Chapter 20

Her muscles were stiff from sitting for so long. She gazed out into the valley as the sun rose. This was a happy moment for her. Her vigil as a warrior had finally arrived. And now as she thought of what to do next, her claws flexed with excitement.

I'm going to kill Silverstar for what she has done, she decided.

"Raincloud, you may find your place in the warrior's den." Raincloud nearly leaped out of her fur when she heard Redstar's familiar voice. She whirled around to see him staring at her. "I'm always awake this early in the morning. Sunrise is a sign of a new day, new promise. Always remember that."

Worry clouded Raincloud's thoughts as she padded past him. The way Redstar had said that made her think that something was wrong. He knew something that the Clan didn't.

She was more surprised that Nightfeather didn't stop her from returning to the warrior's den. The FireClan deputy was fast asleep, curled up beside the Rockmound. Her ears twitched a little when Raincloud stepped past her.

With a shake of her head, Raincloud padded into the cave where she had seen warriors come in and out of. The tunnel was a windy one, and it took her a few heartbeats to find the cave where the warrior's slept. Thankfully the scent of her Clanmates drew her closer, and finally she had reached the cave where nests were lined up.

"There's an open nest where Hawkclaw used to sleep," Featherstorm mewed when she looked up. She was sleeping beside Berryfur. Raincloud blinked when she noticed the empty nest, and her stomach twisted with worry at the thought of sleeping in Hawkclaw's nest. "He'd want someone to use it," Featherstorm added.

Raincloud looked at her mother warily before nodding. She padded over to the nest and realized how dry and musty it was. Hawkclaw must have been used to sleeping in an old nest. She let out a sigh and nearly forgot how soft and warm a nest really was.

It really has been so long since I was home, she realized.

She curled up in the nest and wrapped her tail around her nose, eager to get some sleep. Planning would come later. For now it was good to be surrounded by family again.

. . .

Shadepelt passed the bush that marked StreamClan's border once again. The battle had left his Clan devastated, and now more than ever he wanted to visit Frostwing. The StreamClan she-cat he had fallen in love with was expecting his kits. That very thought sent shivers of excitement down his spine.

I'm going to be a father... The thought made his legs feel wobbly as he tripped over a branch.

"Can't even walk on your paws, can you?" Shadepelt looked up to see Frostwing looking down at him. Her eyes were gleaming with amusement when he shook scraps of dirt off his fur.

For the first time he noticed how large her belly was getting. Instinctively he flinched when Frostwing sat down.

"Are you sure you shouldn't be in the nursery?" he asked.

"You too?" Frostwing rolled her eyes and batted his ear. "Honestly, I can take care of myself. My mother's been fussing over me for days now."

"Does she know who the father is?" Shadepelt leaned forward, ears pricked with interest.

Knowing that Frostwing was from another Clan made him feel uneasy. Bluepaw was right to say that he was mousebrained for falling in love. Love wasn't something that could be avoided though. Shadepelt knew that now. And seeing Frostwing now, so happy, made him happy.

"Runningstream is already worried enough about me," Frostwing admitted. "I... I think telling her might be a bad idea."

Shadepelt pressed his nose against hers, suddenly aware of how precious their time together really was.

"You could always join MoonClan," he purred. "Redstar would be more than happy to let you join."

"And live in those caves all day and night?" Frostwing's nose wrinkled in disgust, and Shadepelt understood why. It was something that one had to grow up with. "I'm sorry," she added when she noticed the look of disappointment in his eyes. "Our kits will be both StreamClan and MoonClan."

Shadepelt let out a purr and rubbed his muzzle against hers once more. For once in his life, he was truly happy. She made him happy. Knowing that she was alive and well made him feel more than at home. He was at peace.