Hello, readers. I know you are eagerly awaiting my updates, but the story is ending rather quickly. I think there will be one more chapter so be ready for it!
The Heart of a Lion
Chapter 26: The Eye of the Storm
The storm came so suddenly, it was as if it was sent by StarClan. The clouds amassed on the horizon, and soon thunder shook through the forest. I felt so enclosed under all the trees and uncomfortable that the sky was almost completely blocked out by leaves.
"We should find some shelter," Lionblaze suggested. "I know a place we can go that's safe."
He led me through the forest to an old twoleg nest. It was sheltered in the forest and covered in plants, and an old, broken wall surrounded it. I knew this was the secret garden where Jayfeather grew his herbs, and I warily looked around.
"Don't worry. It is safe here. The walls will protect us from the storm." Lionblaze clambered over the wall. I followed him.
A light rain started to fall when we got inside. It immediately turned into a downpour that pounded the walls of the nest and rattled my ears. I was happy to be warm and dry, even if it was in a twoleg nest.
"I can't believe Breezepelt is dead," I said. I knew Lionblaze probably didn't want to talk about the horrific incident, but it was the only thing on our minds.
"I did what I had to. He wouldn't have stopped until he had his revenge."
"I guess what Sol said is true. The inevitable storm is here."
"Yes, it is."
I whirled around and saw a pair of golden eyes glowing from the darkness. The cat stepped out into the light, and I saw his multicolored pelt and triangular face that made him look remarkably different from any other cat. "Sol! What are you doing here?" I demanded.
"I came to talk with you."
"Haven't you caused enough trouble?" I snapped, unsheathing my claws.
"My intention was never to help you, but I have always wished the best for you. My duty was simply to reveal the truth. The inevitable storm was always meant to come," Sol purred.
Thunder rattled outside.
"Stop talking in riddles," Lionblaze snapped. "Just tell us what you want. Give me one reason why I shouldn't rip you to pieces."
"I just came to tell you that you are in the eye of the storm. In killing Breezepelt, you have maintained peace for the time being, but it won't last long. Your Clans will still wage war."
"You know about that?"
He nodded. "I saw everything."
"You didn't help me when I was in trouble even though you were there the whole time? Why didn't you do anything?" I growled.
"Because it was never my destiny to intervene with yours. The only reason I revealed your secret was because you were having trouble with your destiny. I just helped you along. All this was meant to be. Your Clans had to find out the truth eventually. If they wouldn't have known, things would have turned out much worse."
"How? How could you possibly know that?"
"I just do. I know more than you can ever imagine," Sol meowed mysteriously. "Breezepelt is dead now. Your biggest threat is behind you, but you still need to face your Clans. It will be hard. I have an offer for you."
Lionblaze and I stared at each other, unsure of where Sol was going with this.
"You can come with me, and I will lead you away from the Clan territories to a new place where you can live. Your kits are welcome to come too. If it is what you want, you have the chance to start a new life."
"No," I meowed. "We can't leave. That is kind of you, but our place is here."
"That is understandable. I just came to say that I am proud of you two, and I wish you the best of luck with your future." Sol moved to the doorway of the nest and peered outside. "No storm lasts forever. When it ends, there is great peace." Then he walked away. I never saw him again after that.
Lionblaze and I also looked outside and realized the storm ended. The dark clouds moved away, leaving a clear blue sky above. The air was blissfully calm. Rain sparkled on the leaves of the trees. It was so beautiful.
"The eye of the storm is beautiful," I said, brushing against Lionblaze with my tail.
"I know. It is."