Bristlefrost felt the dark water pushing her down. She struggled to breathe, and suddenly spotted another shape fall into the water near her. Shadowsight? she thought. Was my sacrifice all for nothing? Then, she recognized it. Ashfur! The dark warrior was struggling against the water. No! I can't let him escape.

Using all her strength, Bristlefrost forced herself over to where Ashfur was. She pushed down on his head with her paws, forcing him to sink. The push gave her a boost upward, and she reached her forepaws up, propelling herself. Suddenly, her head broke the surface, but she felt her strength ebbing away, and couldn't get any farther. 

Then, she felt teeth sink into her scruff, hauling her upward and onto the shore. Once she reached dry land, she began coughing up mouthfuls of dark water. Blinking the water out of her eyes, Bristlefrost looked around. She spotted the rest of the Clan cats, lying down, with their wounds bleeding heavily. She felt a tongue licking her fur dry, and looked around to see Rootspring, his blue eyes full of relief and love. Affection swelled through  Bristlefrost, but it was quickly drained out to be replaced by tiredness. She felt herself slump to the ground, letting the tiredness take over her. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.