Fireheart didn't see Silverthorn again that night. He had tried to stay awake once he had laid in his nest, hoping to catch him walking in—didn't they need to talk about Silverthorn's confession? He felt his heart in his throat for what felt like seasons, waiting, but inevitably, exhaustion won out.

Fireheart woke early the next morning. The den was not quiet like it usually was. Cats were up and grooming, but it was not relaxed. Their motions were jerky, frantic. Fireheart was immediately gripped with the thick tension that filled the den. He rose slowly, his gaze trailing over his Clanmates. Shadefang helped Minktuft wash the fur on her back. Petalstream's pelt was smooth, but her eyes sparked with worry. Mallowtail and Dawnwhisker were sitting quietly together, heads pressed together.

Fireheart's throat tightened. The den was barely lit at all—the sun must have only hardly risen. He wove around his Clanmates, heading for the exit. I need to see Beechflower, he thought. And Silverstream. He swallowed. And Silverthorn…

Fireheart padded out of the Warriors' Den, turning towards the nursery. It had been ages since he had been inside—but he had still not yet met Silverstream and Beechflower's kits. I want to, before… before it's too late. He padded slowly towards the den.

Beechflower was crouched in the entrance, eyes half-lidded. He blinked when he saw Fireheart padding towards him, and gave him a tired smile. "Hey," he murmured. "You're up."

Fireheart sat beside his old friend. "Can I come in?" he asked. "I haven't met your kits, you know."

Beechflower purred softly. "Of course." He stood up and flicked his tail for Fireheart to follow. "They're still sleeping, but you can see them."

Fireheart ducked inside the nursery. It was larger than he had recalled, and seemed far too spacious for the queens inside. The kits of RiverClan seemed immune to the coming danger—all were asleep, tucked into the bellies of their mothers. Skyheart, too, was sleeping soundly, but Silverstream blinked and lifted her head as they entered.

"Fireheart?" she yawned. "Is it morning?"

"Yes," Fireheart meowed, keeping his voice quiet. He padded towards Silverstream. "I think cats are getting ready to go to Fourtrees. The sun is coming up…"

Silverstream's gaze darkened. She glanced down towards her belly. Two kittens were curled beside her—one silver, one gray. Fireheart smiled as he glanced at them. They're already so big, he thought.

Beechflower sat beside his mate and gave her cheek a gentle lick. "Are you ready?"

Silverstream nodded and slowly stood up. Fireheart frowned. "What's going on?"

Silverstream's gaze hardened as she met Fireheart's. "We're fighting in the battle," she meowed. "Beechflower and I."

Alarm made Fireheart's pelt spike. "Your kits!" he quietly hissed. "What about them?"

Silverstream glanced towards Brambleflower, who was still asleep. "Brambleflower swears she will take care of them if…" her voice trailed off for a heartbeat. "If we don't come back." She sank her claws into the floor of the den. "Fireheart, the Clans need every warrior they can have to fight. I won't stay behind while my Clanmates die for me."

"Neither will I," Beechflower firmly meowed, his eyes burning with determination. "What kind of father am I if I don't fight for my kits and their Clan?"

"Beechflower…" Fireheart's throat tightened. "Are you okay to fight?"

"Staying in the nursery has been good for me," Beechflower replied, lashing his tail. "I can fight one more time."

Fireheart was briefly choked with emotion. He felt a wave of fear and guilt wash over him all over again—fear that he would watch his friends die today—but at the same time, he felt a fierce sense of love and pride for their courage. I need to have that same courage. He stepped closer and pressed his forehead to Beechflower's. "You're right," he murmured. "RiverClan does need all its warriors. I'm glad you're coming."

Silverstream pressed her muzzle to Fireheart's shoulder, and for a few heartbeats, they stood together, still and quiet. They pulled away, and Silverstream turned back to her kits to give them each a soft lick, gently enough not to rouse them from sleep.

Fireheart backed away, not wanting to intrude on the family's final moments together. His belly churned at the unthinkable. I'll do whatever I can to keep them safe, he swore. To keep all my friends safe. He knew, deep down, that it would be impossible to defend every cat in RiverClan—but the thought gave him a burning sense of resolve.

Fireheart stepped out of the nursery. In the short time he had been inside, the Clan had begun to assemble outside. No one paused to choose anything from the fresh-kill pile. The Clan spoke in quiet tones, and a hush fell as they saw Fireheart.

His fur rose uneasily. What's going on?

"Well?" Weaselfoot asked, staring plainly at him.

Fireheart felt briefly minnow-brained. "What?"

"What are we doing, Fireheart?" Petalstream asked. The senior warrior nodded in the slightest towards him. "You believed it was time to fight. Lead us to the battle."

Fireheart blinked. His gaze swept the Clan, and he found that all eyes were on him. He was struck with a strange sense of warm pride, despite it all. RiverClan was ready to fight—ready to fight because of him. He swallowed, summoning up the courage to speak to the whole of the Clan.

"Thank you for believing in me," he meowed. "For believing in RiverClan." Fireheart lifted his chin. "We're going to Fourtrees to fight for the fate of the Clans. The battle will be dangerous, but we will not lose!"

RiverClan yowled their agreement, and Fireheart was spurred on. "All Clans fight together today. We will drive out BloodClan, and the territories will be safe again!"

RiverClan warriors sprang to their paws, fire burning in their eyes. They flocked to the reed barrier, streaming out as one. Fireheart watched them for a moment, RiverClan, his Clan. He let his gaze linger on the camp, praying to StarClan that he would see it again come nightfall.

Moss stirred on the edge of his vision, and Fireheart glanced towards the fallen tree. Leopardstar emerged from her den. She blinked wearily, but there was a new air about her. Her pelt had been freshly groomed. She held her head high, her eyes no longer clouded with doubt. She seemed to hesitate for a heartbeat.

"Are you coming?" Fireheart called to her, a challenge in his voice.

Leopardstar started, as though she hadn't expected anyone to speak to her. She glanced his way, and after a moment, nodded. "If you'll have me."

Fireheart stared back at her. Whatever he felt about Leopardstar, he knew RiverClan needed her more than ever. "Of course."

Leopardstar looked relieved, like she had expected to be rejected. With that, the leader bounded after her Clanmates, disappearing into the reeds.

Fireheart broke into a run, hurrying to join them. The Clan was swarming into the river, crossing towards ThunderClan territory. They dove into the river, graceful and swift. Fireheart stepped into the cool waters and swam out with them. He passed Maplepaw and Shellpaw, and he was again gripped by that fierce determination, his refusal to allow their deaths. Eaglepaw flashed in his mind. I'm sorry I couldn't save you, Fireheart thought. I'll do whatever I can to keep as many cats safe as possible.

Fireheart reached the other side in short time. RiverClan went on again, heading east, heading to Fourtrees. Fireheart padded among his Clanmates—he passed Reedtail, brushed against Grasspelt, nodded to Mallowtail. Dawnwhisker's tail brushed his side; Minktuft shot him a tired smile. He felt himself searching for someone, his heart tightening. Where is Silverthorn?

A flash of silver caught his eye. There he is! Fireheart maneuvered around his Clanmates, heading to him. The tom was lingering to one edge of the group, his gaze focused only on the path ahead.

"Silverthorn," Fireheart meowed.

Silverthorn's ears flattened as he heard Fireheart's voice. He glanced his way, but continued to walk. "Hey." His voice was tight, and he could see embarrassment in his gaze.

"Can I walk with you?" Fireheart asked.

Silverthorn nodded silently, glancing away. Fireheart swallowed and fell in beside him. He wanted to say something—but his jaws felt clamped shut, stuck with honey.

"You don't need to say anything," Silverthorn murmured. He glanced at Fireheart again, hesitancy clear in his nervous expression. "I—that didn't happen like I meant to." His tail flicked back and forth. "I did mean what I said. But I'm sorry I told you… like that."

Fireheart couldn't look at Silverthorn, not directly. Everything felt too tight—his jaws, his chest, his belly. He had told himself he could think about what he felt—what he wanted—after the battle. But what if there isn't an after?

Silverthorn's tail briefly touched his side, then flicked away. It was impossible to tell whether it had been intentional, but his fur burned at the touch. "You're still my friend," Silverthorn quietly meowed. "And my Clanmate. And it's okay if that's all you ever are."

Fireheart finally looked at him. Silverthorn's blue gaze was unusually warm. Fireheart's jaws parted.

The brambles in the forest began to rustle.

All of RiverClan stopped, pelts bristling. Fireheart arched his back. Silverthorn let out a hiss.

Fireheart let out a breath as he recognized Bluestar leading the way, weaving through the ferns, the whole of ThunderClan behind her. She paused, lifting her tail for her Clanmates to stop. ThunderClan, too, seemed relieved when they recognized RiverClan. Fireheart noticed that while some seemed wary, others were lifting their tails in friendly greeting. There was no undercurrent of hatred between the two Clans.

Fireheart considered this. Maybe TigerClan wasn't all bad, he thought. I'm glad it's over… but maybe it will make things better between our Clans.

"I'm glad to see RiverClan has come," Bluestar meowed, dipping her head.

Leopardstar padded from the Clan. She faced Bluestar, her gaze hard. "We will fight with the other Clans," she meowed.

Bluestar flicked her tail. "Shall we travel together, then?"

At Leopardstar's nod, Bluestar lowered her tail, and her Clan began to mix with RiverClan. The leaders walked together at the head of the group. Fireheart was surprised by how easily the cats flowed together, as though it were natural. Tigerstar was terrible, he thought. But he somehow did bring our Clans together, in the end.

Sandstorm padded towards him, her tail lifted. "There you are," she meowed. "Managed to convince Leopardstar after all, hm?"

Fireheart noticed Silverthorn stiffen uncomfortably. He smiled awkwardly. "Something like that."

Sandstorm fell in beside Fireheart, walking alongside him as the Clans continued as one. "Whitecloud is with the kits," she murmured. "I couldn't stay behind."

Fireheart swallowed thickly, his chest clenching at the thought of his kits, still hardly known to him. Part of him wished Sandstorm had stayed with them—stayed in the safety of camp—but he was glad to fight alongside her, all the same. She never would have allowed them to leave her behind, he thought.

Fireheart glanced at her. "When this is over, I'd like to meet them," he meowed, his voice soft.

Sandstorm met his gaze, her eyes softening. "I'd like that," she meowed.

A hush fell over the Clans as they neared Fourtrees. Streaks of dawn were beginning to stretch across the sky. The giant oaks towered up ahead, the undergrowth around them shielding the clearing below from view. Fireheart felt a flare of hope as he saw more cats amassing on the edges of Fourtrees. WindClan!

He picked up his pace, leaving Sandstorm and Silverthorn behind. Ferretstar sat tall and eagle-eyed, scanning the surroundings, watching for the arrival of their enemies. Fireheart was glad to see ShadowClan warriors among them, too—the Clans must have already grouped together. Thank StarClan we arrived together, he thought. The Clans would be stronger together.

Ferretstar spotted him approaching. "Fireheart!" he purred. He leaped to his paws and bounded to meet him. "You did bring RiverClan after all."

Fireheart pressed his muzzle to Ferretstar's shoulder, flooded with warm affection for the old tom. "I'm glad to see you," he meowed.

Russetstar padded from the crowd. Her ears were flat, but she nodded firmly to him. "Greetings, Fireheart," she meowed.

Bluestar and Leopardstar paused a few fox-lengths away from ShadowClan and WindClan. The Clans behind them slowed, uncertain. Fireheart glanced towards the mollies. He saw a flash of regret again in Leopardstar's gaze as she met Ferretstar's gaze.

"Come on," Fireheart meowed, raising his voice for all to hear. "We're all here to fight together, aren't we?"

Ferretstar nodded. "Join us," he meowed. There was an edge of resentment in his voice, and Fireheart knew he was thinking of the vicious battle with TigerClan. Bluestar padded onward, dipping her head to him.

Leopardstar was slower to approach. Her head lowered, and for a heartbeat, Fireheart thought she might return to being a shell again. Instead, she crouched apologetically before Ferretstar and Russetstar.

"I'm sorry," she rasped. "For all that happened with Tigerstar and TigerClan. I…"

"Save it," Russetstar grunted. "There's no time for this."

Ferretstar narrowed his eyes. "Fight with us now, and perhaps StarClan will honor your courage with forgiveness."

Leopardstar's eyes flashed, and she nodded. She straightened up, shame darkening her gaze. Fireheart frowned. I just hope she still has the same strength to fight as she used to.

"Fireheart," Ferretstar meowed, looking his way. "Lead us into battle."

Fireheart's ears pricked. "What?"

"You brought us together," Ferretstar said, his gaze glowing with fond pride. "You may not be a Clan leader, but today, you should lead us against BloodClan."

Fireheart glanced at Leopardstar, waiting for her reaction. She's still my leader, he thought. If she's ready to lead again, I'll let her.

Leopardstar hesitated, but after a heartbeat, she relented, nodding. "I would not have brought RiverClan if not for you," she admitted, her voice quiet. "Go on, Fireheart."

"We trust you," Bluestar meowed. Russetstar nodded silently.

Fireheart's chest swelled with gratitude towards the leaders as he nodded at him once more. He turned towards the edge of the slope that led into Fourtrees, and he felt the whole of the forest Clans moving behind him. He pushed his way through the ferns, leading them down the slope, into the silent clearing.

The Great Rock stood alone in the back of the clearing. Above, the sky was clear and blue. Broken rays of sunlight streamed down through the branches of the mighty oaks. Fireheart felt a deep, burning resolve as he padded towards the center of the clearing, followed by the four wild Clans. He turned around to look over them, and it was nearly impossible to tell Clan from Clan. They were truly united for once, bound by purpose and honor to defend their home, their kin.

Fireheart felt a deep surge of pride. I'm glad I'm a warrior, he thought. No matter what happens today.

They were not standing there long before the ferns began to shudder again. Scourge stepped through first, followed by Princess. No others appeared through the undergrowth, but the strong scent of BloodClan was carried into the clearing by a cool breeze. Fireheart shuddered, his pelt rising briefly. They're here.

Scourge's eyes were chips of ice. Princess's gaze was devoid of any kindness—Fireheart wondered how he ever thought there was any. The two leaders stopped at the top of the slope.

"Well?" Scourge called. "Come and give us your answer."

Ferretstar nodded to him, and Fireheart stepped forward. He lifted his gaze to meet his brother's frozen eyes, and found himself strangely calm. "Scourge," he meowed. "We don't have to fight. You can go home in peace, and this can all be forgotten."

Scourge stared down at him. His night-black pelt was neatly groomed, glossy in the early sunlight. "Do you think we're such cowards?" he retorted. "BloodClan will live in the town no more. This is our home now, and you will be destroyed if you stay."

Princess's eyes flashed with anger as she saw her brother. "Do you really presume you can fight us?" she challenged. "Last chance, brother. Run or die with these forest fools."

Fireheart narrowed his eyes. "You're fools if you think you can swat us away," he snarled. "The forest belongs to us, and it always will. Come and fight us if you think you can take it!"

Scourge's eyes sparked. He stood and let out a sharp shriek. "BloodClan, attack!"

The ferns exploded as cats charged down the slope from all sides. Fireheart arched his back and let out a yowl of his own. "Clans, attack!"

The clearing was silent no longer. The forest Clans leaped in all directions, throwing themselves into their foes with wild and desperate rage. Fireheart sprang towards Scourge, but the black tom leaped away nimbly. A massive gray tabby took his place and dealt Fireheart a heavy blow across the chest, sending him rolling back down the slope.

As he leaped to his paws, he could hear cats crashing into battle all around the hollow. Mudclaw led a group of WindClan warriors; Bluestar and Sandstorm slashed at a giant tabby; Weaselfoot struggled under the paws of a collared foe; Russetstar raced yowling towards a line of BloodClanners. All Clans fell upon the intruders, snarling and clawing.

Fireheart threw himself at the nearest BloodClanner. There was no time to think—he let pure instinct take over, sharpened by his warrior training. He scored his claws down the side of a tortoiseshell enemy, drawing blood. She shrieked and fought back with a blow of her own, slicing open Fireheart's cheek. A white tom leaped for him, knocking him aside, pinning him to the ground. Fireheart snarled and sank his teeth into the tom's shoulder and dragged him down with him, and they rolled over and over, pummeling each other with their paws.

Fireheaert thrust the BloodClanner away, and another charged, this one bearing teeth-claws. He tumbled back in a desperate attempt to escape a deadly blow, rolling into another enemy rogue. The cat snarled furiously and kicked out with her hindlegs, knocking him in the flank.

Fireheart felt panic grip him as he regained his footing. This is madness! It was impossible to lock into battle with any one foe—there were so many, and they were swift as hawks to take a Clanmate's place as soon as they faltered.

Chaos had descended completely upon the Gathering place. Clan cats clashed with outsiders all around. Many did their best to stay in groups, fighting their enemies together. But others were already being separated from allies. Petalstream was pinned nearby by two massive BloodClan cats; Fireheart leaped for her and sank his claws into one of her opponents, dragging him off of her. The tabby whirled around and snarled.

Feeling a flash of satisfaction to finally have a proper foe to fight, Fireheart leaped, claws outstretched. His teeth met the tabby's shoulder, and he raked his claws down his side. The tabby hissed furiously and sank his own teeth into the side of Fireheart's neck, his rank breath burning in Fireheart's nostrils.

Fireheart pushed his paws against the tabby's chest, digging his claws in deep, forcing him back. The enemy grunted and released his hold, and Fireheart followed up with a fierce slash across his face. The tabby shrieked as Fireheart tore through an eyelid and split open his nose, and he turned around and fled.

Petalstream had already driven off her attacker, and she shared a grateful nod with Fireheart. She was bleeding from a shoulder wound, but unrelenting, she leaped towards the nearest enemy, yowling. "RiverClan! RiverClan!"

Another tom took the place of Fireheart's opponent, snarling furiously. He slashed at Fireheart with dog-teeth studded in his paws, and Fireheart ducked back desperately, tumbling over his own paws in his attempt to avoid a deadly blow. He rolled onto his back, and miraculously, the tom that had tried to attack him was swallowed up by the sea of battle. Fireheart regained his footing and shook his pelt briefly.

He froze. A tortoiseshell body lay bleeding a fox-length away from his paws. Fireheart's throat tightened, and for a heartbeat, all he could hear was blood roaring in his ears. "Petalstream!" he cried.

In the few heartbeats Fireheart had taken his eyes off her, she had her throat torn open. Now she lay gasping for breath, her eyes fluttering. Fireheart leaped to her side and crouched beside her. "Hold on!" he pleaded. He tried to press his paws against the wound, but the blood continued to flow.

Petalstream choked. "Go!" she rasped. "There's—nothing—" whatever else she meant to say came out as a horrid wheeze. Fireheart backed away as the light faded from her eyes. Sickened, he clenched his teeth. I'm sorry! He knew what she was trying to tell him—he had to keep fighting. He forced his feelings of despair down. There was no time to grieve.

Fireheart drew in a sharp breath, then turned to find his next foe. It took only a heartbeat for him to lock eyes with none other than Scourge. He drew back his lips. "Scourge!" he snarled, charging forward. But the sleek tom darted backwards, and in an instant, a tabby took his place, ready to defend her leader.

Fireheart's blood went cold. Her one eye burned with battle-rage, and she let out a caterwaul as she dealt him a savage blow across the face. Teeth-reinforced claws shredded open the side of his neck—a non-lethal wound, but one that sent blazing pain searing through him. Fireheart was thrown sideways from the force of the blow.

"I remember you!" Fireheart roared. Rage burned away at his pain, and he thrust himself up to his paws. "You killed Eaglepaw!"

The tabby seemed unfazed. She lunged for him, her jaws snapping like a dog. Fireheart jumped aside, his claws tearing through her shoulder. "He was hardly more than a kit!" Fireheart spat. "You coward!"

The tabby curled her lip in annoyance. She leaped, and this time, when Fireheart dodged, she hooked a paw around his hindleg, unbalancing him. He tumbled onto his back and she pounced again. But Fireheart was ready—he immediately slashed his claws at her chest, slicing open an old scar. She wailed and reared up, and Fireheart rolled aside.

He was prepared to land another blow, but a shriek of rage exploded as Ashfoot burst from a throng of warriors and set herself upon the one-eyed menace. She howled like a mad fox, clawing and tearing wildly at the BloodClanner. "Eaglepaw! Eaglepaw!" she shrieked. Fireheart went still. She must have heard him calling to the warrior.

The tabby snarled as she fell to the ground, trying desperately to rid herself of Ashfoot, who clung to her with all the strength she had. She ripped out clump after clump of brown fur, showering the ground with the rogue's blood. Fireheart was almost certain that Ashfoot had killed her—but finally, the tabby managed to land a kick on Ashfoot's chest that sent her rolling away. The tabby leaped to her paws. "Mange-pelts!" she spat, before she took to her paws and ran, clumps of shredded fur hanging from her pelt.

Rage still burned in Fireheart's chest, but he did not pursue her. He glanced briefly at Ashfoot to make sure she was still alive—and confirming that she was, he leaped into the fray again.

Sandstorm shrieked as she reared up, swinging both paws at her opponent's face. She drove the black molly back, backing her into Mistyfoot. Her Clanmate pounced readily on the BloodClanner's back, sinking in her claws.

Hot adrenaline blazed in Sandstorm. Her warrior blood was rising, driving her on. Any sense of fear or anxiety had been burned away, replaced with rage and fighting spirit. She fought with the ferocity of LionClan, leaping for enemy after enemy without relenting. The thought of Squirrelkit and Leafkit did not give her fear—instead, her children drove her on, filling her with righteous fury.

Sandstorm whirled into the next BloodClanner, her claws tearing open their side. Before they could recover, she followed with another blow, and another. ThunderClanners struck hard and fast, and she would be no exception. She let out a fearsome yowl, swinging again.

She felt teeth in her tail and stopped, hissing. Sandstorm turned to find a small BloodClan cat, almost half her size, his teeth buried in her tail. She felt a spike of hot indingnace. Who was this puny mouse to challenge her? She lashed out with her claws.

Sharp pain split down her shoulder, and she faltered. Mouse-dung! Another cat had leaped for her, blood now dripping from his claws.

Another charged. And another. Sandstorm's eyes widened. None of these cats were massive, not like some of the BloodClanners she had seen. They seemed pathetic—skinny, ragged, small. But they were charging her en masse, eyes glinting with frantic excitement.

"Bring her down!" one snarled, and they leaped.

Sandstorm yowled as she felt countless paws pummeling her, knocking her to her side. Teeth and claws dug into her pelt, and she could not see anything but fur. She lashed out blindly, and felt her paws connect with flesh, but it was not enough.

"Get off of her!" a cat snarled, and a weight was lifted from Sandstorm's back. Dustpelt!

Sandstorm managed to wrench herself free of the pile of cats, and she sank her claws into the neck of a small molly. With all her strength, she heaved her sideways, throwing her aside, then kicked out with her hindlegs, sending another flying. She whirled to see Dustpelt chase off two more small cats.

"Thank you!" Sandstorm breathed, feeling a flash of gratitude for her friend.

"Stick with me!" Dustpelt hissed, his eyes flashing with rage. "They killed Brindleface like that!"

Claws of grief and shock tore at Sandstorm's heart. No! She looked around desperately for the gentle queen, but could not find her body among the writhing mass of cats. Anguish filled her, momentarily making her stiffen.

"Sandstorm!" Dustpelt meowed. "There's no time!" Sandstorm glanced at him and found his own gaze storming with grief. "We have to keep fighting!"

Throat painfully tight, Sandstorm nodded. I won't let her die for nothing! Letting out a furious yowl, she charged with Dustpelt towards a throng of BloodClan cats, grief sharpening her claws. She sliced open the flank of a BloodClan tom; tore fur from a tortoiseshell; bit clean through the ear of a white molly. She and Dustpelt were a frenzy of claws, driving off warrior after warrior.

Sandstorm spotted Jaggedtooth and ran to stand beside him. Former rogue or not, he was ThunderClan now. His eyes glinted strangely as she hurried towards him, and she was completely unprepared when he let out a guttural screech and whirled upon her, slashing open her chest with fierce claws.

Sandstorm tumbled back, shocked. "What is this?!" she spat.

"Idiot!" Jaggedtooth taunted. "Where do you think Tigerstar met me?" He leaped for her, sinking his claws into her shoulders, pinning her to the ground.

Realization hit Sandstorm like a rock. He's BloodClan! He wasn't like the other rogues that Tigerstar had recruited—not a former ShadowClanner—he was a spy. She let out a furious snarl and tried desperately to wrench herself free, but he held her with ease. She was a large warrior, but he was massive, big as Tigerstar himself.

Sandstorm searched desperately for Dustpelt, but her friend had been cut off, facing two BloodClan warriors.

Jaggedtooth slammed a heavy paw on her head, holding her in place. With a wordless snarl, he surged forward to sink his jaws into her throat.

A shriek split the air, and claws tore into his shoulder. Jaggedtooth howled as Bluestar flung herself at the traitor, hissing and spitting. "Get away from my deputy!"

"Bluestar!" Sandstorm pushed herself up again, her chest wound stinging bitterly.

Jaggedtooth flung Bluestar to the ground, his eyes burning. She flailed, trying to roll over to her paws. Jaggedtooth seemed content to ignore her and turn to face Sandstorm again. But another cat surged towards Bluestar—Bone.

Sandstorm let out a warning yowl as Bone descended upon Bluestar, his reinforced claws glinting in the sun. Bluestar's eyes widened with panic, but there was nothing she could do—not enough time to escape. One swing of a mighty paw tore open her belly.

"NO!" Sandstorm roared, leaping for Bone. "Bluestar!"

She was not the only cat to see the blow. Willowpelt let out a shriek of rage; Goldenflower yowled defiantly; Frostfur came charging, eyes blazing. The queens threw themselves at Bone while he stood over his victim, paws drenched in Bluestar's blood. He only had a heartbeat to realize what was happening, his eyes flashing with surprise.

Frostfur locked her jaws into Bone's hindleg. Willowpelt leaped upon his back, thrusting him to the ground. Sandstorm tore wildly at him, ripping out fur and sending blood flying. It was Goldenflower that leaped for his face, shrieking with anguish, and sank her jaws into his throat. Bone spasmed violently beneath them, desperately, his paws flying, but the queens held steady, each snarling. And then, all at once, he fell completely still.

Sandstorm abandoned the dead beast in a flash, darting to Bluestar's side. The molly was still alive, but she was bleeding steadily from the grievous wound. "Bluestar!"

Recognition flickered in the leader's eyes, but they were already horribly clouded. "Sandstorm…" she rasped. "ThunderClan belongs to you now."

"No!" Sandstorm protested. "We have to get you out of the fight!"

Bluestar shook her head weakly. "No… no more… I hunt with StarClan now." Her head fell, the light fading.

"You can't!" Sandstorm protested. "I need you!"

But Bluestar did not reply. She tried to smile, but she faltered, and as another heartbeat passed, a long, slow sigh escaped her, and her flank did not rise again.

Sandstorm let out a horrible cry. The other queens pressed in around her, pushing their muzzles into Bluestar's fur. It was the only mourning they could afford in this battle, but they would not let their leader die alone.

Bluestar's words echoed in Sandstorm's ears. ThunderClan belongs to you now. Sandstorm's chest felt impossibly tight, the full weight of ThunderClan suddenly dropped upon her shoulders. She looked up at the queens around her. They pulled away from Bluestar, but they did not leave, their gazes fixed on Sandstorm.

Sandstorm's belly churned. I can't wait to name a deputy, she thought. ThunderClan needs one now. She locked eyes with Willowpelt, and knew in a heartbeat what to do. She had always relied on Willowpelt for courage and advice—she knew she could rely on her now. "I say these words before the body of Bluestar, so that her spirit may hear and approve my choice. Willowpelt is the new deputy of ThunderClan."

Willowpelt briefly looked surprised, but she nodded firmly. Goldenflower and Frostfur yowled their agreement. Sandstorm turned back to the battle, forcing herself to abandon Bluestar.

Jaggedtooth had vanished, but the clearing was still alive with countless warriors. Brackenfur and Mousefur were fighting side-by-side, but Mousefur bore deep scratches down her side. Mottlepelt and Russetstar were charging towards a group of enemies. Leopardstar let out a yowl as she vanished into a sea of warriors.

Panic gripped Sandstorm. We're losing, she realized. There were still so many BloodClanners left, and even though she saw many fleeing, there were far more that remained, strong and ready to fight.

Sandstorm shook herself. She couldn't allow herself to give up—not when all the Clans depended on victory. Casting aside her grief, she charged back into battle.

The slog of enemy warriors was endless. Sandstorm called upon all her warrior ancestors to give her strength. She could feel her limbs tiring as she slashed at foe after foe—but she could not relent.

Sandstorm hooked her claws into the pelt of a ragged cat, unbalancing him. He yelped as he tumbled to one side, but the rogue quickly recovered, leaping up and spinning around on his paws to face her. He hissed before lashing towards her face with outstretched claws. Sandstorm ducked and rolled.

The tom advanced, but before he could leap, a dark cat crashed into his side, driving him away. Sandstorm's eyes widened as she recognized Darkstripe. He had abandoned ThunderClan only two sunrises before—had he realized how foolish his choice was?

But it only took a heartbeat for Darkstripe to whirl upon her, lips curled back. "You're mine," he spat. "I'll make you regret betraying Tigerstar!"

He leaped for Sandstorm. She reared up, fury blazing in her chest. "You're the traitor, Darkstripe!" she hissed. She wrapped her forelegs around his neck and brought him down sideways. He landed with a heavy thump and began flailing his limbs at her. She hissed as a rear claw sliced her cheek. "How can you fight for BloodClan?"

"I'm fighting for Tigerstar!" Darkstripe shrieked. He lunged for her, claws flashing, and she dodged easily. She was not afraid of Darkstripe, as furious as his treachery made her.

Sandstorm swiped again. This time, Darkstripe ducked, then surged forward, snapping his jaws into the side of Sandstorm's neck. Rather than fight back, Sandstorm went limp, allowing Darkstripe to shove her to the ground. He bit down hard for a heartbeat, but as soon as she noticed how still she had become, he loosened his grip and began to stand.

Mouse-brain! It was the first real skill any ThunderClan apprentice learned. Sandstorm reared up, her skull slamming into his jaw. She could feel his teeth smack together, and Darkstripe yowled. She stood up and watched as blood pooled in his mouth. Horrified, Darkstripe parted his jaws. He had bit deep into his tongue. He arched his back, readying to attack again.

A shadow fell over him. Sandstorm stiffened as she saw Nightwhisker, another one of Tigerstar's former rogues, descend upon Darkstripe. He came from behind, dealing a heavy blow to Darkstripe's flank. He unbalanced the tom, and Darkstripe let out a startled cry as he fell. Without wasting a moment, Nightwhisker pinned him to the ground and sank his jaws into his throat.

A chill went through Sandstorm. Jaggedtooth was a BloodClan spy—Nightwhisker must be too! She hardly wanted to save Darkstripe's pathetic life—but she couldn't let a traitor like Nightwhisker escape unscathed, either. After a moment's hesitation, she sprang, bowling the dark warrior over.

Nightwhisker hissed in surprise. "What are you doing?!" he demanded, as Sandstorm pinned his shoulders to the ground.

"Save your breath!" Sandstorm spat. "I know you and Jaggedtooth are BloodClan!"

Nightwhisker's eyes widened. His jaws parted slightly. "I—wait—I'm not with them anymore!"

"Anymore?!" Sandstorm hissed.

"It's true!" Nightwhisker retorted. "I saw Darkstripe attack you—that's why I went after him! You're our leader now, aren't you?"

Sandstorm blinked, briefly dumbfounded. Could she really believe that the rogue actually held any loyalty to ThunderClan? "You want to be part of ThunderClan even without Tigerstar?"

"I never cared about Tigerstar," Nightwhisker admitted. "I just needed to get out of BloodClan."

Sandstorm stepped back. She glanced over her shoulder. Darkstripe had vanished. She felt a stab of regret—letting him live could spell trouble, but there was no way she would find him in the mess of battling cats.

"Alright," Sandstorm meowed. "Fight with us and you can keep being part of ThunderClan."

Nightwhisker shoved himself up to his paws. He snorted. "That's what I'm doing, isn't it?" He turned away and charged back into battle.

Sandstorm shook herself. There would be time to dwell on the rogues-turned-warriors later. She let out a caterwaul and sprang for her next foe.