CHAPTER 1

Lakekit lay quietly in her nest, staring out of the nursery. The sun had just began to rise, leaving streaks of red and orange in the sky. She rolled over, glancing at her sisters. Starkit and Flamekit. The grayish-blue molly sighed and looked away.

No one else seemed to find Starkit's violet fur strange other than Lakekit, nor did they notice her multicolored eyes. She shivered. So unnatural.

Lakekit was the first one awake-or rather, she hadn't gone to sleep at all that night. She was so nervous to become an apprentice that she couldn't seem to even close her eyes. The young molly huddled closer to her mother, as if she could protect her from the inevitable.

Dawnsparkle adjusted her position ever so slightly, causing Flamekit to stir. The ginger tabby yawned and stretched. "Good morning, ThunderClan," she mumbled, glancing over to Lakekit. "Oh, hey, you're up."

Lakekit nodded. "Couldn't sleep." she whispered. Flamekit glared at Starkit, who was snoring loudly. "Neither could I."

Eventually sunrise turned to sunhigh, and it was time for the three sisters' apprentice ceremony. They all stood before Firestar, who was perched on the Highledge like a bird.

"Six moons have passed, and the time has come for these three littermates to become apprentices. If you will all step forward, please."

Lakekit watched her purple-furred sister take a long stride forward, head held high. Like you're allowed to brag about anything, she thought disdainfully. Mom didn't even have time to groom your fur correctly.

Firestar cleared his throat. "Until you all have been given your warrior names, you will be known as Starpaw, Lakepaw, and Flamepaw. And Starpaw-" the ginger tom looked down at her- "You are a strong, brave cat, and because of that, I will mentor you." Starpaw let out an audible gasp.

"Starpaw! Starpaw!" the crowd cheered. Lakepaw's eyes flickered back and forth, somewhat concerned. "...Do we get mentors...?" Flamepaw shrugged, eyes still focused on Firestar. "Don't think he remembered."

Lakepaw had awaited this moment practically since birth. She would finally be somewhere other than Starkit's shadow, and they would be considered equal.

But no. Her sister had stolen her brief moment of glory to the point where she and Flamepaw hadn't even received mentors.

Lakepaw whipped around and stalked towards the apprentices' den, eyes blazing with anger.