Warriors: Poisoned Loyalty {COMPLETED}

Chapter 33

Dusk ran back into the chaos of battle, paws barely touching the ground as they dodged flying claws and lashing tails. The air was thick with snarls and cries, but in the midst of it, a familiar pelt caught their eye. Reed, his light gray fur bristling, was charging toward them, eyes narrowed with fierce determination.

Dusk skidded to a halt, heart thudding. Reed was the last cat they wanted to face– he was the only one who'd been anything close to their friend, the only one who had made living with the rogues bearable. And now, here they were, on opposite sides of a fight that had torn apart everything they'd ever known.

"Reed!" Dusk cried, a pleading note in their voice as they raised a paw in a gesture of peace. "Please, don't do this. You don't have to fight for them. Think about it– this isn't the life you deserve!"

Reed slowed, his claws scraping the ground as he faltered. "Dusk..." His voice was torn, wavering between anger and confusion. "Why? Why are you fighting for GlacierClan? After everything we went through, after all the moons we survived together?"

Dusk felt a surge of desperation, stepping closer. "Because there's more to life than what Gravel and the others taught us. You don't have to live in fear and anger. You could have a real home, Reed. A family that cares for you. I found that here– you could find that too."

Reed's gaze softened, a hint of longing breaking through his hardened expression. But then he shook his head. "The rogues... they're out for blood, Dusk. They want to destroy GlacierClan because... because of a cat named Rowantail. Gravel says Rowantail visits him in his dreams, telling him to get rid of some GlacierClan cats... especially a cat named Poppypool."

Dusk's breath caught in their throat. "Poppypool? Why would they want to hurt her?" Their voice broke with disbelief. "Poppypool's the kindest cat I've ever known. She took me in when I had nowhere to go. She made me feel safe, Reed! She could do the same for you. You don't have to follow Gravel. You can be free– you can fight with us."

Reed's eyes softened further, the resolve in his face cracking as he took a step back. "I... I don't know, Dusk. I was raised by Gravel, just as you were. I owe him everything." He glanced over his shoulder, as if searching for answers in the chaos. "But you... you seem different, like you finally found what you were looking for."

Before Reed could say more, a harsh, mocking voice boomed over the battle, freezing them both in place. "Well, well. Look who's come crawling back," Gravel sneered, emerging from the shadows with a twisted, blood-soaked grin on his face. "After all we did for you, Dusk. After we took you in, fed you, protected you when your mother left you to die."

Dusk felt a flicker of fear at Gravel's words, but they stood their ground, bristling with defiance. "The only thing you ever taught me was fear. I have a home now, Gravel– a real home. I won't go back to your lies."

Gravel's eyes flashed with fury as he took a menacing step closer. "And yet, here you are, fighting for these Clan cats as if they'd welcome you for good." His gaze shifted to Reed, and Dusk saw their friend shrink under Gravel's glare. "Are you really going to betray us, Reed? Betray me?"

Dusk turned back to Reed, feeling the urgency build in their chest. "You don't owe him anything, Reed. He used you, just like he used me. But here, with GlacierClan, we can build something better. You don't have to keep fighting for a cat who'll throw you away the moment you slip up."

Reed's face twisted with conflict, his claws digging into the ground as he stared between Dusk and Gravel. Dusk held his gaze, trying to convey every ounce of hope, every dream of freedom they'd found in GlacierClan.

Gravel's sneer grew, his voice low and venomous. "You've gotten soft, Dusk. Just like the Clan cats you've decided to crawl to." His gaze hardened, cold as stone. "You and Poppypool will both pay for your betrayal. Rowantail told me as much."