The next day seemed normal to all other cats, but I knew a storm was coming. It started when Bramblestar padded out of his den and wondered aloud, "Where's Squirrelflight? I haven't seen her since she organized patrols yesterday." The dark brown tabby was forced to select the cats for the morning patrols himself.

I foresaw the dawn patrol returning with her body, the accusations flying, and the rage towards ShadowClan. I knew enough about Bramblestar to know that his grief would make him reckless. Maybe if he flew into battle without properly thinking...I wouldn't have to do anything. I wasn't sure how many lives he had left but maybe the battle with ShadowClan would take care of him.

On a completely unrelated note, Rosepetal had informed us that Dovewing had taken refuge in ShadowClan...haha, isn't it obvious what they'll make of that fact along with "ShadowClan's" murder of Squirrelflight?

Sure enough, shortly before sunhigh, Foxleap, Ivypool, Sorreltail, and Cinderheart returned with Foxleap and Ivypool carrying the dead deputy between them. Bramblestar's eyes stretched wide in horror and he raced over toward the body.

The leader recoiled and Bumblestripe saw his eyes were glowing with fury. "Her body reeks of ShadowClan!"

Gasps of horror escaped the lips of many warriors.

Birchfall looked outraged. "Dovewing strikes again!"

"ShadowClan will pay!" Bramblestar hissed, not doubting for a moment that ShadowClan were the killers.

Foxleap, who had been leading the patrol, narrowed his eyes. "They didn't try to hide it at all; they left the body right in the open where they knew that we'd find it."

"The fox-hearts!"

"Let's kill all of them!"

"Bramblestar, we MUST attack them now!"

"We should kill Blackstar at the Gathering in two nights!"

"Avenge Squirrelflight's death!"

"For our deputy!"

"Let's shred the fox-hearts in memory of her!"

It seemed like everyone was saying something but me. No one had noticed my silence yet I decided to speak up anyways, so I padded up to Bramblestar and somehow looked him right in the eye. "When do we attack? Tomorrow?"

Bramblestar's voice was so cold that he sounded like a different cat. "No. There's no time to wait. They'll be expecting an attack, but not tonight. We leave now! For Squirrelflight!"

"For Squirrelflight!" I echoed along with a many others, trying to make it sound heartfelt. "Make sure I get to come with the patrol, please, Bramblestar! I will shred those fools and then I will finish Dovewing off for good. It's time to put her plotting to an end! Send her to the Dark Forest where she belongs!"

Bramblestar was looking right at me, and yet it seemed as if he was seeing right through me at something else behind me. His gaze was distracted and unfocused. "Very well. Bumblestripe, you will come with me along with Lionblaze, Birchfall, and Ivypool."

Lionblaze looked shocked. "Bramblestar...only four cats? Are you mad?"

"Maybe," Bramblestar muttered. "I guess Foxleap can come too."

Lionblaze was about to protest, but stopped himself. He exchanged a glance with Cinderheart that Bumblestripe didn't understand. Maybe he was glad she wasn't going to this slaughter. Our patrol stood no chance. I would find Tigerheart and tell him some lie about Bramblestar and Dovewing to get him to kill the ThunderClan leader. No, maybe I'd force him to do it by threatening him with my knowledge of his illegal relationship.

And then I'd kill him unexpectedly. Not just because of my personal grudge against him. Because he'd know too much about my own involvement in Bramblestar's death...

And who knows? Maybe I'd get rewarded somehow. Because, after all, it will look like I was just getting revenge for my leader's death!

We left the camp immediately.

Good-bye, Bramblestar...say good-bye to this cruel world.

A/N: Yes we're getting to the battle! Thanks so much for your comments guys, please let me know if you like the new cover! :)