Yes, I have failed you with updates of my other works. But fear not. Chapter 15 of Flaming Sky is on the way. But for now, enjoy this new production.
With pride, I present-
Stormy Heart
A story of hardship and faith.
The night was quiet. Nothing stirred in the rocky landscape. Except for three cats, their eyes glinting in the half light of the claw-moon.
"We should head back. There is nothing here." One of the cats spoke, his tail flicking over the smooth river-worn rocks.
"Scarlet will not be pleased. She hoped that we would find more prey." Another meowed, looking anxious.
"Well, she should have sent us earlier in the day. It will take all night to get back to the cave." The third cat rasped, her claws glinting as she unsheathed them in agitation.
"All night? We can't travel that far at night! We'd freeze before we even caught sight of the cave!" The second cat mewed frantically.
"I know that, mouse-brain." The third snapped. "But we have to make a start. I saw a hollow in the river-bed a couple dozen fox lengths back. We can stay the night in there."
"Show us, Jade." The first cat meowed, nodding.
Jade shivered, then turned around and began padding around the river rocks in the opposite direction, the other two cats following her. The night was cold, and the second cat's breathing was clipped. Jade's amber eyes seemed to dull with exhaustion and cold.
Soon, they reached the hollow. It was damp and cool, with the sound of dripping water coming from within.
"Mouse-dung, it smells like crow-food." The first cat meowed, wrinkling his nose.
"It's not much better back at the cave." Jade shot at him, looking agitated. She clambered into the hollow, wincing as she felt the damp and slimy rocks press against her fur. The second cat slid in next to her, sighing. The tom sat at the entrance to the hollow, stiff as a board.
"Aren't you coming in? You'll freeze to death out there." Jade asked, budging over to make room for the tom.
"I'll be fine." He stated shortly.
"Emerald, you're not gonna get anywhere with either of us. Besides, how would I explain to Ruby that her mate was too afraid of dishonoring her and froze to death outside an available shelter?" Jade growled, annoyed.
Emerald made an indignant noise in the back of his throat, but crept into the hollow and rested beside Jade.
"Do you think a fox is gonna get us?" the second she-cat mewed worriedly.
"Pearl, shut up. We haven't scented foxes for days. Stop getting us all agitated." Jade snapped.
Pearl winced at the she-cat's harsh words.
"We'll start out for the cave at first light. We'll be home soon." Emerald meowed, and though Jade didn't want to admit it, even to herself, she was very afraid of what may have been lying in store at their home. But she allowed sleep to take her, and fell into dreams of home…
Next chapter will be up soon. Reviewers shall get a Jade plushie.