Toralei closed her eyes as she fought the bile that rose into her throat at those words. She knew she had to accept the challenge or be a laughing stock.

But she didn't want to.

But she also didn't want to see someone literally pounded into the ground either.

"I accept."

The words were barely whispered, although it was enough for Kat to step forward.

"Come at me Stripe, and don't hold back."

Again the older werecat's voice had changed. It was no longer emotionless but commanding, haughty even.

And it pissed her off.

Especially since she had sneered her last name as if it was nothing but dirt.

"Fine Princess, But I'm not holding back!"

Toralei charged as soon as she had finished speaking, claws ripping into Katrina's arm as the older girl blocked. But if she felt the pain, she didn't show it.

This co continued for some time, blow for blow although to Toralei's surprise, Kat's blows were blunt, designed to become—not break the skin.

"Is that all you can do, Princess?"

Toralei sneered, eyes flashing red however the next thing she felt was liquid fire running through every atom of her body, , taking her breath and causing her to collapse onto her knees.

"Well someone finally put the brat in her place!"

"Get revenge on her, Katina!"

"Not so tough now are you?"

Toralei felt tears fill her eyes involuntarily, however despite the pain Toralei fought with herself to focus.

Everyone has a weakness...Even her.

She thought, forcing herself to look up, expecting to see a smirk or something akin to malice. However, what she saw caused her to freeze.

Kat's eyes were unnaturally shiny. Her eyes narrowed as if searching for something...what...Toralei wasn't sure.

What the fang is she doing?

She could feel her body screaming for mercy, yet something seemed to be pushing back up as if refusing to stay down. Toralei didn't know what that feeling meant, but yet she allowed it to take control, to force her back onto her feet.

Suddenly even more pain exploded through her and it felt hard to breath as if her lungs were about to burst and she fell hard onto her knees, the warmth of blood oozing across fur as gravel dug into flesh.

Then a warmth took over, filling her and replacing most of the pain. As if a fire like energy was holding her, yet it was hard to see...as if the force that had hit her had blurred her vision.

"You fucking bastard!"

She barely could hear Kat's voice but she definitely heard the scream that followed.

Then everything went black.

"Traitor to your clan!"

Kat didn't care what people thought of her as she walked past Neko in the hallway the following day, eyes landing on the bandage he wore over one side of his face.

"Fucking coward."

She countered, teeth clenched in a hiss as she headed toward the front office, ignoring the whispers as she let herself in.

"How's is Toralei?"