The moonlight shown brightly over ThunderClan's camp. A single she-cat sat above the rocky ravine, looking down over her sleeping clanmates. A heavy sigh escaped her and she hung her head, as if in defeat.

"Squirrelflight?" a familiar voice called from nearby.

"I'm here, Leafpool," the ginger she-cat replied, watching her sister slip out of the brambles and up to her side. The two briefly touched noses then sat in silence for several long moments.

"Now," Leafpool began, "Are you going to tell me what's going on?" She looked Squirrelflight straight in the eyes, her expression soft and patient.

"Oh, Leafpool, what am I going to do?" the ginger queen cried aloud. "I... I was just an apprentice... It was when we were with the Tribe. Firestar would kill me if he found out..." Sorrow filled her bright green eyes and she stared down at her paws.

"He'd understand," her sister said softly, brushing her head against her shoulder. "So it's him then, isn't it?" At Squirrelflight's nod, Leafpool smiled softly. "Then you should be happy. Your troubles are over." The medicine cat nudged the other she-cat to her feet. "Now, come on. Let's go get some sleep. You can sleep in my den with me tonight."

Over? Squirrelflight couldn't help but think. My troubles have only just begun!

--------------------

The large tabby glanced over his shoulder. Squirrelflight knew he could tell she was watching him. A quarter moon had passed since she had spoken to Leafpool in the moonlight, and she still hadn't told Brambleclaw the truth. Looking over her own shoulder, she saw her sister watching, giving her an encouraging nod.

Taking a step forward, the ginger queen called, "Er, Brambleclaw? May I speak to you?"

The tom stopped what he was doing and set down the twig he was weaving into the wall of brambles surrounding their camp. "Of course, Squirrelflight. You can always talk to me." He gazed directly into her eyes, his own eyes echoing emotion. She quickly looked away.

"R-right. I... I wanted..." Her voice shook lightly as she spoke. What was she doing? How could she so openly tell him that she loved him and that these kits... That her kits were also his. She'd been trying for days, but, somehow, it was too hard. From the corner of her eye, she saw Ashfur slip into camp. As soon as he saw her with Brambleclaw, he froze. How can I break his heart? In an instant, she made a decision. "I wanted to ask you if you'd catch me a vole when you go out hunting later. I've been craving one..." She couldn't force herself to meet his eyes.

If Brambleclaw was disappointed, he didn't show it. "Of course, Squirrelflight. I'll bring you back enough voles to feed you for a season."

"Right. Thanks," she replied uneasily and turned away. She was painfully aware of both Leafpool and Ashfur watching her as she padded quickly towards the nursery...

"Squirrelflight!" an excited voice cried. The queen jumped in surprise, but looked down to find it was only Birchkit. "Ferncloud said you'd be sleeping in the nursery with us from now on. Won't this be fun?!" The kit smile enthusiastically up at her.

She forced herself to smile. "Oh, yes, Birchkit. I'm sure we'll have a grand time."