After the battle, we were finally mates. I was happy, after so many moons we finally were. But every day, when I looked into your eyes, I didn't see love. I saw regret, annoyance, but most of all longing. Longing that there was someone else sharing tongues with you. Sharing prey. Loving you. I saw the same when you were with me in the forest for a walk. I shrugged it off, ignored it. But now, it's stronger. You probably don't even love me. You never did. I can't stand it.

Bumblestripe got up from his thinking, and looked for the familiar gray fur. He spotted it, and started to pad over to his mate. Dovewing heard his steps and turned. "Hi Bumblestripe," she said. Just Bumblestripe. No ' Hi my dear,' or even 'There you are! Just Bumblestripe. That's probably what he would always be to her. "Listen, Dovewing we need to talk."