"We will be learning some herbs today," Petalflower announced.

Lightpaw nodded. 

Flashes swirled in her head. Leopardclaw's death, Flameblaze's death, the attack, the betrayal, th-

"Lightpaw?" 

"Mhm," Lightpaw replied, staring at Petalflower.

"Can you repeat what I just said?" Petalflower asked. 

"No," Lightpaw sighed.

"That's alright, I'll start over. Please listen this time," Petalflower meowed.

"Alright," Lightpaw agreed.

Finally, Petalflower stopped. 

"How about some herb picking with Bramblefang?" she asked, "It's great for you to spend time together."

"No!" Lightpaw blurted out. Of all cats, it had to be Bramblefang!

"What? Why? Did he take your prey?" Petalflower joked.

"No he-" suddenly remembering the threat against her in telling, Lightpaw finished, "is a great choice!"

"Thought so!" Petalflower smiled, "Take care, okay? You know, the injured leg. Of course, Bramblefang would help you!"

Would not.

For a moment she thought about going alone. But she didn't dare disobey her mentor.

"Bramblefang, we're off gathering herbs!" she muttered.

"Great!" he meowed, eyes shining.

As they padded out of camp, he smiled cruelly again, that insane laugh sounding in her ears. And everything went black.