Chapter 13

9 0 0
                                    

The attack began at dawn, just as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, casting long shadows across the Clan's camp. Poppypool was in the medicine den, still lying in her nest, when the alarm yowl shattered the morning's stillness.

Her heart raced as she jolted up, ears straining to make sense of the chaos unfolding outside. The sound of claws raking through fur, the vicious snarls of battle, and the panicked shouts of her Clanmates echoed outside the den. A rogue attack. The rogues had come- unexpected, vicious, and with bloodlust in their eyes.

Newtflake was already on his paws, rushing to grab supplies from the herb storage, his eyes wide with fear. "Poppypool!" he called out, his voice laced with urgency. "We have to get ready! There'll be injuries flooding in soon."

But Poppypool could barely focus. The overwhelming sounds of the battle raged in her ears as she looked outside the den and saw her brother, Hawkflight, in the thick of the fight. He was a blur of tri-color fur, claws out, engaged with two rogues much larger than him. The sight froze her in place, her stomach twisting in knots of fear and guilt.

Hawkflight needed her, but all she could think about was their argument, his harsh words still ringing in her ears. "If you're not going to let me help you, then you're on your own."

Before she could move, Newtflake nudged her hard, snapping her out of her daze. "Poppypool, now isn't the time to freeze up! We need to move- before more of our Clanmates get hurt!"

Poppypool's paws felt like stone, but the urgency in Newtflake's voice finally pulled her out of her shock. She grabbed the herbs he handed her and rushed outside, her heart pounding in her chest.

The camp was in chaos. Warriors and rogues clashed in a deadly dance of claws and fangs, fur flying as they fought for dominance. Screeches of pain pierced the air as blood splattered the ground beneath them. The acrid scent of fear and battle flooded her senses as Poppypool weaved through the chaos, trying to stay out of the fray while keeping an eye on the battle.

Hawkflight was holding his own for now, his muscles straining as he fought back against the two rogues, but he was outnumbered. His breaths were coming in ragged pants, and she could see the glint of desperation in his eyes.

Then it happened- one of the rogues feinted, distracting Hawkflight just long enough for the other to strike. A flash of claws raked across Hawkflight's flank, sending him sprawling with a yowl of pain.

"No!" Poppypool's voice came out as a strangled cry. Her legs moved before her mind caught up, carrying her straight into the battle without a second thought, leaving the herbs behind. She didn't care about her fear anymore, didn't care about Rowantail or the Dark Forest's shadow hanging over her. She had to save her brother.

She threw herself at the rogue who had struck Hawkflight, her claws sinking into his pelt. The rogue then turned on her with a snarl, his yellow eyes gleaming with malice. For a moment, Poppypool faltered, but she forced herself to dig in deeper, raking her claws across his side.

The rogue hissed in pain, but before he could retaliate, Hawkflight had recovered. With a powerful leap, he slammed into the rogue from the side, knocking him away. The two siblings stood side by side now, panting heavily, but united in their fight.

"Get back to the den!" Hawkflight growled, though there was no anger in his voice- only worry. "You're not a fighter, Poppypool!"

But Poppypool shook her head, her eyes wide with determination. "I'm not leaving you!"

Another rogue lunged toward them, and Hawkflight braced for the impact, but this time, Poppypool was ready. She darted to the side, slashing at the rogue's exposed side and knocking him off balance. Together, she and Hawkflight beat the rogue back and forced him to retreat.

Warriors: Poisoned Loyalty {COMPLETED}Where stories live. Discover now