We ran.
All the way to the barn. Puffing and panting, Reedpelt and I crawled into the barn. Our pelts were slick with blood.
I knew our scent would be followed by the fresh blood, so Reedpelt and I could only stay for the night.
"Are you sure we can't stay longer?" Reedpelt asked.
"Yes. Knowing the clan, they'll sort out the drama for the whole night, and send patrols in the morning."
"Well yea, but I want to stay."
"Why?"
"I like it here. I'm with you."
Wait. What?
I knew that this wasn't time for a romance, no matter how much I craved one.
If I craved one. And I don't think I do.
The thoughts were too much after a long night. I shook my head. Reedpelt gave a small nod, as if he'd understood, and stretched out on the floor. I left him alone, and went to catch a mouse. Or perhaps a shrew. Ivypool loved shrews.
No. I don't have her anymore. I don't have Thunderclan anymore. I don't have a home anymore.
I missed the clan already.
A scuffling noise caught my ear. I followed the sound to a dusty corner, to see a reddish mouse. I dropped swiftly and stalked towards it. With a powerful pounce, I brought it down.
I padded to Reedpelt, who was grooming. "Here." I meowed softly. He hesitated. "I'll catch my own. You don't ha-"
"I said, here." I hissed. I left him with the mouse, and went to find my own. Minutes later, I had one.
We ate in silence. Both of us knew our lives were at stake, and at any moment, we could be caught and killed. Finally, I couldn't take the silence anymore.
"I can't do this." I yelped.
"Can't do what?"
"I can't have something so big going on, and just not talk about it."
"You're right. Perhaps though, we should talk in the morning."
"Why?" I asked.
"We might get a dream."
I nodded with a sigh.
"I'll keep first watch." I said, later as we were settling down.
"No, I will. Get some sleep." Reedpelt said gently. I was too tired to argue. With a yawn, I circled around in a bale of hay, and drifted into light sleep.
Go west…
Never return to the clans…
You never fit with them anyway…
You were born for so much more…
You need the star…
Save the clans…
Voices. So many voices. But I was alone. The voices were coming from around me. Everything was dark. The voices stopped. It was eerily quiet.
Ambershine… You will be destroyed by what you thought you loved. Enemies become friends, and friends become enemies. Trust no cat.
"Amberpaw! Wake up!"
I opened my eyes to a panicked Reedpelt. "We have to leave! Thunderclan is here!"