CHAPTER 24-Mistake
The starlight shone on the leaves like silver frost, and all was still. The Moonpool glittered in its depths, reflecting the stars in its pale face, but tonight, something was off. The water seemed to be diluted, slightly darkened and black like a mirror choked by smoke.
A ginger tom crouched by the banks. His brow furrowed, deep in thought.
"Firestar?" a voice rasped. The tom looked up to see Bluestar and Yellowfang padding side by side towards him. He dipped his head in greeting. "Yes?"
Bluestar paused before speaking, her ears twitching thoughtfully. "I am beginning to think that StarClan made a mistake."
Firestar's eyes narrowed. "I don't regret my choice."
Yellowfang ruffled her fur and muttered, "Are you blind? We chose the wrong cat." She spat, "Or rather...the wrong Twoleg."
"What makes you think Ashley is the right one?" Bluestar asked.
Firestar heaved a sigh and stared down at the foggy surface of the pool. "I have faith in her," he murmured quietly. "She has the strength to soar."
Yellowfang took a step forward until she was staring at him right in front of his face. She meowed, "Open your eyes, Firestar. She doesn't have any strength at all. I think we should choose someone else."
The ginger tom's eyes hardened, and he opened his mouth to reply. But then he closed it again, and his green eyes grew hazy as he gazed out at something hidden in the shadows.
He sighed. "Even if she is a mistake, it's too late to change it. Dream land is already collapsing."
Bluestar was silent for a few moments. Then she turned and left, beckoning Yellowfang with her tail.
The ginger tom watched them leave. He resumed to staring back down at the murky grey water. A mistake...he thought. If Ashley really is a mistake, then everything will turn into chaos.
Ashley, he thought. She had wings made for soaring, yet she depended on Snowstorm and Dewstep for everything. She had feathers, yet she can't fly. What a strange bird indeed.