A ginger she-cat and a black tom sat in a grassy clearing, moonlight shining on their pelts. She glanced up at him, a desperate look on her face. "Scourge…believe me." Scourge looked at her, his purple collar gleaming. "Sandstorm…you know this isn't easy."

"But I love you!"

He sighed. "And I love you too, Sandstorm. You're just as heartless as me." He stopped to purr, and then continued. "But…you were Firestar's mate, and I'm just not entirely sure yet."

"Scourge, how do I prove it to you?"

"Kill him."

Sandstorm sucked in a deep breath. She contemplated the idea in her mind. Scourge would kill Tigerstar like he planned, then…she would kill Firestar.

"Well?"

"Okay, Scourge. I'll kill Firestar for you."

Scourge purred. "Good, good. And you know the plan. I kill Tigersta—"

"I know, silly." Sandstorm hushed him by putting her tail over his mouth. "Your tail doesn't taste good." He murmured through her fur. Sandstorm purred and removed her tail, looking at him with large green eyes.

"Okay." Scourge said slowly, pulling away hesitantly. "Tomorrow… follow ThunderClan to the gathering place; that's where the battle will take place. Don't show any signs of hostility to Firestar."

Sandstorm watched him pull away, slightly hurt. "Okay, Scourge. I'll make sure."