Chapter 18

The night was unusually cold. Icy air bit at Owlflight's fur as he sat at the entrance to the camp, yawning. His muscles were getting sore, and he longed for sleep. His eyes began to close, but then he jerked himself awake again.

It's so cold. I hate vigils.

So did the rest of the clan, it seemed. The cold drove cats away from Nightfrost's body as they searched for shelter in their dens. Anxious mothers wouldn't let their kits out for even a moment. Elders were grumbling as they sat, hunched over, in their nests. Warriors and apprentices alike were muttering about Nightfrost's death. Every once in a while, Owflight could hear Rosepaw wailing for the black tom.

After what seemed like a season, the sun rose. Pinestar padded out of his den, yawning, and nodded at Owlflight. "Your vigil is over."

The new warrior sighed. "That's a relief." His muscles seemed to have been frozen overnight, and he found it hard to move. Giving his stiff and sore body a quick lick, Owlflight padded to the warrior's den.

Only two cats were inside: Hollypool and Grayscar. Owlflight sniffed around the den for an empty nest, trying not to step on the sleeping forms. Finally, he found one by Hollypool. It was braided with long stalks of dried grass and was lined with moss. Soft feathers were draped over the sides. Owlflight suddenly felt a surge of affection for the black she-cat.

The gray tom curled up in the nest, sighing as he stretched against the moss and grass. Soon, he fell asleep.

When Owlflight woke up, the den was dark. He felt a surge of panic before he realized that it was probably night. A quick survey of the den proved that he was right. Cats were curled up, snoring. Owlflight tried to go back to sleep, but it was no use. He was wide-awake.

Deciding to take a walk, he slipped out of the den. Sorrelstorm was guarding the entrance to the camp, ears pricked. She raised an eyebrow questioningly as Owlflight waled outside.

"Couldn't sleep," he grunted. Sorrelstorm nodded. "The vigil threw you off, huh?"

Owlflight nodded. "Yeah."

"It happens." Sorrelstorm glanced at the sky. "Be quick about your walk."

"I will, thanks."

The gray tom slowly padded out of camp. He was suddenly aware of the serene beauty of the night. Not a soul stirred. The stars winked at him from above, and the moon seemed to glow. The forest seemed to take on a different, silently eerie sort of feel. The trees were illuminated by the moonlight, their bark turning silver and the leaves ghostly white.

Then he heard a rustling noise ahead of him. There was a scent in the air, a scent that was so familiar...

"Hello?" he asked. "Who's there?"

The rustling stopped. "Who's that?" a voice answered.

"Owlflight of Shadowclan."

"Owlflight? What are you doing here?"

"Hollypool!"

The black she-cat slithered out from a tree. "Hey! I repeat, what are you doing here?"

"I couldn't sleep."

"Neither could I." Hollypool purred, clearly overjoyed. "Do you want to walk...together?"

Owlflight nodded. Hollypool's eyes sparkled. There was a funny feeling in Owlflight's stomach, not unlike the one he had around Rosepaw, but not exactly the same either.

"Okay then." Hollypool ran ahead of him. "Race you to that old oak tree by the lake!"

"Hey!"

Owlflight's claws slid out, clawing up dirt as he ran. Hollypool laughed. "Slowbones!" she teased. Owlflight purred and caught up to her before pulling ahead. "Now who's a slowbones?"

"You are!" Hollypool grabbed Owlflight's tail and yanked him back. "Ha!"

"I'll get you!"

Owlflight tackled the black she-cat, throwing her behind before sprinting as fast as he could to the oak tree Hollypool was talking about. But to his surprise, she was already there.

"What..."

"I know a shortcut," Hollypool smirked. Owlflight purred. "Well then, race you to where I'm standing right now!"

"That's not fair!" Hollypool complained.

"Well, it is! It's just that I know a shortcut."

Hollypool flicked her tail. "You act like a kit sometimes."

"Maybe I am one."

She purred. "Yeah, right." Her eyes seemed to be filled with thousands of tiny stars, they were so filled with happiness.

Hollypool leaned against Owlflight's shoulder. "Owlflight?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

The gray tom barely hesitated before responding, "I love you too."