shaded spot nearby where she had her herbs ready.

Stormfern stretched out comfortably, laying her head on her paws. "You worry too much," she teased, closing her eyes for a moment. "I appreciate it, though."

Poppypool's throat tightened as she turned her back to her, her paws trembling as she crushed the water hemlock into the poultice. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps, her mind racing. Could she really do this? Was she about to take the life of one of the Clan's strongest warriors?

You have no choice.

She swallowed hard, turning back to Stormfern, who hadn't seemed to notice her internal struggle. Carefully, she undressed the previously treated injury and applied the poultice onto the wound, her paws steady despite the turmoil inside her. She worked quickly, efficiently, knowing that the poison would soon take effect.

"It might sting a little," she muttered, barely able to look her in the eye.

Stormfern nodded, not sensing the true danger she was in. "I've had worse."