Chapter 1
Sunlight glimmered into the warriors den. Leafclaw opened her amber eyes, blinking. She got up and stretched her legs, her peach-colored pelt shining.
She silently padded out, scenting the hunting patrol coming through the reed barrier.
Leafclaw purred as she saw young Waterpaw's eyes shine with victory as he held a plump Thrush. She nuzzled his head gently.
"A job well done there!"
Waterpaw purred, pleased with the warriors praise.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her sister, Swirlstar, standing on the highledge, smiling at the newly-apprenticed Waterpaw. Leafclaw knew that someday Swirlstar will lead their clan. Even their mother, Flowerfur, knew that Swirlstar would one day triumph over others. Their mother always told them that she could see the determination of true warriors in our eyes.
Suddenly, she scented something no cat ever wants to scent. Blood.
Then, pain struck her heart as she saw Goldenstorm, Swirlstar's mate, limp into the clearing, a scar gushing with blood on the side of his pelt.
"F-Foxes!", he yowled in pain.