Enemy

by Ashes That Fall From Sky

Amberpaw is sure that now that she's an apprentice, life will be smooth. But she makes an enemy that shouldn't have been made. The apprentice can't seem to let go of the grudge she holds against Bearpaw, even when a terrible sickness strikes the woods she calls home.

1. Prologue

PROLOGUE

A lone black tom stood with his back to the mountains, his different-colored eyes staring stoically up at the dark sky. His mouth was still filled with blood, but he ignored the pain. She will return.

Someday, they or their descendants would come back to the mountain. He was sure of it. And then revenge would be his.

Turning, he made his way back to the cave where he lived. Several pairs of glowing eyes stared back at him. Then a skinny, crooked old tom stepped forward, gazing at him through sightless blue eyes.

"The time has come. She is coming."

"When?" the tom said coolly.

He blinked long and slow, as though it was flowing into him. Then he gave a nod. "On the night of the full moon, I know not which. She comes with the sweetness of the flower and the glint of amber. She is your downfall."

"Nonsense!" The black tom swatted angrily at the cat. "She is my revenge. This is what I have been waiting for."

An eerie chanting began from the cats in the cave. It echoed down the mountainside, but failed to reach the peaceful grass and woods beyond. Up above, the stars twinkled silently, helpless spectators to the evil brewing.