Chapter 42: Deception

Rosepetal approached Stripes and Lily, her tail twitching with unease. Stripes' eyes, once warm, now seemed cold, distant. His ears, once perked up with excitement, lay flat against his head.

"What's going on, Stripes?" Rosepetal asked, her voice laced with concern.

Lily's emerald eyes gleamed with malice. "Stripes has finally realized you've been controlling him, Rosepetal. Manipulating his every move."

Rosepetal's ears folded back, shocked. "That's not true!" Her paws shifted, agitated.

Lily's slender tail wrapped around Stripes, pulling him close. "You deserve better than a possessive, clingy mate." Her soft purrs soothed Stripes.

Stripes remained silent, his gaze fixed on Lily. His fur, once shiny, now dull and matted.

Rosepetal's fur stood on end, a low growl building. "You're poisoning his mind, Lily!" Her claws extended.

Lily's tail lashed, a warning. "Leave us, Rosepetal. Stripes has made his choice." Her whiskers twitched.

Stripes' gaze remained fixed on Lily, his expression unreadable. No hint of recognition or affection for Rosepetal.

Rosepetal's eyes stung, her heart aching. "Stripes, don't believe her! She's using you!" Her voice trembled.

Lily's ears perked up, triumphant. "Stripes sees the truth now. You're just jealous."

Rosepetal's paws trembled, her claws digging into the ground. She spun around, vanishing into the shadows.

Stripes didn't follow.

Lily's purrs grew louder, her hold on Stripes tightening.

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