Chapter 19

Sunlight filtered through the pine branches above head, casting dappled shadows across Snowpaw's pelt. It was her first day as an apprentice, and she was thrilled. "This is great!" she squeaked, glancing at her sister, Frostpaw.

Frostpaw nodded. "The forest is so big! I don't think I'll ever be able to find my way around."

Brightshine, Snowpaw's mentor, let out a chuckle. "You'll learn your way around the forest in no time. Just keep watch for distinct landmarks, like this bramble patch here." The ginger-and-white she-cat paused beside a clump of brambles. "Remember how they're positioned, and the tree they grow beside."

Snowpaw tried her best to study the brambles, but it was useless. "I can't do it," she sighed, glancing down at her paws.

Brightshine gave her a sympathetic smile, before looking over at Pondtail. "I think we should take them back to camp now. They look exhausted."

"I agree. Frostpaw looks as if she's about to fall asleep on her paws!" The gray tom gently nudged his apprentice, making her jump.

Snowpaw's eyes gleamed with amusement as she watched her sister. "We should change your name to Chickenpaw!" she joked, following the older warriors in the direction of camp.

"Shut up," Frostpaw responded, flattening her ears to her head.

Snowpaw stared at her, alarmed. "I was just kidding," she meowed defensively.

Frostpaw rolled her eyes, but said nothing.

When they reached camp, the sun had started to set, casting orange light across the ShadowClan camp. Snowpaw hungrily eyed the fresh-kill pile. "Can we eat?" she asked Brightshine.

Her mentor nodded, before padding off in the direction of the warriors den. Now alone, Snowpaw began to pick through the well-stocked prey pile, before finding a delicious looking frog. Licking her lips, she carried it over the furthest corner of camp, where she curled up to eat her meal.

As she ate, Yellowstar padded towards her. The ShadowClan leader's eyes gleamed in the dying sunlight as he watched her eat. "Where's your sister?" he wondered, taking a seat beside Snowpaw.

She shrugged. "I don't know. She's mad at me for some reason..."

"She'll get over it," Yellowstar affirmed her. "How was your first day as an apprentice?"

"It was tiring," Snowpaw confessed, taking another bite from her frog. "I feel like my paws are going to fall off!"

"Snowpaw! You're back!" The white apprentice jumped to her paws as her older half-brother, Dustbelly, approached. He was two season older than her, and they shared the same father: Whiteheart, a sturdy white tom with dazzling amber eyes. Despite the fact Whiteheart had taken two mates, neither family seemed to care. Both Larkclaw and Shadeflower got along well, as did their kits. As far as Snowpaw was concerned, they were one big, happy, family.

"ShadowClan territory is so big," Snowpaw told him.

Dustbelly's whiskers twitched in amusement. "You'll get used to it," he meowed, giving her a lick on the head.

"That's what Brightshine and Pondtail said, but I don't think I will..." Snowpaw's eyes watered. She felt like a dopey kit. I can't even remember my own territory! How will I ever become a warrior?

Sensing her sadness, Dustbelly said, "Don't worry, Snowpaw. You have plenty of time to figure your way around the forest." Glancing towards a patch of moss he suggested, "How about we play a game of mossball?"

"Can I play?" a voice asked.

Snowpaw's heart swelled as Bearpaw approached. He was a muscular dark tabby with green eyes, and long silky fur. He was extremely handsome, unlike any other tom she had seen before. "Of course," she breathed, unable to meet his gaze.

Bearpaw flashed a quick smile at her, before dropping into a hunter's crouch. Dustbelly swatted the mossball in his direction. Bearpaw kicked it towards Snowpaw, who rolled it back. The three tossed the mossball back and forth for a good while, purrs rumbling in their throats.

"Mossball? Seriously?" Frostpaw's scornful mew alerted Snowpaw. Glancing up, she spotted her sister standing there, looking cross.

"Lighten up. We're just having some fun," Bearpaw argued, flicking his tail back and forth.

"Mossball is for kits. You two are apprentices." Frostpaw glared at Dustbelly as she added, "and you are a warrior. You should know better than to participate in such immature activities. I'm surprised you even passed your warrior assessment, the way you behave." The black-and-white she-cat held her head high in the air, trying to appear older.

"What's with the attitude?" Snowpaw demanded, narrowing her eyes. Why was Frostpaw being such a grump?

"I don't have an attitude," her sister argued. "I just don't have any patience for pointless kit-games." Before they could say anything else, Frostpaw stalked away, her tail held high in the air. As Snowpaw watched her go, anger bubbled up inside of her.

"I don't want to play anymore," she spat, kicking the mossball into the undergrowth that lined camp. Letting out a deep breath, the white she-cat stalked in the direction of the apprentices den.


Silver moonlight drenched the forest as Snowpaw made her way back to camp. She had been on a late night training session with Brightshine. Her mentor had been teaching her how to hunt at night, an important skill all ShadowClan warriors were required to know. Snowpaw had caught on fast, and was now scanning the forest for any flickers of movement. She had been an apprentice for three moons now, and was getting the hang of things.

Suddenly, a clump of bracken began to rustle violently, alerting the two she-cats. "It's only me," Bearpaw told them, stepping out.

Snowpaw let out a sigh of relief, before giving her chest fur a couple of embarrassed licks. "I thought I'd have to battle a fox or something," she joked.

"Not today," Bearpaw purred. Glancing at Brightshine he said, "You go ahead. I need to talk to Snowpaw for a minute."

Brightshine dipped her head. "All right, but don't stay out too long. The forest is crawling with badgers at night, and the last thing we need is for one of you to get hurt."

"We'll be fine," Snowpaw assured her, before taking a seat. Looking at Bearpaw she asked, "What is it?"

Bearpaw looked at his paws, unsure what to say. Finally he whispered, "I think you're very pretty, Snowpaw."

She stared at him in astonishment. This couldn't be real! How could Bearpaw ever return her feelings? She was completely average, with a boring white pelt color to match. Frostpaw was much more beautiful than she was. "Really?" she gasped.

He nodded. "I've felt this way for a while now, but I've been too scared to tell you. I understand if you don't feel the same way."

"I feel the same!" she blurted out quickly. "I'm just... overwhelmed. I never expected you to like me."

Before Bearpaw could say anything, Brightshine's annoyed voice sounded. "Hurry up, you two!"

He let out a sigh. "We'd better go. Otherwise Brightshine and Volefoot will claw our pelts off!"

Snowpaw smiled, before following him back to camp. When she arrived, she looked around for her mother, Shadeflower. To her disappointment, her mother was no where to be found. She's probably asleep, Snowpaw realized. She desperately wished for it to be dawn. She wanted to ask her mother for advice concerning Bearpaw. Snowpaw had never had a tom crushing on her before, so her mother's experience would help her tremendously.

"Get some sleep," Brightshine ordered. "We have to join the dawn patrol, so you need as much sleep as you can get."

Snowpaw nodded, before heading towards the apprentices den. Inside, she curled up beside Frostpaw. Her sister's black-and-white flanks rose with every breath, and every once and a while she let out a snore. Bearpaw curled up in his own nest beside Plumpaw and Bramblepaw. Plumpaw's so lucky, Snowpaw thought. She gets to feel Bearpaw's fur brush against her all night long! Too tired to think any further, Snowpaw drifted off to sleep.


"From this moment forward, you shall be known as Snowdust. StarClan welcomes you as a full warrior of ShadowClan," Yellowstar yowled.

"Snowdust! Frostwing! Snowdust! Frostwing!"

Snowdust's eyes gleamed with pride as the Clan cheered her new name. Her unborn kits squirmed inside her belly, as if they were congratulating her too. Bearclaw's kits. The young she-cat had become pregnant two moons after Bearclaw's confession in the forest. Up until then, she had kept her pregnancy a secret. It wouldn't be long though, before her stomach started to bulge, alerting every cat of her pregnancy.

"I'm so proud of you," Bearclaw whispered in her ear. Glancing at her belly he asked, "How are the kits?"

"They're squirming around a lot," she told him. "I think they're happy for me."

"Who's happy for you?" Frostwing questioned, overhearing the conversation.

"Whiteheart and Shadeflower," Snowdust lied.

Frostwing narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "Of course they're happy for you. The whole Clan is happy for you. For us," she corrected, before looking at Bearclaw. "New warriors are always a good thing to have, as they keep the Clan going."

Bearclaw nodded his head in agreement. "Pretty soon we'll have even more warriors. Isn't that right, Snowdust?"

Frostwing gave her sister a confused look. "What is he talking about?"

Snowdust shuffled her paws on the ground. "I-I'm pregnant," she whispered, unable to meet her sister's burning gaze.

Frostwing's amber eyes widened. "You mean...?"

She nodded.

"You frog-brain!" Frostwing screeched loudly, cuffing Snowdust around the ear. "Don't you realize you could have killed your kits in your training assessments?"

"Don't hit her!" Bearclaw snapped, shoving Frostwing away. By now, every cat was staring at Snowdust.

Shadeflower raced up to her daughter, her eyes wide. "You're expecting?" she gasped.

Snowdust slowly nodded her head, a wave of guilt washing over her head. You didn't do anything wrong, Snowdust reminded herself over and over again. The kits are perfectly fine! Besides, I'm not the first cat to become pregnant at a young age.

"You could have hurt yourself." Shadeflower gave her a sympathetic look.

"I'm fine," Snowdust snapped. Giving her sister one final glare, the white queen stalked out of camp. Anger bubbled inside of her, but she did her best to ignore it. Stupid Frostwing! she thought, kicking a pine cone with her paw. She ruins everything.

After a while, Snowdust began to grow tired. She flopped down beside a clump of ferns and started washing her belly. As she cleaned herself, her kits squirmed around inside of her. I wonder how many there are, she thought. The ShadowClan queen began to imagine what her kittens would look like. I hope they look like Bearclaw. She could see it now: three handsome toms, standing atop Yellowstar's den. One tom would be leader, the next deputy, and the last a wise medicine cat. My kits will lead the Clans, I just know it. Snowdust's eyes began to droop, before she drifted off to sleep.

"Snowdust! Snowdust, wake up!" Bearclaw shook her awake.

Snowdust jumped to her paws, before looking at the sky. It was almost midnight! "I have night duty," she panted, hurrying in the direction of camp. Bearclaw raced after her, his eyes wide.

"Take it easy. You don't want to hurt the kits!"

"They're fine," Snowdust snapped, slightly irritated. Why was every cat suddenly treating her like a stupid kit? Besides, her kits were tough. Simple tasks like running wouldn't hurt them! They never treat Specklefoot like this, she thought, lashing her tail. Specklefoot was one of ShadowClan's permanent queens, and she was always treated with utmost respect. Why can't they treat me like that?

When they reached camp, Yellowstar headed towards them. "Where have you been?" he growled, narrowing his eyes.

"It doesn't matter now. I'm here," she told him, walking to the center of the clearing. The white she-cat sat up straight, ready for her vigil.

Yellowstar gave her an annoyed look, but said nothing. The yellow tabby tom stalked over to his den, leaving Snowdust, Bearclaw and Frostwing alone.

"I'm going to go to sleep. Good luck." Bearclaw flashed her a quick smile, before giving her a lick on the forehead.

As Snowdust watched him go, her heart swelled with pride. Your father is a wonderful cat, she thought as her kittens began to squirm.

As the two sisters sat watch, an eerie feeling swept over Snowdust. She didn't understand what was going on, but something felt off. Turning to face Frostwing she whispered, "Something's wrong. I can sense it."

Frostwing flattened her ears to her head. "Be quiet!"

"I'm serious," Snowdust argued. "Something isn't right. I think we should get Yellowstar." Before Frostwing could protest, Snowdust scampered towards the leader's den. Inside, Yellowstar was curled up fast asleep. His yellow flanks rose with every breath, and a gentle snore sounded from his mouth. "Yellowstar," Snowdust begged, prodding him in the ribs. "You've got to wake up!"

Yellowstar jolted awake, eyes wide. "What's going on?" he yawned.

"Something is wrong... I feel like we're being watched." Snowdust looked down at her paws, hoping Yellowstar would believe her. Before he could say anything, a loud shriek sounded from the clearing. The ShadowClan cats bolted into the clearing, fluffing their pelts out. WindClan warriors poured into the camp, their eyes filled with determination.

Immediately, the clearing filled with fighting cats. As Snowdust watched them, her heart began to race. I'll never be able to fight in my condition! she thought. Before she could react, a gray tom rammed into her, knocking her to the ground. It was Owlflight, a newly made warrior she had recognized from the last Gathering. Collecting her strength, Snowdust lashed out at Owlflight, scratching him on the shoulder.

Owlflight barred his teeth in a snarl, before clawing at her flanks. With every movement, Snowdust's pregnant belly weighed her down, making fighting impossible. StarClan help me! she begged, as she nipped the WindClan tom on the leg.

Suddenly, Snowdust lost her footing and tumbled to the ground. Chest heaving, she struggled to her paws. Owlflight swiftly climbed on top of her, pinning her down.

Belly exposed, Snowdust tried to free herself from his grip. With every movement, Owlflight's claws dug deeper into her skin. "Get off!" she cried, glaring.

Owlflight slowly looked at her bulging stomach. "I see you're expecting," he whispered. Slowly, he held up one paw, claws unsheathed. As Snowdust watched him, her heart began to pound madly in her chest.

"Let me go," she begged, squirming under him.

Fast as lightning, Owlflight sliced Snowdust's belly. The queen let out a blood-chilling scream that silenced the clearing. Slowly, the WindClan warrior stepped off, a blank expression plastered on his face. Below him, Snowdust writhed in pain, blood pouring from her belly. My kits! she thought in alarm. My kits are dying!

Suddenly, Bearclaw rammed into Owlflight, knocking him to the ground. The WindClan tom struggled to his paws, but Bearclaw leaped onto him. The dark tabby began to shake Owlflight around like a piece of fresh-kill, before throwing him back to the ground. Owlflight began to crawl away, but Bearclaw held onto his tail, trapping him. Just then, the ShadowClan warrior clawed at Owlflight's eyes, scarring them. Blood seeped from his now blind eyes, causing the gray tom to cry out in agony.

"WindClan, retreat!" a panicked voice cried. One by one, the WindClan cats began to flee the clearing. Snowdust was too distracted by her own pain to notice or care what was going on around her.

Immediately, Bearclaw rushed to her, his eyes filled with sadness. "Stay right here. I'm going to fetch Wrenfur."

"I'm already here," Wrenfur panted, dropping a bundle of herbs beside Snowdust. As Wrenfur applied cobwebs to Snowdust's belly, the queen began to feel light headed. Slowly, everything went black. I'm dying...


Weak sunlight hit Snowdust in the face. Slowly, she sat up and glanced around her surroundings. To her surprise, she was in Wrenfur's den.

"Thank StarClan you're awake! I was beginning to think you'd never wake up," the medicine cat commented.

"W-What happened?" she whispered, feeling groggy.

"You've been passed out cold for three sunrises straight," Wrenfur said, pushing a wad of wet moss towards her. There was a gleam of sadness in her amber eyes, but she said nothing more.

After licking the moss dry, Snowdust stared down at her scarred belly. It felt strangely empty. Heart pounding she cried out, "My kits! Are they okay?"

Wrenfur stared down at her paws. "I'm sorry, but your kits didn't make it..." she whispered. "I tried to save them, but the wound was too deep. T-That brings me to another thing. You will never be able to have kits of your own. The scarring was too deep."

Snowdust's eyes widened in horror. "You... You can't be serious!" Tears began to well up in her eyes as she stared at the medicine cat. Her kittens were dead, and it was all her fault. I shouldn't have fought. I should have hid in the nursery with Specklefoot.

The den entrance rustled, alerting Snowdust of another cat's presence. Almost at once, Bearclaw's sweet scent washed over her. "Bearclaw..." she rasped.

His eyes were filled with anger as he stared at her. "This is all your fault!" he hissed, lashing his tail. "If you had any common sense, you would have been in the nursery rather than fighting. Our kits are dead because of you, and now..." he trailed off, too upset to speak.

Snowdust stared down at her paws, feeling ashamed of herself. "I didn't mean to," she protested.

"We're done," Bearclaw suddenly said, not meeting her gaze. "I can't be with a she-cat who can't even give me kits."

Snowdust narrowed her eyes. Was that all Bearclaw cared about? Kits? No, he's just grieving, she told herself over and over again. He doesn't really mean it. He loves me!

"Don't talk to her like that!" Wrenfur snapped, her neck fur bristling. "If any cat is to be blamed, it's Owlflight. He's the one who murdered a pregnant queen's kits. Do you really think Snowdust wanted this to happen?"

"No, it's okay," she whispered.

"It isn't okay," Wrenfur argued, glaring at Bearclaw. "You did nothing wrong. He's being a frog-brain." Bearclaw let out a snort, before storming out of the den. Snowdust watched him go, her heart breaking into a million pieces. She tried to convince herself Bearclaw would come back, but deep down inside, she knew their relationship was over.


It had been a moon since the death of her kittens.

Since then, no cat had bothered to interact with Snowdust. They must figure I'm grieving, she thought, resting her head on her forepaws. Letting out a deep sigh, the white she-cat stared across the clearing. She wanted to clear her mind, but she couldn't keep stop thinking about her lost kits.

Even though her kits would never be born, Snowdust had decided on naming them Hollykit, Cinderkit, and Adderkit. I wonder what they would have looked like. As she sat there daydreaming, she pictured her kits in her mind. Hollykit would be a sleek, long furred she-cat with a long fluffy tail. Cinderkit would be a muscular dark tabby tom, with a build similar to Bearclaw. And Adderkit would be tabby-and-white, with blue eyes. Snowdust smiled slightly, wishing her daydream would come true. My poor kits... My poor little kits, all alone in StarClan without their mother.

A tail touched her shoulder, alerting her. Glancing up, Snowdust saw Frostwing and Bearclaw standing there. Frostwing had a mysterious look on her face as she looked at her sister. "Can we talk to you?"

"I guess," Snowdust sighed, sitting up.

Frostwing and Bearclaw exchanged looks, before the black-and-white she-cat blurted out, "I'm pregnant!"

Snowdust's eyes widened. "You're what?" How could Frostwing betray her like that, especially with Bearclaw? Don't be mad at him, Snowdust thought over and over again. Frostwing tricked him. She took advantage of his grief and used him! No, Bearclaw is old enough to think for himself. He chose to do this! Anger boiled inside of Snowdust, causing a loud growl to rise up in her throat.

"Aren't you happy for me?" her sister's voice shook.

"Happy for you? Why, I ought to rip your throat out!" Glaring at Bearclaw she spat, "And I should feed you to the crows! You worthless piece of fox-meat! Don't you realize what you've done to me? My kits are dead, and you just move on like it's nothing? Didn't I mean anything to you? Or did you just use me to continue on your bloodline?"

Bearclaw stared down at his paws.

"Look me in the eyes, you coward!" Snowdust lashed out at him, giving him a nasty cut on the shoulder.

"I'm sorry," Frostwing cried out. "I just thought-"

"You thought what? That a moon after my kits were murdered I'd be perfectly fine with you mating with Bearclaw?" Turning to face Bearclaw she added, "And you! Did you seriously think I'd be fine with this? You're a jerk, Bearclaw. I hope your kits are born dead! You don't deserve healthy kits for what you've done to me!" Before they could say anything, Snowdust stormed out of camp, her eyes blazing with fury.

How could they do this to me? she thought angrily, flopping down beside a log. I don't need Bearclaw or Frostwing. I don't need anyone but my kits.

Snowdust let out a sigh. She desperately wished for her dead kittens to return to her, but she knew that would never happen. Her kittens were gone forever, and there was nothing she could do to bring them back.


Cries of pain echoed across the clearing, making Snowdust smirk. She deserves a long and painful delivery, she thought, digging her claws into the soft ground.

Shadeflower slipped out of the nursery, before heading in Snowdust's direction. "Frostwing wants you," she whispered.

"That's too bad. I'm not going to visit her," the white she-cat growled, lashing her tail. "I will never forgive her for what she's done to me."

Her mother frowned. "I'm not asking you to forgive her, Snowdust. All I'm asking is that you go visit her. She's asking for you."

"What does she want me for?" Snowdust snapped.

"She wants you to be there when the kits are born," Shadeflower meowed, resting her tail on her daughter's shoulders.

Snowdust growled. "I've already told her, I want nothing to do with these kits. They're as good as dead for all I care!"

Shadeflower's eyes widened. "Don't talk like that!" she scolded. Letting out a sigh the black-and-white she-cat said, "I know you're angry with your sister and Bearclaw, but these kittens are innocent. They didn't ask to be born like this, and they've done nothing to you. Be mad at their parents, but don't hold a grudge against them. They're sweet and innocent, and at the end of the day they're your family."

Snowdust let out a huff. "Fine," she growled. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to visit them this one time. But I still want nothing to do with these little furballs afterwords!"

Shadeflower gave her a small smile, before leading her in the direction of the nursery. Inside, Frostwing was laying on her side, panting hard. Two small kits were at her side. Wrenfur crouched over the queen, whispering quietly in her ear. Suddenly, a small kit tumbled to the ground, covered in blood.

"You're all done," Wrenfur said, nipping the sack off the kit. She gently placed it beside Frostwing, who was glowing with pride.

As the den entrance rustled, Frostwing looked up. "You came!" she purred, before glancing down at her kits. "What do you think?"

I hate them. "They're... wonderful," Snowdust lied. She slowly looked down at the three wriggling bundles that lay beside Frostwing. One kit was solid white, another was black-and-white, and the last was a dark tabby like Bearclaw.

"What should I name them?" Frostwing asked.

Snowdust shrugged. "Shouldn't you be asking Bearclaw that? Or did he already leave you for another she-cat?"

Frostwing narrowed her eyes. "If you're going to be rude, get out!"

"You're the one who invited me here," Snowdust hissed.

"Get out," Frostwing commanded, flattening her ears to her head.

Snowdust glared, before stalking out of the den. She could hear Shadeflower letting out cries of protest, but she ignored them. Frostwing doesn't deserve those kits. She doesn't deserve anything, and neither does Bearclaw. I deserve to be a mother though, and I'll do anything to be one!


As night fell over the forest, Snowdust crept out of camp. Her white pelt glowed in the moonlight, making her look like a spirit cat. Keeping low to the ground, she crept around the camp until she was directly behind the nursery. This is it, she thought. I'm going to steal Frostwing's kits. She knew she would have to flee ShadowClan, but there was no other choice. She had to be a mother, even if it meant hurting her sister in the process.

Quietly, she began to tear a hole in the back wall, before squeezing inside. Specklefoot, Frostwing, and Olivetail were all curled up, fast asleep. Their kits squirmed beside their bellies, and the scent of milk filled the air.

As Snowdust loomed over Frostwing, she wondered what kit she would pick. She wanted to take them all, but she knew she would not be able to carry three kits at once. And there was no way she would be able to make several trips back to camp. Slowly, she picked up the white tom. Immediately, he began to squeal in fear.

Frostwing jumped awake, eyes wide. "What are you doing?" she demanded, unsheathing her claws.

Disguised by the shadows in the den, Snowdust lashed out with her claws, ripping Frostwing's throat. The black-and-white queen let out a started gasp, before tumbling to the ground. Blood coated Snowdust's paws, but she ignored it. Fully awake, Specklefoot and Olivetail leaped to their paws, ready to defend the nursery.

Fast as lightning, Snowdust slipped out of the hole she created and raced through the pine forest. The white kitten bumped against her legs, but he remained quiet. As Snowdust ran, she could hear a commotion back at camp. I've got to hurry! she thought. She wasn't sure where she would go, but she had to be quick. If her Clanmates caught her, they would kill her and her plan would fail.

As Snowdust approached the Thunderpath, her stomach churned nervously. Behind her, the undergrowth rustled and cracked, indicating a patrol was chasing after her. What am I going to do? she panicked. Suddenly, a hole under the Thunderpath caught her attention. She glanced over her shoulder, before disappearing inside. Above head, she could hear the monsters as they rumbled over her.

Chest pounding, Snowdust sat the tom down. As he cried, the white she-cat began to cover him in licks. "Hush little one," she cooed, wrapping her tail around him. "I'm your mother, and I'm here to protect you." Eventually, he quieted down, making Snowdust's heart swell with pride. He loves me!

Once she had caught her breath and decided the patrol had turned around, Snowdust picked up the tom and padded out of the tunnel. She was now on ThunderClan's territory, safe from her Clanmates. As she walked through the thick forest, she realized she was coated with Frostwing's blood. I need to wash it off before a fox scents me.

Snowdust settled down beneath a holly bush, and began to groom her pelt. Her new son curled up beside her, oblivious to anything around him. As Snowdust watched him, she let out a purr. He's absolutely precious. It's a shame his brothers couldn't come with him.

The holly bush began to rustle, alerting Snowbush. The white she-cat unsheathed her claws, ready to protect her kit.

"Great StarClan!" a surprised voice meowed. "It's a queen with a kit!"

"Bring her out, Sootpelt," another voice said.

Sootpelt gave Snowdust a sympathetic look before whispering, "We aren't going to hurt you. Please come out."

Snowdust gulped, before crawling out from the holly bush. She pressed her son to her belly, not wanting the RiverClan cats to see him. "What are you doing?" she snapped, flattening her ears to her head. Glancing around at her surroundings she said, "Also, what are you doing on ThunderClan's territory?"

"The ThunderClan border is over there," Sootpelt responded, flicking his tail towards a clump of bracken. "You must have crossed the border without realizing it." Glancing towards the kit he asked, "Are you all right?"

Another cat padded up, her eyes filled with concern. She exchanged a look with Sootpelt before commenting, "You should come back to camp with us. It's too dangerous for a young queen like yourself to be in the forest."

"I don't know, Amberdawn. What would Talonstar think if we brought a ShadowClan cat back to camp?" Sootpelt argued. "Especially a ShadowClan cat with a kit! We'd be asking for trouble."

"I'm not a ShadowClan cat," Snowdust lied. Think of an excuse quickly! "I'm a rogue they've been holding hostage."

Sootpelt narrowed his eyes at her. To Snowdust's relief, Amberdawn meowed, "I think I remember Yellowstar saying something about rogues at the last Gathering. He never said anything about holding them hostage, though."

"I don't remember that," Sootpelt grunted.

"Yellowstar didn't mention it because it would make him look weak," Snowdust continued. "ShadowClan is low on warriors; lower than ever before. When they saw I was pregnant, they trapped me and forced me to come back to their camp. They were going to force my son to be an apprentice. I had to escape, before it was too late. I just couldn't bring my little one up in that kind of environment." Please believe me!

Amberdawn touched her nose to Snowdust's pelt. "You poor thing. You were very brave to escape."

Snowdust let out a sigh of relief, before picking her son up. What an idiot! As she followed Sootpelt and Amberdawn back to RiverClan's camp she mumbled, "What are you doing out in the forest so late at night?"

"We were taking a walk," Amberdawn replied. "I gave birth to kits of my own, a few days ago. Two little she-kits, actually. Anyways, I was feeling the urge to stretch my paws, so Sootpelt agreed to come with me."

Snowdust smiled. "What are your daughter's names?"

"Morningkit and Nightkit," Amberdawn purred. "Morningkit is a dark tortoiseshell, and Nightkit is solid black."

"They sound lovely," Snowdust told her, crossing the Twoleg bridge. Finally, the three cats arrived at camp. The sun was starting to rise, casting faint pink light across the river. As Snowdust watched it, she felt a purr rise in her throat. RiverClan will be my new home, she decided. That is, if Talonstar will allow me to join. It was far enough away from ShadowClan, and since the camp was located on an island, she and her son would be safe.

"Talonstar!" Sootpelt yowled.

A few moments later, Talonstar slipped out of his den, his eyes bleary from sleep. "What's going on?" he yawned, oblivious to Snowdust.

"We found a rogue on our land," Amberdawn piped up. "She's got a newborn kit with her. Do you mind if she stays here for a little while?"

Talonstar stared at Snowdust. "Don't I know you from somewhere?"

She gulped. "N-No..."

"ShadowClan has been holding her hostage," Amberdawn explained. "They're running low on warriors, so they've been recruiting rogues."

Talonstar narrowed his eyes. "Recruiting rogues, eh? We can't have that, can we?" Looking back at Snowdust he murmured, "You can stay. Amberdawn, go make her a nest."

The RiverClan she-cat dipped her head, before disappearing inside the nursery. As Snowdust waited for her to finish making the den, her eyes grew heavy. She was exhausted. I just want to curl up and sleep for a moon!

"Come on," Amberdawn called out.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Snowdust snatched her kit up and padded into the nursery. It was nice and cozy inside. Setting down, she began to lick her kit.

"What's your name?" Amberdawn asked as she curled around her daughters.

"Snowy," Snowdust lied. If I give her my real name, my cover will be blown.

"And what's your sons name?"

Snowdust was silent. "I-I haven't thought about it yet," she yawned.

Amberdawn peered over at the white kit before suggesting, "What about Wavekit?"

Snowdust stared down at her son. He was going to be a large, muscular tom. It would be perfect for a future RiverClan warrior. "I like that name," she agreed, curling her tail around him. "My little Wavekit."


"From this moment forward, you shall be known as Wavepaw. Your mentor shall be Lakefoot," Talonstar yowled.

As Snowdust watched Wavepaw, her heart swelled with pride. It had been six moons since she had stolen him from Frostwing, and so far no cat was onto her. She hadn't seen or interacted with anyone in ShadowClan since that night, as she refused to attend Gatherings. She had learned, however, that Frostwing had died from the wounds she had inflicted. She deserved to die, Snowdust thought bitterly.

"Mother! Mother!" Wavepaw's voice shook her from her thoughts. "Are you proud of me?" his green eyes gleamed with happiness as he looked up at her.

"Very proud," Snowdust purred, giving him a lick on the forehead. Turning to face Lakefoot she meowed, "I expect you to listen to Lakefoot and do what he says, okay?"

Wavepaw nodded. "I will," he promised, nuzzling Snowdust. Turning to face his mentor he asked, "Can we go now?"

Lakefoot let out a chuckle. "Sure, but first we have to wait for Splashpaw and Morningpaw." Splashpaw was a pretty silver she-cat, who was a few weeks younger than Wavepaw. The two had become inseparable, spending all their time playing together. I'm so glad Wavepaw is fitting in.

"Hey, Snowtail!" a voice called out.

Snowdust let out a sigh. She still wasn't used to the warrior name Talonstar had given her. "Yes, Turtlestripe?"

"Do you want to join a hunting patrol with me and Briarpelt?" Turtlestripe asked, flicking his tail.

"Sure," she replied, before following him out of camp. As she walked, she could feel Alderpelt's gaze burning into her flank. She wasn't sure if the old medicine cat was onto her, or what. All she knew was that he had a deep hatred for her, which bothered her. I've done nothing wrong!

Snowdust skidded to a halt before meowing, "Actually, I'm not feeling well. How about we go hunting another time?"

Briarpelt stared at her, confused. "Okay, then. I hope you feel better." Together, he and Turtlestripe disappeared into the reeds, leaving Snowdust alone.

As the white she-cat crossed the clearing, Alderpelt stopped her. "You might fool them, but I know the truth, Snowdust." As he spoke, his hot breath tickled her face.

Glancing around the clearing, Snowdust begged, "Let's talk about this somewhere else."

Alderpelt flattened his ears to his head, but said nothing. Together, the two cats slipped out of camp and headed towards the gorge. Cautiously, Snowdust sat down at the edge, her neck fur bristling. "Why do you care?"

"You are a murderer and a kit thief!" Alderpelt growled.

"So what? You have no idea what kind of pain I've been through. My kits were murdered, and then my sister stole my mate. I had every right to take Wavepaw and raise him as my own. Besides, that's in the past. I'm a loyal warrior of RiverClan, and that's all that matters. I would never hurt another cat again," Snowdust argued, her eyes filling with tears. Was this old fleabag going to ruin her happiness?

"Plenty of cats are wronged in life," he retorted. "That doesn't give them the right to go around killing others to get what they want."

"It was an accident. I didn't set out to purposely kill Frostwing. She's my sister for StarClan's sake!" As she spoke, Snowdust suppressed the urge to claw him across the face.

"I'll keep my mouth shut for now, but just know I'm onto you," Alderpelt snarled, before stalking away in the direction of camp. As Snowdust watched him go, she narrowed her eyes. It wasn't safe to have Alderpelt around. He was a threat to her and Wavepaw. I have no other choice, she realized. I'll have to kill him.


Thunder rumbled above head as Snowdust stalked after Alderpelt. Tonight was the medicine cat meeting at Highstones, allowing for the perfect chance to strike. This has to be perfect, she thought as she pressed her belly to the ground.

Around her, heather rustled in the wind, disguising her scent.

"What's StarClan like?" Nightpaw questioned, her amber eyes full of curiosity.

"They're mysterious," Alderpelt began. "But they're also helpful."

"What if they don't like me?" Nightpaw whimpered. "Will I have to stop being a medicine cat?"

Alderpelt shook his head. "Don't think like that. I'm sure StarClan will love you." He gently rested his tail across her shoulders before adding, "I was scared when my mentor first took me to Highstones, but it's really no big deal. You'll get used to it eventually."

The black she-cat nodded her head. "Thanks, Alderpelt. I don't know what I'd do without you." She pressed against him, squeezing her eyes shut. Suddenly, Nightpaw's head snapped up. "I think someone is following us."

Frog-dung! Snowdust silently cursed herself.

Alderpelt sniffed the air, before narrowing his eyes. "Snowdust!" he roared. "Show yourself immediately, or else!"

Snowdust remained where she was. Alderpelt began to lash his tail furiously, before stalking towards her.

"What's going on?" Nightpaw cried out, her tail bristling in fear.

"It's none of your concern," Alderpelt snapped, stepping in front of Snowdust. As he loomed over her, a low growl sounded in the she-cat's throat. "I know why you're here," he hissed, raking his claws into her shoulder. Snowdust let out a whimper, before rolling away. Claws unsheathed, she leaped at Alderpelt and knocked him to the ground.

"What are you doing?! Stop it!" Nightpaw screeched, trying to pull Snowdust off her mentor. Snowdust kicked the apprentice away, before aiming another blow at Alderpelt. The older tom grabbed Snowdust by the neck, and bit down hard. As his teeth sank into her throat, Snowdust could feel blood running down her flank.

Pulling free, she stood there, panting. She turned to look at Nightpaw, who was huddled on the ground in fear. Snowdust then leaped back onto Alderpelt. The weight of the attack made the medicine cat lose his footing, and tumble to the ground. As they wrestled, Snowdust aimed blow after blow to his stomach.

"Stop! The gorge!" Nightpaw cried out, rushing towards them.

Alderpelt was too quick. Fast as a fish, he slithered out of Snowdust's grip and pushed her back. Snowdust stumbled, before falling back. Roaring water sounded beneath her, before she hit the icy water. Oh no!

Snowdust struggled to find the surface, but the rough waves knocked her deeper and deeper. The sharp river stones scraped at her pelt, ripping her flesh. The water around her began to turn scarlet with blood. My blood, she thought in horror. As she continued to fight the waves, Snowdust's body grew weaker and weaker. She couldn't breathe, and she was losing too much blood. Suddenly, the world around her went black, and she could feel no more.


Snowdust stalked through the stinking undergrowth, her stomach rumbling with hunger. It had been three years since her death, and she was still determined to get revenge. If it hadn't been for that stupid apprentice, Alderpelt would have been mine! The thought of Nightsky made her blood boil. She hated that RiverClan medicine cat more than anything, even more than she hated Bearclaw and Frostwing.

Her heart then twisted with grief as she thought of the son she had left behind. Waveheart. Snowdust longed for her son, but she knew she would never see him again. I wonder how he's doing. Sighing, Snowdust sat down, tears welling in her eyes. It wasn't fair. She was a good cat! Sure, she had stolen Waveheart, and accidentally killed Frostwing, but she wasn't evil. I don't deserve to be in the Dark Forest. This is for cats like One Eye and Slash! Not me.

Suddenly, the slimy undergrowth around her began to rustle. A few moments later, Silverhawk stepped out. "I've brought you some important news," he grumbled.

Snowdust's ears perked up. "What?" she demanded, leaping to her paws.

"Waveheart's got kits of his own," Silverhawk meowed, giving his chest fur a couple of licks. "A tom and a she-kit. Snowtuft says they're named Ripplekit and Minnowkit."

Snowdust's heart filled with pride. "How did you find this out?"

"Snowtuft ran into Alderpelt at the border with StarClan," Silverhawk explained. "I just thought I'd let you know, since these are your grandkits and all." Without saying another word, he stalked away. As Snowdust watched him leave, she let out a sigh. Ripplekit and Minnowkit, she thought, wondering what her grandkits looked like. Narrowing her eyes, she felt determined to watch over the kits no matter what.


This is the longest chapter I've ever written. I hope you will all enjoy it, even though it was a bit of a filler. Even then, it set up some important information and it explained Snowdust's connection to Ripplesky. I had a lot of fun writing it, so I hope you guys will like it. Also, thank you for all the feedback you've been giving me. I am so glad you guys are enjoying the story. I will try and have the next chapter uploaded ASAP.

As always, thanks for reading!