Warriors: Poisoned Loyalty {COMPLETED}

Chapter 25

As dawn spread across camp, filling the medicine den with a gentle glow, Poppypool noticed Dusk stirring in their nest. They looked around with wide eyes, still carrying that uneasy wariness, but after a moment, their gaze settled on her, watching her sort through the herbs with a shy curiosity.

"Good morning, Dusk," Poppypool greeted them warmly, hoping to ease some of their tension. "Did you sleep well?"

Dusk nodded slowly, still not meeting her eyes, and then dropped their gaze to the scattered goldenrod leaves at her paws. Poppypool tilted her head, considering her next words, and then offered a hopeful smile. "I could use some help, if you're up for it. The wind last night knocked everything around, and it'd be nice to have an extra set of paws."

"Wh-where's Newtflake?" The young cat asked, their voice trembling slightly.

Poppypool hummed to herself as she flicked her tail, gesturing them to come join her. "Newtflake is checking on the elders and kits." She met their gaze, her eyes soft. "It's just you and I in the den right now."

Dusk hesitated, their tail tip twitching uncertainly. But after a few heartbeats, they stepped forward, gaze flicking nervously between the goldenrod and Poppypool, as if searching for permission.

"Of course," she encouraged gently. "Here, just gather the leaves together and make sure none of them are wilted."

Dusk watched her demonstrate, then slowly mimicked her, carefully gathering each leaf as if it might break at the slightest touch. They worked in silence, though every so often Poppypool caught Dusk glancing her way, a hint of timid curiosity shining in their eyes.

After a while, she decided to break the quiet. "You know, you're a natural at this. I think Newtflake would be thrilled to have someone helping out around here. He's a good teacher– even teaching me a few things– and I think he'd enjoy showing you some herb basics."

Dusk froze, their paw stopping mid-air. The light curiosity faded instantly, replaced by a flash of fear as their ears pressed flat against their head. "Newtflake?" they echoed, their voice barely a whisper. "He... he hates me."

Poppypool frowned gently, searching their face. "He doesn't hate you, Dusk. I know he's been upset about the attack, but he's not one to hold onto anger without reason." She softened her tone, hoping to soothe them. "And he'd see how hard you're trying."

Dusk shook their head, backing away slightly as if the thought itself was too much to bear. "No... he hates me. All of them do. They think I'm just like the others." They curled their tail tightly around themselves, shoulders tensing with every word. "I shouldn't even be here. I shouldn't be helping..."

"Dusk," Poppypool said quietly, moving a step closer, "you don't have to prove anything to anyone. I brought you here because I see you as more than just... just a rogue. You deserve to be safe, to learn, and maybe even find a place here."

For a heartbeat, Dusk looked at her with something like hope flickering in their eyes, but it was quickly buried under a blanket of doubt. "You... you don't know what they're like. The others. They'd hurt me if they knew I was here," they whispered, their voice quivering with the memories they were struggling to suppress. "I don't belong here, not when everyone sees me as... as dangerous."

Poppypool's heart ached at the anguish in their voice. She reached out, brushing her tail gently against their flank. "I know it's hard, but trust me, you're not alone. And I promise I'll be here with you, no matter what." She paused, watching as they blinked at her, their expression softening just a little. "No one can change overnight, Dusk. It takes time, and I'll be here for you every step of the way."