The atmosphere in camp was peaceful and pleasant, even as ShadowClan's leader, Lionstar, stood speaking to Swiftstar outside of his den. Scorchclaw watched the two cats speak, his yellow eyes narrowed, wondering just what they were talking about. Berrysplash was next to the two cats, but Scorchclaw couldn't catch any glimpse of the ShadowClan deputy, Toadstep. Instead, the ShadowClan warrior, Featherheart, stuck close to the leader's side.
"Are you all right, Lionstar?" Swiftstar was asking the big tabby leader. "You look ill."
"I'm fine," Lionstar growled, but even Scorchclaw could notice that the golden tabby warrior was swaying on his paws, and the color was leaving his face pale.
"Yes, Swiftstar," Featherheart meowed. "Just a bit stressed. We were forced to exile one of our warriors the other day."
"Really?" Swiftstar's eyes widened. "What warrior?"
"Talonclaw," Featherheart replied. "Lionstar was ill, and Talonclaw took advantage of it to start a rebellion against him. However, before Talonclaw could do anything treacherous, I exiled him and sent him to not even where the rogues live. Lionstar is fine now."
Swiftstar's ears twitched. "Huh. I never would've taken that cat for a traitor."
"Cats change," Featherheart replied. His blue eyes focused on Berrysplash, who was coughing into her paw, and a tremor raked her body. "Are you all right, Berrysplash?"
"I'm fine," Berrysplash replied through a cough. "Just the normal new-leaf illness – even WindClan cats aren't invincible to the change in the weather."
Swiftstar watched Berrysplash closely, his amber eyes betraying his worry. "Regardless of that, you need to go see Violetheart. Lionstar and I will conclude these discussions on our own, and I'll let you know."
"Swiftstar, really—" Berrysplash was in the middle of finishing her sentence when another cough racked her body.
"Go." Swiftstar flattened his ears, and the cream-colored deputy nodded to her leader before trotting away and entering the rock that made Violetheart's den. Scorchclaw watched the exchange worriedly. What happened to Talonclaw of ShadowClan? He had turned on his own Clan leader? How was that possible? That's against the warrior code. But thank the gods Featherheart took care of it, I guess.
The next biggest worry he had was Berrysplash as he watched the she-cat limp away and enter Violetheart's den, the cough still escaping her mouth. Scorchclaw stretched out his legs, shaking his head. Violetheart was an excellent medicine cat, and whatever Berrysplash had, Violetheart could take care of it. Scorchclaw watched as Swiftstar concluded the discussions he was having with Lionstar.
"We'll talk again!" Swiftstar called out as Featherheart escorted his leader through the camp and out of the moor. Lionstar responded with a grunt as he disappeared into the grassland. Just as they were gone, Swiftstar padded into the clearing, seeming to seek out a few cats. Scorchclaw wanted to follow his father's gaze, but he was caught off guard when he noticed a small patch of brown fur at the nursery, sneaking away.
Scorchclaw bounded over to the small kit and recognized him as Harekit. Scorchclaw skidded to a halt, wanting to know what Harekit was doing. Scorchclaw disguised himself behind a boulder in the camp, and even though he was sure his scent was blowing in the wind towards Harekit, Harekit didn't seem to notice it. Instead, the small brown kit looked around and began to hop from rock to rock in the clearing.
He's trying to leave camp! Scorchclaw realized. Momentary willingness to see just how far this kit would go disappeared when he knew that Harekit could get himself in real trouble if he escaped – whether it was being a small kit on the moor or face his father's wrath. Scorchclaw snuck up to the kit, and just as he was attempting to climb the camp walls, Scorchclaw grabbed his pale scruff and dropped him on the ground.
"Hey!" Harekit huffed, landing on the ground with a thud as he glared crossly at Scorchclaw.
"What were you doing?" Scorchclaw asked, arching an eye whisker. "You can't leave camp until you're six moons."
"Yeah, but Cinderkit, Lightningkit, and Buzzardkit are getting apprenticed today!" Harekit whined.
"So?" Scorchclaw asked, although interest piqued his mind. He hadn't heard of that. Would he be getting an apprentice? But why was that making little Harekit so angry?
"I want to be one, too!" Harekit declared. "So, I'm going to do something incredibly brave so that Swiftstar will have no choice but to make me an apprentice!"
Sounds all too familiar, Scorchclaw thought, his whiskers twitching as he thought about Russetstripe and Blackdove when they were just kits. And we all know how well that turned out. "And what brave thing are you going to do, Harekit?"
"I'm going to go find a big, scary RiverClan warrior and defeat him on my own!" Harekit chirped, hopping around Scorchclaw with unsheathed claws.
"Woah now." Scorchclaw lifted his paw. "Slow down. You're just a kit, you'll need some time before you can defeat a RiverClan cat." The ferocity of how the RiverClan warriors had fought him, many moons ago, still sent a shudder through his mind as he looked at the scar on his shoulder, a result of their brutality. Something's different with them. "Wait your turn."
"Mom says they aren't hard to fight," Harekit told Scorchclaw.
"Did she?" Scorchclaw purred loudly. "Well, you'll still need some bulking up before you can fight a cat, and maybe you'll need to put some strength on those legs if you want to run across the moorland."
"So when can I become an apprentice?" Harekit asked.
"In three moons," Scorchclaw replied. "Cinderkit, Lightningkit, and Buzzardkit have hit their sixth moon. That's why they're becoming apprentices. But you're not old enough."
Harekit let out a huff of irritation. "I guess I can wait."
"Don't you want to be there with your friends, when they become apprentices?" Scorchclaw asked. "You should cheer them on."
"Okay!" Harekit's stubby tail shot up, and he bolted away from Scorchclaw back into the nursery. Scorchclaw watched the small kit go, amusement making a purr rumble from his chest. Just as Harekit disappeared into the gorse bush, the three oldest kits popped out. Lightningkit trotted out first, his black-and-white pelt sleek against the new-leaf sunshine. Cinderkit's dark gray fur was fluffed out, and Buzzardkit held his head up high, his chest puffed out. Behind them was their mother, Spottedwing, and she looked as if she was about to burst with pride, but all the while there was a trace of sorrow behind her yellow eyes. Scorchclaw recalled that her mate and the father of her kits, Oakcloud, died before he got to meet them.
Brambledusk, Spottedwing's oldest son and the brother of the kits, padded up to his mother and touched noses with her. His gaze traveled to the kits, his eye whiskers wrenched, and then he lifted his head to meet Scorchclaw's gaze. The callousness in Brambledusk's gaze was so fierce it made Scorchclaw take a step back. What? What's his problem with me? Scorchclaw had never known Brambledusk to be anything but sensitive and kind – he would never associate the expression full of ice and hatred that he was holding with the pale tabby tom. Should I go talk to him? Scorchclaw was considering this dilemma when he heard his father's voice echo through the camp.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather underneath the Tall Branch for a Clan meeting!" Swiftstar yowled, his amber gaze darting around the clearing.
At Swiftstar's summons, the cats in the camp began to gather. Scorchclaw sat down at the foot of the tree that made his den, glancing over his shoulder to see Adderstripe sitting at his other side. Pride swelled in Scorchclaw's chest as he realized just how important he and Adderstripe were to Swiftstar, now that they had the honor to serve by their father's side. He watched as the Clan gathered near the Tall Branch.
Gorseflight gave Scorchclaw a respectful glance from where he sat next to Wildheart, and Scorchclaw dipped his head to his friend. When he gazed at Wildheart, he was taken aback by the affection glowing in her amber eyes. Blackdove sat at the edge of the clearing, shuffling her paws nervously, and Scorchclaw tried to catch her glance, but she was staring at her paws. Russetstripe's words from the other day echoed back to him.
"Blackdove is all of those things, too!"
"Huh? Blackdove? What do you mean?"
"Can't you be mates with her?"
I wonder why she asked me about Blackdove? Scorchclaw thought to himself. I know she hates Wildheart, but why did she ask me to be mates with Blackdove in particular? Blackdove's a great cat and all. The black she-cat's pelt shone in the sunlight, and her green eyes glittered with dazzling shards. She's kind, caring, and smart. But… Scorchclaw dragged his gaze back to Wildheart. Wildheart is something else. Wildheart was fierce, energetic, and courageous. Scorchclaw wanted someone he could match, who would always give him a run for his prey, who he could stand side-by-side with. Somehow, Blackdove wasn't that cat. But I'll always be her friend.
Scorchclaw spotted Berrysplash limping out of the medicine den, her blue eyes glazed with pain and breaking into a coughing fit. Violetheart bounded out of the den, grabbed Berrysplash by her scruff, and hauled her back inside. Worry pierced Scorchclaw's heart like a blade. Is Berrysplash going to be okay? he thought, concern for his former mentor clouding his thoughts.
Hawkfeather and Grayflight examined their claws as they sat next to each other. Patchshine appeared from the nursery with her own kits. Harekit was bouncing up and down, and his sisters, Briarkit and Seedkit, were much more composed compared to their brother. Thrushwing walked over to Patchshine, touching noses with his mate and licking the heads of his kits. Larchcloud and Cloverwhisker entered camp from where they had just returned from a hunting patrol, dropping their catches on the fresh-kill pile and joining the gathering cats. Aspenstep and Sandfall huddled close together, and Sunleaf sat at the edge of the clearing, her nervous eyes focused on Swiftstar.
Just as the cats gathered, Swiftstar cleared his throat. "I have news for all of you. Flintstar from ThunderClan has passed away the other night."
Gasps of shock spread around the gathering cats like the buzzing of bees. Scorchclaw stared at his father, his jaw dropping. Flintstar was Swiftstar's archenemy – how had he died so quickly? And, with Flintstar dead, did that make his father the most powerful cat in the Clans? What if it does? Scorchclaw thought to himself. How do I feel about that?
"His deputy, Rootberry, is now known as Rootstar," Swiftstar went on. "He received his nine lives the other day and made Brookfeather his Clan deputy."
How do you know all of this? Scorchclaw thought, thinking back to Lionstar's discussion with Swiftstar earlier in the morning. Did Lionstar tell you?
"Rootberry is known as a flower lover with his head in the clouds," Hawkfeather called out from where he sat. "Defeating him should be easier than it was with Flintstar!"
"That's not true," Petalspring argued with Hawkfeather. "Rootberry has been known as the God of War since he was just a young warrior. If anything, he'll be twice as harder to defeat."
Swiftstar nodded. "Petalspring brings up a good point. There is no greater danger than underestimating your opponent. Rootberry may be calm and kind, but there is no mistaking the number of cats he has slain when fighting. He is dangerous. Which means… ThunderClan is more threatening than ever."
"WindClan can defeat anything!" Grayflight yowled.
"Grayflight is right!" Thrushwing added. "So long as we have you, Swiftstar, we are invincible!"
Swiftstar twitched his whiskers. "That may be so. But we still have to keep our wits strong, our claws sharp, our teeth ready. We cannot avoid the inevitable war that will come to our camp soon. By preparing, we need more apprentices. I am pleased to report that Spottedwing's kits, Cinderkit, Lightningkit, and Buzzardkit, have reached the age of six moons, and it is their turn to be apprenticed."
Scorchclaw glanced over at the kits at the nursery, who exchanged elated, jubilant glances. Spottedwing nuzzled each of them in turn, pushing them with her nose to approach the Tall Branch. Lightningkit's amber eyes burned with confidence, while Cinderkit walked with a skip in his step. Buzzardkit was at the tail end of the two kits, but from how the kit's ears were twitching, there was no doubt that he was excited as well.
When the three kits were in front of the Tall Branch, Swiftstar looked down on them, his presence as frightening to the young cats as ever. "Lightningkit, Cinderkit, and Buzzardkit. The three of you have reached your sixth moon, and so you are ready to become apprentices. I ask StarClan to watch over you three and guide you until you find in your paws the strength and courage of a warrior. Lightningkit, step forward."
This is one of the best tasks Swiftstar has, Scorchclaw thought, watching the kits excitedly. It's always a special day when young cats embark on their journey to becoming warriors. It's my duty to protect them until they are.
Lightningkit obeyed his leader's command, the white fur on his back fluffing up with nervousness as Swiftstar gazed down at him, his amber eyes burning into his black pelt. "From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Lightningpaw." The WindClan leader flicked his tail towards Adderstripe, who stepped forward. "Adderstripe, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Thrushwing, and you have proved yourself to be fierce and brave. You will be the mentor of Lightningpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to him."
Adderstripe's going to be a mentor! Scorchclaw watched his brother step towards Lightningpaw and touch noses with the new apprentice. For a moment, a pang of jealousy stabbed at Scorchclaw's heart. He was proud of his brother, but would he get to be a mentor, too? I'm sure he'll do a great job.
"Buzzardkit." Swiftstar glanced at the ginger tabby kit. "From this moment forward, you will be known as Buzzardpaw. Brambledusk, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You received excellent training from Petalspring, and you have proven yourself to be smart and independent. Pass on all you know to Buzzardpaw."
The pale tabby warrior walked over to Buzzardpaw and touched noses with the new apprentice. Buzzardpaw's green eyes shone with excitement, and Brambledusk whispered something in the tabby's ear before they separated once more to allow Cinderkit to receive his name and mentor.
Cinderkit was alone in the clearing now, with Buzzardpaw and Lightningpaw having returned to their mother's side. He held his tail high, although there was a flash of panic in his eyes. Scorchclaw wondered if he would be chosen to mentor the dark gray tomkit, but Swiftstar had given no indication that he would be one. I guess next time, Scorchclaw thought, focusing his gaze on Harekit, who watched the proceedings with joy in his amber eyes. There's one little scrap I'd like in particular.
"Cinderkit, from now on you will be known as Cinderpaw. Waspberry, you are also ready to receive your first apprentice. Teach Cinderpaw everything you can." Swiftstar watched as the gray-and-white warrior padded through the crowd and touched noses with Cinderpaw. Cinderpaw purred loudly, and from the excitement shining in Waspberry's eyes, Scorchclaw knew his father had made an excellent choice indeed.
"Lightningpaw! Buzzardpaw! Cinderpaw!" cheered the crowd, and Scorchclaw couldn't help but think it was louder than any other apprentice they had cheered for, considering the fact that these apprentices had never known their father. Scorchclaw joined in on the cheering, even though he wasn't able to erase the small pang of jealousy in his heart that his brother, Adderstripe, had received an apprentice, but he hadn't.
Swiftstar jumped from the Tall Branch, signaling an end to the meeting, and the new apprentices scampered off to join their mentors. Scorchclaw wavered on his feet, and realized that he couldn't keep the question to himself forever. Scorchclaw padded over to his father, stopping him before he could enter the Tall Branch. Swiftstar tilted his head questioningly.
"Father," Scorchclaw meowed, "how come you didn't give me an apprentice?"
Swiftstar narrowed his eyes. "You're too young, Scorchclaw. I chose Adderstripe and Brambledusk to be mentors three moons back, and picking you instead of one of the cats closer to their age range would show blatant favoritism. Although I don't have any doubt you'd be an excellent mentor, you need to wait your turn."
Wait your turn. These were the same words Scorchclaw had told Harekit. Scorchclaw dipped his head in understanding and watched as his father disappeared into his den. It makes sense. The throbbing of jealousy died away to a simple sting. His father had brought up a good point, but he couldn't shake away the disappointment all together. I need a distraction. When Scorchclaw turned his head away to study the crowd, he could see Wildheart's dark tortoiseshell pelt approach him. And distraction, here I come.
"Are you all right?" Wildheart asked, looking him up and down.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Scorchclaw countered.
"Well, Adderstripe got an apprentice, and you didn't. I thought you'd be a little upset," Wildheart explained, touching her tail to Scorchclaw's side and brushing it down his spine.
How well does she know me? Scorchclaw asked himself. "Well, I won't lie, I'm definitely a little frustrated. I wish my father trusted me, but I understand why he picked Waspberry. She's older than me, she completed her training first, and she's been a warrior a lot longer than I was. Plus, it's only fair if he picks one of the warriors around Brambledusk and Adderstripe's age, rather than me. I was made a warrior a season after they were."
"How about I do something to get that off your mind?" Wildheart asked, mischief glowing in her amber eyes.
Scorchclaw narrowed his eyes. "What is it?"
"You'll have to come with me to find out. Race you!" Just like a rabbit, Wildheart shot off. Scorchclaw watched her go, momentarily baffled, but then shook out his fur and followed her, breaking into a run.
"I'll get there first!" Scorchclaw yowled. Even though you're not telling me where you're going!
"In your dreams!" Wildheart exclaimed as the two cats raced out of camp and ran through the moor. The breeze against Scorchclaw's side as he ran through the grassland was revitalizing, urging him to run faster and faster. He could hear the hopping of rabbits and taste their scent, but for some reason, it just wasn't as tempting or enjoyable as running after Wildheart. As Wildheart suddenly changed direction and turned south, Scorchclaw's eyes widened as he realized exactly where she was heading to.
Wildheart's paws were taking her towards the lakeshore, towards the tree branch that served as the bridge from the beach to the island. Why are we going there? Scorchclaw decided not to question Wildheart – she had a plan for everything, after all. The tortoiseshell she-cat finally landed on the beach, slowing her pace as she approached the birch tree that had fallen so many seasons ago to serve as the passage from the shore to the island. Wildheart leaped onto the branch, and the scene reminded Scorchclaw so many moons ago of the time the two apprentices had completed the obstacle course their mentors had ordered them to. Wildheart had fallen into the pond that time, but now she scaled the tree much more calmly and landed on the island.
Scorchclaw was right on her heels, pushing his way through the green foliage that surrounded the island. His paws landed in the sand, and the confusion never left him as Wildheart approached the Great Oak, looking at it with wonder shining in her eyes. Scorchclaw followed her, scrutinizing the oak tree, remembering how all the great leaders sat on there, addressing the four Clans as they radiated strength and power.
"I wonder what it's like to be up there," Scorchclaw mused out loud. His brother, Adderstripe, was destined to be the next leader of WindClan. Even though Berrysplash was deputy, it was only a matter of time until she stepped down so Adderstripe, Swiftstar's oldest son and heir, could take her place. Since he had just gained an apprentice, that meant that day could come quicker than expected. Adderstripe would be the one sitting in the branches, not Scorchclaw. But maybe after him? he thought. Would Adderstripe make me deputy? No… Adderstripe's son would be the cat to serve after him.
Being a leader was ideal to Scorchclaw. He would be able to supervise the lives of his warriors, to bring his Clan to greatness and help his cats live a safe, peaceful life. He could negotiate with the Clan leaders and bring justice to whoever wronged his warriors, and defend his Clan against any invading cats or trespassers. He'd be able to make kits into apprentices, apprentices into warriors, share dreams with StarClan. It was as tantalizing as a juicy piece of prey. But it appeared that Scorchclaw wasn't the only cat who thought so.
"I wish I was up there," Wildheart breathed out. "The power Swiftstar must feel. Even if I can't be leader, I'd at least settle for deputy. I'd be helping my Clan leader lead his Clan. Do you think Adderstripe will make me deputy?" She turned to face Scorchclaw. Scorchclaw's spirit dampened at the hope shining in her amber eyes. He wanted to be deputy – and, even if he or Wildheart would be deputy, it wouldn't be long until Adderstripe's future son would replace him. But maybe for those years?
"Maybe," Scorchclaw said. "My father's still alive, though."
"Right." Wildheart's amber eyes darkened. "Sorry."
"It's okay," Scorchclaw lied, feeling his tongue dry. "But you're right, how majestic it must be to sit up there and address the Clans."
"Let's find out how it feels," Wildheart declared.
"Huh?" Scorchclaw's eyes widened.
"Didn't I tell you a while back that every WindClan cat should learn to climb trees?" Wildheart reminded the ginger-and-white tom. "So, let's do it. Let's reach the tallest branch!"
"Tallest branch?" Scorchclaw knew that, as Clan leader, they'd definitely have to scale the tree to sit on one of the branches to address the Clans. But they leaped to the branches. They didn't climb them. Was Wildheart out of her mind? Before Scorchclaw could protest, Wildheart had already sunk her claws into the oak and pulled herself up. Scorchclaw groaned in annoyance, rolling his eyes as he followed her. He'd have to make sure she was safe. But I really don't want to climb this tree.
To Scorchclaw's astonishment, Wildheart had no problem scaling the tree. She blatantly ignored the branches that would make it easier for her to reach the tallest branch, instead, choosing to search for paw holds in the tree that would help her propel herself forward. Scorchclaw still stood at the foot of the oak, shifting his big paws nervously.
"What are you doing, rabbit-brain?" Wildheart asked as she was half-way up the tree, looking down from where she was sinking all her claws. They're the only thing keeping her up! "Scared of trees?"
"No way!" Scorchclaw exclaimed. "I'm not scared of anything."
"So then come up." Wildheart's amber eyes glowed. "Before I tell everyone that you're too afraid to climb a tree."
"You wouldn't!" Scorchclaw gasped.
"I won't if you climb up!" Wildheart yowled, turning her head back and continuing her descent. Scorchclaw wavered on the ground, gritting his teeth. But Wildheart was right. He wanted to show her he was just as good as she was, and maybe he could reach the tallest branch faster than she could. I've got to impress her. Recalling how Wildheart had dug her claws into the tree and moved with ease, all he had to do was repeat the same steps. Just as Wildheart continued her descent, Scorchclaw realized he had to act fast if he wanted any chance of catching up to her.
As Scorchclaw dug his claws into the tree and propelled himself up with the strength of his back legs and the sharpness of his claws, worry made his heart race as he noticed that the sun was beginning to set. Soon it would be dark, and they wouldn't be able to see where they were going. No. I can't let Wildheart see that I'm scared. Scorchclaw waited until he had a firm grip, digging his claws deeper into the oak, and just as he was steady, he climbed further up, gritting his teeth the entire time. Don't look down.
Scorchclaw moved slowly, finding holds in the tree that were easy for him to dig his claws into, each time using his rear legs to push himself upward. Every time his back legs dangled from beneath him, he could feel the breath leaving his body in a rush of fear, but only seconds later was he thrusting his back claws into another part of the tree. I don't see why any ThunderClan cat would do this! Just as Scorchclaw found the courage to lift his head up, his jaw gasped as he saw Wildheart, lying down on the tallest branch of the Great Oak, her amber eyes glowing.
"Need a paw?" Wildheart called out to him.
"No way." Scorchclaw shook his head, and tensing his muscles, he kept climbing the tree, adrenaline making him move faster until he approached the highest branch where Wildheart was sitting. Just as Wildheart's tail came into closer view, Scorchclaw let out a relieved breath when he was realized he was nearly at the top of the tree. Just one more push! Scorchclaw pulled his rear legs up and dug his claws into the highest branch, he hauled himself onto the top branch, panting heavily.
"Great job," Wildheart praised him, purring as Scorchclaw steadied himself on the branch. Scorchclaw was about to say something, but panic made his heart stop when the tree branch swayed underneath the combined weight of him and Wildheart. For a moment, the whole world stopped, and Scorchclaw waited to feel the terrifying descent as he plummeted down onto the ground. But when the branch stopped swaying and steadied itself, Scorchclaw realized he was safe.
"Gaha…" Scorchclaw suddenly broke into a laugh, recalling the one time he thought he and Wildheart were going to drown in the pond, and actually ended up being safe. It happened again! He glanced at Wildheart, seeing the fear in her eyes melt away as she joined him in a laugh. "Maybe WindClan cats shouldn't climb trees."
"I thought we were crow-food!" Wildheart exclaimed, giggling loudly. "Again! Maybe we should go on separate branches, because this one clearly can't handle your weight!"
"I don't want to go on a branch that doesn't have you," Scorchclaw told Wildheart. Wildheart gasped, and Scorchclaw kicked himself mentally. Did I say something wrong? But when her gasp died away, the tortoiseshell she-cat beamed and looked up at the sky. Scorchclaw followed her gaze, shocked as he examined the indigo backdrop, with shades of purple and black, dotted with flecks of silver, surrounding the world around him. When did it get this dark?
"Aren't the stars beautiful?" Wildheart asked, her gaze focusing on a twinkle of silver, and Scorchclaw noticed that the glittering of the stars were reflecting in Wildheart's amber eyes.
"They are," Scorchclaw breathed, "but you're more beautiful than all of them put together, Wildheart."
"Scorchclaw…" Wildheart murmured.
"I'm serious." Scorchclaw leaned further into her. He couldn't keep these feelings locked inside anymore. They had been faint when he had been young, but over the moons, they had clawed their way to the surface of his heart, bubbling so loudly and trying to escape where he locked them. Now, he would let them free. "The way you are now… is what I like the best. I see you. I see everything you've been through. And I want all of that, Wildheart. I want all of it. I love it. I love it all."
"Are you going to fall in love with me?" Wildheart asked, her voice a cracked whisper.
"I already have," Scorchclaw confessed. Yes. This is it. This is what I've been feeling. The warmth that bubbled up when he saw her, the willingness he felt to fight her demons, the melting of his pain and insecurities when he spent time with her… he could finally put a name to his feelings. "You fight and you care and you're kind but never easy, and you don't let anyone tell you what to do, or what to feel. I don't think you understand. I love you like no other cat ever could. My heart soars for you, Wildheart."
"Oh, Scorchclaw," Wildheart whispered. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting to hear you say that. I love you too, Scorchclaw."
Scorchclaw twined his tail with hers. He didn't care what his father said. He wasn't going to be mates with Lilystream. He wouldn't allow himself to be in a forced marriage. It wasn't as if he was going to be the WindClan leader, so why did Swiftstar care about his mate? There's only one cat I want at my side. "Wildheart, will you do me the honor of becoming my mate?"
Wildheart's amber eyes widened. "Yes, Scorchclaw!" she exclaimed, nuzzling him roughly and purring so loudly that it shook the branches of the Great Oak. "Of course I'll become your mate."
Scorchclaw shut his eyes as Wildheart dug her muzzle into his, and in that moment, everything felt right. There was nothing that could disturb them, nothing that would stop them from fighting the love they felt for each other. Whatever obstacles that came their way would be obsolete. Scorchclaw would never give up Wildheart – ever.