Explore the origins of infamous Warriors villain Darktail in this superlong stand-alone novel in Erin Hunter's #1 nationally bestselling series! Darkpaw is no ordinary kittypet. Raised in the Twolegplace by his mother, he eagerly awaits the return of his father, Onewhisker, a WindClan cat who promised to raise him as a warrior. But as the seasons pass with no sign of Onewhisker, Darkpaw begins to doubt that his father ever planned to come back for him. Chafing against the boredom of kittypet life, Darkpaw's hurt transforms into deep anger--at his father, at his Twolegs, and at the other kittypets who don't treat him like the warrior he's destined to become. When tragedy strikes, a hardened Darktail makes it his mission to hunt down the one cat responsible for all his misfortunes. As a rogue, Darktail learns to use his influence--and strength--to recruit other cats in his pursuit of Onewhisker. But as his hunt intensifies, as well as the violence required to maintain his following, Darktail transforms into a villain who will haunt the Clans for seasons to come--and is forced to pay the ultimate price.