“Don’t challenge me again,” Darktail hissed softly. The tip of his tail twitched menacingly behind him.
Rain stared at him, anger showing in his gaze. “I won’t.”
“No, you won’t.” Without warning, Darktail lashed out, as fast as a snake. His claws raked Rain’s eye before the tom could close it.
Violetpaw’s belly heaved as blood welled around the socket. Rain staggered backward, ears flat with shock. He let out an agonized yowl before collapsing to the ground.
Needletail hunched over him. “You’ve blinded him!” she shrieked at Darktail.
Darktail curled his lip. “I only half blinded him,” he growled. “A half-blind cat threatens no one.”

Violetpaw stared at Rain, horror scorching though her as she saw his face. She’d seen fights here before, but none this cruel. His cheek was ripped and his eye was closed and oozing blood.
Nausea swept over her, and she raced from the camp. Skidding to a halt behind an alder, she vomited, her body convulsing with shock.