Warriors: Poisoned Loyalty {COMPLETED}

Chapter 35

The trek back to GlacierClan felt endless, weighed down by the silence of loss. Dusk's eyes stung, not just from exhaustion but from the emotions that clawed at their heart– Poppypool's final words, her gentle gaze, the warmth of her fur was now gone forever. Reed walked beside them, his pelt brushing Dusk's as if trying to ground them. Around them, the warriors carried their fallen Clanmates with quiet reverence.

When they finally arrived at camp, Sparrowstar leaped onto Highbranch, her voice a soft, steady call. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a Clan meeting," she called. The gathered cats looked on, grief and awe filling the camp as the Clan began to gather.

Dusk felt Reed give them a reassuring nudge as they settled, but it didn't ease the weight in their chest.

As the last few cats gathered, Sparrowstar's voice broke through the silence, her tone respectful and filled with quiet sorrow. "Tonight, we remember our fallen." She let the words settle, glancing down with a gaze filled with sorrow and respect. "Aspenleaf, Troutstream, Hatchdrop, Lizardberry, Hawkstripe, Frozenshell, Ivorywhisker, Sandyfrost, Nettlefoot, Talonclaw..."

Each name hung heavy in the air, rippling through the crowd with a collective flinch. Dusk felt their heart twist painfully as Sparrowstar reached the last name, her voice barely above a whisper.

"And... Poppypool."

A hush fell over the camp, a silence filled with grief and disbelief. Dusk felt their throat tighten, blinking back tears as the familiar name echoed through the clearing. Around them, cats looked down, some closing their eyes, others shifting their paws.

Sparrowstar raised her head, her eyes glowing with quiet pride. "They lost their lives defending our Clan, as true warriors would. They showed loyalty, bravery, and love for their Clanmates." She glanced at the bodies laid out, her voice growing firmer. "And with their deaths, we must find a way to carry on. New warriors have risen among us, cats who chose GlacierClan even when their paws walked a different path; one against us. Vine, Flint, Pine, and Reed."

Dusk looked over at Reed as he straightened, his gaze steady. Vine, Flint, and Pine did the same, looking nervous but resolved. They stood under Sparrowstar's watchful gaze, their expression a blend of pride and uncertainty.

"I name you Vineclaw, Flintpatch, Pinefur, and Reedpaw," Sparrowstar continued, nodding at each of them. "Pikedive will be your mentor, Reedpaw. I have no doubt of your skill in battle, but the four of you must learn the ways of Clanlife and our rules. May you serve your Clan with strength and loyalty, and may your courage honor those we have lost."

The crowed murmured, some even managing small, approving nods. Dusk couldn't help feeling a glimmer of pride for their former rogue-mates, watching as Vineclaw dipped her head to Sparrowstar, her eyes shining with respect.

Sparrowstar's gaze turned to Dusk, who felt a sudden spike of nerves. Her voice softened, filling the air with a warmth that eased some of the tension in Dusk's chest. "Before she died, Poppypool came to me with a request."

The Clan shifted, some casting curious looks at Dusk, who swallowed and glanced back at Sparrowstar, bewildered.

"She asked me to give a certain cat a place among us, to honor their loyalty and the love she saw in their heart." Sparrowstar's eyes met Dusk's with a gentle glow. "Dusk, Poppypool believed in you with every fiber of her being, and I believe in you, too."

Dusk felt their throat tighten, heart pounding as Sparrowstar spoke their name with a reverence they hadn't expected.

"From this moment forward, you will be known as Duskpaw," Sparrowstar continued, her voice swelling with warmth. "Newtflake will be your mentor. Poppypool cared deeply for both of you, and I have no doubt her spirit will guide you."

The clearing erupted into murmurs and Duskpaw absorbed the weight of their new name. They looked over at Newtflake, who stepped forward, his eyes filled with pride and sadness. "I'll do my best to teach you," he whispered, his voice hoarse as he touched his nose to Duskpaw's forehead. "She would be so proud of you."

Duskpaw's chest tightened, tears stinging their eyes as they managed a nod. "I'll try, Newtflake. I won't let her down."

Newtflake's eyes softened, his tail curling around them. "I know you won't."

As the meeting concluded, the Clan's mournful silence felt lighter, as if Poppypool's memory lingered with them, giving them strength. Duskpaw felt a gentle breeze brush their fur, looking up at the stars glittering in the sky.

A whisper of peace settled over the camp, and Duskpaw closed their eyes, feeling, for the first time, like they truly belonged.