Prologue
Silence.
The stillness surrounds me. The normal sounds of prey scuttling about are few. Even the wind seems less enthusiastic than normal. I get the feeling that something is horribly wrong.
Shadows.
The sun, once comforting and warm, now casts a foreboding shadow across the forest. I'm almost afraid to move for fear that something — or someone — could jump out of the darkness at any time.
Emptiness.
I can't sense any presence, friendly or aggressive. They were here, and now they're gone. Does my Clan no longer exist? Am I the only one left?
Ice.
Fear grips my spine like the sting of newfallen snow in leaf-bare. I can't be the only one! It isn't possible. The four great Clans can't have just vanished. They have to be here. They just have to be here!
Lies.
I'm just trying to convince myself of something I know isn't true. Their scents are growing stale already. There's no one here. I'm the only warrior left.
Clarity.
A sudden sense of calm washes over me. I can accept this truth. I can survive in this empty place. As long as there is prey, water, and shelter, I can keep going. I will not give up.
Hope.
I will hold onto the warrior code for as long as I can. Maybe there is another cat left somewhere. I will never stop looking. If there is any chance of finding cats, I will search. For now, though, I'm the only one.
The last.
A/N: Last will be a short story (likely only about two or three chapters, including this one). But I hope you enjoy it!
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