Chapter 8

Ashwinter yawned. Winterfury was still curled up next to her in a tight ball. Ashwinter paused and stared quietly into space, relishing the fact that she was finally a warrior. Bluefire popped her head into the warrior den.
"Ashwinter! You better eat soon; we have to sit vigil tonight. It's almost time!"
Ashwinter started. How long had she slept?
"Should I wake the others?" she asked.
Bluefire nodded. Ashwinter prodded Winterfury.
"Wha...?" he looked drowsy.
"We have to sit vigil soon." Ashwinter hissed.
Bluefire had already awoken Dustrise.
"Equinoxrise is outside already." Bluefire whispered.
Aspenmoon stirred in his nest. "Do you five mind shutting up for a while? Some of us would like to sleep while the moon's still out!"
"Sorry!" Bluefire squeaked.
Ashwinter padded out to the fresh-kill pile. She chose a plump vole to share with Winterfury. Winterfury sat nearby, still half asleep. He glanced up into the sky.
"What a crazy furball. The moon's not even out yet!" he meowed.
Ashwinter rolled her eyes "Whatever."
" Well, he is." Winterfury meowed indignantly as he settled down with his sister to eat the vole.
"Maybe you shouldn't slam-talk your Clanmates." Ashwinter chided.
When they were finished eating, the pair headed off to meet the others for their night of silence.
Dustrise yawned. "I hope morning comes on quick wings."
"Me, too." Bluefire agreed.
Ashwinter nodded and sat down for what was going to be a long night.