In the midst of the Deep Marshes, a solitary smoke-colored pelt traced its way among the mud-covered stepping stones. The constant rain ShadowClan had experienced lately had died down to a light drizzle, making the stones perilously slippery. Smokepelt had hardly ever been out in the Marshes before, and never into its midst. Now that she was a warrior, she was determined to find out what it looked like- especially after it rained. Maybe there would be a layer of clear water on top of the muck. Who knew?
She gave a frustrated hiss as she missed a stone, plunging her paw into the muck. Perhaps it was her imagination, but the mud seemed to be higher than ever, covering some of the stones. She shook her head and continued, eyes on the path. Fangsnap would’ve warned her if the mud level ever changed or covered the stones. She was perfectly safe, as long as she kept her eyes open. Partway through the marsh, the rain began again. Smokepelt was lucky enough to find shelter under a wizened tree until it stopped. She set off again, but it wasn’t long until she turned back. It would be dark soon, and she was hesitant to try her luck in the moonlight. She passed the tree where she had rested and pushed on, paws covered in mud.
She was making good time when it happened. The rock she leapt to wasn’t there. Smokepelt began to sink, mud filling her mouth as she yowled for help. Mud covered her mouth, nose, and finally her eyes, pressing her down under its terrible weight. A single black paw was seen above the surface for a moment, and then she was gone, swallowed by the marsh.
