Needletail and Sleekwhisker had again settled in Shadowclan, who was currently a wreck of three cats. Rowanstar had been weak and quick to say yes.
Needletail was currently browsing through the fresh kill pile in ThunderClan. A sparrow fit her taste. She plucked it out and took a bite out of it. "Mind sharing?"
Needletail saw Alderheart. "No. Here." She moved so Alderheart could sit beside her. Needletail pushed it over to him, so he could have a bite. The tom took a ravenous gulp.
"Why are you so hungry?" She took another bite. Alderheart shook his head. "Ive just been so busy."
Needletail pressed up against the warm fur. Early the next morning, she was prodded awake. A blurry shape stood over her. "Alderheart?"
He stood there, a worried look on his face. "Darktail's scuffling around outside the camp," he explained. "Hide!"
Sleekwhisker was already awake, and Alderheart escorted them behind the medicine den, close to the secret exit if they had to get out. They watched as Alderheart stalked up to Darktail. "Hello. What brings you round these parts?"
Darktail worked his claws in the ground. "Im looking for two rogues, or outlaws, Needletail and Sleekwhisker. Needletail is gray with a white chest, Sleekwhisker a little like you. You seen em?"
"No." Alderheart replied, looking straight at Darktail. He replied, "Well, if you do, the rewards are great. You get all the prey you could want, a head position in my group, and a personal slave."
Needletail held her breath. Would Alderheart give them away?