Chapter 5
Time: Evening
Setting: River Clan camp
Willowshine's POV
My paws ache from the day's work. I drag myself to the fresh kill pile. A plump silver fish catches my attention. I grasp it along with a water vole for Mothwing.
I find my mentor busily rummaging about some herbs in the back of the den. She looks up as I enter the den and smiles as she spots the prey.
I run over my pelt after finish the fish. The flavor still lingers on my tongue as I smooth down the or along my spine.
I blink groggily, normally I would stay awake longer but I'm unusually tired. I plop heavily into my nest. I focus on what I may have to do tomorrow and heading to Moonpool in a couple sunrises. The thought of Jayfeather floats in my mind. I will see him soon. But I don't care I convince myself. I sigh and pull my tail tightly around my nose.
I must have lied there for a long time because I hear a plop as Mothwing lies down. I let my eyes flutter open just a moment.
The camp is silent and a thick crescent moon floats in the sky. The image burns itself into my head as I fall asleep.
Time: Night (before Moonhigh)
Setting: Thunder Clan camp
Jayfeather's POV
I blink hard. I lift my head up slowly and pull myself to my paws. I begin walking stiffly towards camp. I travel slowly and calmly.
I sit in my den resting my paws for a moment. I hear the sound of paws entering my den and I lift my head.
"This is an intervention" my brother's voice is shaky and fear comes off him and waves.
"You sound like a mouse-brained idiot" I snarl.
"Where were you? You disappeared and no one knew where you had gone" He sounded slightly annoyed.
"I went to gather herbs! Do I need permission to leave camp now?" I hiss. Guilt burning in my chest.
"In the brambles?" I feel his tail run over a thick scratch across my forehead. I flinch away.
"It doesn't matter?" I grumble turning away.
"Because I'm your brother. Jayfeather, something is bothering you. Why are you lying to me?"
"I-I, I mean, it's just, it's just…" I stammer slinking backward. Tears burn as they roll down my face. I feel as if someone has lit me on fire and it burns through my pelt.
Lionblaze runs his tail down my shoulder as I sit a weep like an injured kit.
After a long silence Lionblaze pauses and turns to me.
"Jayfeather, what is bothering you?"
A shudder passes through we like a gust of Leaf bare wind. I take in a deep breath. My entire body trembles in anxiety. "I-I'm in love…"