Chapter 2

My claws scrape against stone as I leap onto the Highledge. The new-leaf wind ruffles my dark gray fur, blowing it back, but I don't care. No, nothing can get me down at this moment. For my deepest desire has been fulfilled.

I am Slatestar.

My yellow eyes look down on those cats below me. They stroll through the clearing, occasionally glancing, awed, in my direction.

My life is complete. I have the ultimate power.

A faint purr tickles the back of my throat, and the edges of my mouth curl upwards, ever so slightly. My tail swishes back and forth, brushing against the stone.

"All cats old enough to hunt, gather here for a clan mee-"

"Wake up, lazybones!"

Instantly my eyes fly open and I scramble to my paws, hackles raised and ears back. It takes me a moment to remember that this is the apprentice's den, and that I was dreaming, and that an enemy warrior probably wouldn't yell at me to wake up. And that I'm not clan leader.

Not yet, anyways.

The cat who has woken me up is my mentor, Acornleaf, and right now she sits back on his haunches, clearly amused. Her eyes stare into mine. "We're going hunting, Slatepaw!"

I sigh, licking my ruffled fur before padding into the camp. "I know."

"Let's go, then!" Acornleaf trots out of camp, her tail waving behind her. I walk beside her, glaring at her for no reason. "So what now?"

"We wait for Mudpaw and Briarpaw. They're going hunting with us too!"

I groan loudly. "Not them!"

"Yes them."

Mudpaw and Briarpaw are probably the most annoying apprentices in the clan. They're both energetic and hyper, and ready to talk anycat's ear off.

Ugh.

The two annoying cats show up, grins plastered all over their faces. "Hiya, Slatepaw!" Briarpaw chirps, her blue eyes filled with happiness and – ugh – love.

"What are we doing today, Acornleaf?" Mudpaw's eyes shine with affection for the she-cat. It's clear to everyone that Mudpaw has a crush on Acornleaf.

"We'll be hunting in groups of three." I gag. Acornleaf continues like she didn't notice. "I'll be watching you."

I sigh as Acornleaf disappears into the undergrowth. I turn to face Briarpaw and Mudpaw, who are happily discussing the best way to catch a fish. I roll my eyes. Fishing is for Riverclan.

"Alright, you two," I say. "Just... do whatever you're doing, maybe catch something by yourself."

"But we have to use teamwork, Slatepaw!" protests Briarpaw.

"Who says?" I snap. "Now you two get your little mouse-brains out there and catch something nice. You might actually impress the clan for once!"

Mudpaw and Briarpaw stare at me, blue eyes filled with hurt. But that quickly passes.

"Aw, don't be such a grumpyface!" teases Briarpaw.

"Shut up and get something to eat!"

"Okay!" And the two hyper apprentices turn around and bounce back to camp.

"That's not what I meant!" I yell at them.

"We accept your apology!"

I groan, and then Acornleaf appears, her green eyes staring sternly at me.

"That was definitely not teamwork. You should appreciate your clanmates more! Love them and you will be loved!"

There's that word again.

Acornleaf is going on and on, lecturing me on something, but I'm not listening. I glare at her, and silently curse her to go to the Dark Forest.