Firespirit and you had been hunting, as usual. The forest air carried the scent of pine and fresh prey when you suddenly found yourselves locked in battle with the "Cats of Darkness"—a ruthless group with gleaming claws and shadowed pelts. Firespirit had earned a deep scratch on his shoulder, crimson blood seeping through his orange fur, while you favored your other hind leg where a dark gash throbbed with each step. Suddenly, Firespirit jumped to your side, his tail lashing with urgency.

"Cover me!" he yowled, unsheathing his claws as another dark cat lunged toward him.

"Do you even need protection?" you meowed back, dodging a paw swipe from your own opponent. There was a pause in Firespirit's movements, his green eyes narrowing slightly before he replied.

"Oh! No! I'll handle this myself!" His voice held a defensive edge, though the flicker of hurt in his gaze betrayed his true feelings. You knew he took your hesitation personally. He spoke too soon—distracted by your exchange, he failed to notice the dark cat creeping up behind him until it was too late. A sharp claw raked across his throat, and he stumbled backward with a choked gasp. His paws scrambled for purchase on the loose gravel at the gorge's edge, but it was too late. He slipped over the edge, his orange pelt disappearing into the mist below.