Before I return to camp, I roll in some leaves and dirt, ridding the scent of blood from my fur. I lap up water from a small puddle nearby to wash off any blood on my muzzle. I make sure to carefully take the fur out of my claws and bury it nearby, deep enough so it couldn't be scented.

I take a deep breath. This is it. Life or death...loner or Clanmate..I hope it won't come to this.