𝔻𝕦𝕤𝕜 𝔸𝕥 𝔻𝕒𝕨𝕟

3

"Execute! Execute! Execute!" Nightpaw was shaking, standing in the middle of the clearing with an angry mob of ShadowClan warriors surrounding Nettlepaw, who was kneeling on the floor. She was clearly crying, looking down at the grass.

A brown, muscular tom with a scowl on his face walked over to where Nettlepaw was crouching. He kicked her in the stomach without anyone noticing, then turned to face the crowd.

"I, Woodstar of ShadowClan, call upon our ancestors," he started, as the crowd quieted.

"Oh, who am I kidding!? THIS DUNG-FACE INSULTED ONE OF OUR PROUD WARRIORS!! I knew you couldn't trust SkyClan cats!!!"

The rest of the ShadowClan cats started cheering, which made Nettlepaw cry even more. Nightpaw and Pinepaw's eyes were also watering, feeling terrible for their friend.

Woodstar continued, "Swallowfoot, Vixenrust, would you help me do the honors?"

A black and white spotted tom stepped forward, along with Vixenrust. They snarled, then walked over to where Woodstar was sitting.

Woodstar nodded to Swallowfoot, and he stood up taller, facing the crowd. "I, Swallowfoot, Medicine cat of ShadowClan accept the role to execute this trader. May our ancestors from the Dark Forest approve of her death."

The crowd was screaming. Nightpaw covered Pinepaw's eyes with her tail. "It'll be alright," Nightpaw whispered. Even she didn't believe her own words. Pinepaw pushed Nightpaw's tail away. His wound on his jaw was still bleeding. Nightpaw felt sorry for both of her friends; one of them was about to die, another seriously wounded, at such a young age.

Memories, terrible memories filled Nightpaw's head. Memories of two other apprentices, too brave for their own good. Galepaw, who was only six moons-Pinepaw's age-got executed for being too curious. Peachpaw got killed for the same reason Nettlepaw will- Standing up for herself.

It wasn't fair. There nettlepaw was, wailing and crying, as the leaders of ShadowClan stood before her, making a sacrifice to the clan's worst enemies.

Vixenrust, Swallowfoot, and Woodstar had all said their menacing words, and now, they were standing still, waiting for Woodstar's call. Everyone went quiet.

"Kill."

The leaders of ShadowClan unsheathed their claws and leaped on Nettlepaw. She let out a yelp as Vixenrust's claws dug into the back of her neck, as Swallowfoot snarled, and bit the back of her leg. Nettlepaw screamed, blood pouring out of her side. 

Nightpaw couldn't take this. She wanted to yell, but that would get her killed too. She grabbed Pinepaw by the scruff, and ran out of camp, blood pounding in her ears. Pinepaw yelped, loose twigs and branches snagging at his paws. 

Nightpaw set him down, her heart racing, looking towards to camp; where Nettlepaw was being ripped apart. Her eyes were watering, but she couldn't look away. One mistake!!! Nettlepaw made one mistake, and now-

Silence. Nightpaw picked up the smell of death.