Ah yes, the prologue. You don't have to read it if you don't want to. Ultimately, the choice is yours :3

"Petalbreeze," Owltail emerged from Flintstar's den, and dipped his head to the deputy. "Flintstar wishes to see you." He mewed softly, and although the young medicine cat said no more, Petalbreeze understood what those words meant.

She took a deep breath and hauled herself to her paws, anxiety gnawing at her belly as she padded past the lichen screen and into the leader's den.

The den reeked of sickness and soiled bedding, and Petalbreeze tried not to gag, telling herself that it would be disrespectful to Flintstar. She hurried over to the Clan leader, who sprawled in his nest, too weak to even lift his head. His amber eyes were glazed over, and his breaths were short and rapid. Every so often, he would break out into a fit of violent coughing that shook his entire frame, and Petalbreeze's heart ached at the sight of the sickly leader who was once so strong and healthy.

"My time has come. StarClan is calling." Flintstar rasped, his voice coming out as a throaty growl.

"Don't say that." Petalbreeze protested. "You still have life in you yet." She rested her tail comfortingly on the leader's bony flank, but he didn't seem to have heard her.

"Petalbreeze, you will lead ThunderClan well." Flintstar held her gaze for a heartbeat, before his body succumbed to a violent spasm. Petalbreeze shook her head slowly, not wanting to believe that her leader, her mentor, was leaving her so soon. What if I let down the Clan? I'm nowhere as good a leader as Flintstar is! Petalbreeze felt like wailing in frustration.

The Clan leader's eyes suddenly brightened, and he stared straight at Petalbreeze, his eyes shining with wisdom that seemed to be from StarClan. "Beware the storm," Flintstar growled ominously, before his eyes glazed over once more.

"Beware the storm? W-what do you mean? Is that a prophecy?" Petalbreeze's eyes widened, and she exchanged bewildered looks with Owltail.

"All will reveal itself when the time is right." Flintstar rasped, and he closed his eyes. With one last labourious breath, he was still.

"No, no, no!" Petalbreeze's voice rose steadily into a screech that echoed around the stone walls of the den as she desperately shook Flintstar's body. "Please, I need to know more." She begged, but she knew that she wouldn't get any answers from the former ThunderClan leader.

Petalbreeze glanced at Owltail, hoping that the medicine cat had answers to her questions, but the dark brown tom avoided meeting her eyes.

"We should go to the Moonpool soon." Owltail flicked his tail. "Your Clan needs you." He added in a softer tone, as if sensing her reluctance to leave Flintstar's side.

"What about the prophecy?" Petalbreeze's voice trembled. There had to be a reason why Flintstar had only revealed those words to her now, and she had to know the answer.

The faint, glimmering outline of the former Clan leader appeared before her, but before Petalbreeze could open her jaws, he raised his tail for silence.

"Patience, Petalbreeze," Flintstar mewed softly, and Petalbreeze breathed in deeply, letting his familiar scent wash over her one last time. "I promise, you will understand when the time is right."