Skysong paced impatiently in front of Mothermouth. It was nearly sunset now, but Skysong was tired from training with Hawkwing and cranky from suspense. Skysong wanted to hurry up and go back to the camp, so she could sleep.
"Stop thinking out loud, Skysong!" Amberflower snapped. Skysong felt hot underneath her fur when she realized she had been muttering to herself again.
"Why don't you take a nap or something?" Quailflight suggested more tactfully. Skysong shook her head.
"I want to be awake when Mousestar goes in or else I might miss something."
"You can stay out here with Rabbitcatcher and me." Hawkwing called. "Amberflower will be staying with us too." Quailflight flicked her tail.
"It'd actually be better; after all the cavern will be crowded enough with Mousestar and myself."
"S-sure." Skysong said, feeling uncomfortable with so many cats addressing her at once. Amberflower rolled her eyes as if she could tell what Skysong was thinking.
"It's either 'yes' or 'no' Skysong; it's not that difficult." Skysong's ears burned at her littermate's words, but she couldn't think of a way to reply. Instead, the gray she-cat curled up on one of the still-warm boulders that had been touched by the sun's rays.
"Mousestar? It's time to go." Quailflight said softly as Skysong felt her eyelids grow heavier. Mousestar replied, but the words were slightly distorted as Skysong drifted off...