I stood my ground beside the lake, body hot like fire, but paws icy with desire. They all stared at me. Why?

I'm different.

No, not like, "I'm mentally and physically scarred" different.

Not like her.

I looked down at her beneath my paws, her white fur spiked in fear. Her green eyes were drained of the lively color they usually held when I talked to her. I felt no emotion. Just zero.

"You-you're a monster!" she whispered.

Rage seared through my body, and I felt my eyes blazing at her. "I-I'm not." I thought to myself. I shook my head, tail flicking wildly.

"Smokestep..." I flicked my eyes up, seeing him flinch. "How long have you known this?"

I swallowed a gulp of air, not needing it, really. "I've known since I've became an apprentice," I whispered softly. "Lightstar. I wanted to tell you...everyone...but I couldn't."

Lightstar shook his head softly, the only sound audible was the crunching of leaves small animals made outside in the forest. "I do not blame you, Smokestep. But you are a danger." He flicked his white tail to the rest of the clan behind him protectively. "And my daughter."

I looked down at her. "Mosspond, wait..."

She got up from crouching and raced back to camp, a gray she-cat following her.

"Lightstar, I got out of control...I'm not a danger." I insisted, stepping forward. Other cats behind him whimpered and whispered to each other. I felt anger make a thick pool in my belly. What was wrong with me? I was nowhere near dangerous.

Lightstar turned his head but didn't look back. "Go to camp. All of you." His icy authoritative voice spooked the others into running to camp. Others were hesitant but left.

"Are you alone?" he muttered.

Icy air and the chilly moon sent shivers up my spine.

"No."