Darkest Night

“If you have, it’s trouble StarClan wants us to have.” Twigpaw opened her eyes, and Ivypool met her gaze before she went on. “And it’s far less trouble than we’ve seen in the past moons. Darktail is dead and his rogues are gone. The Clans must find their paws again, and we must find space for SkyClan. It may not be easy, but once it’s finished, all the Clans will be stronger for it.” Ivypool dipped her head. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking about you or SkyClan.”

“What were you thinking about?”

Ivypool glanced around nervously. “Tigerheart and Dovewing were quick to volunteer to join the search.” She lowered her voice. “I didn’t think it was a good idea for them to travel together.”

Twigpaw understood. While Tigerheart had been staying in the ThunderClan camp, he and Dovewing had made more and more excuses to hunt and patrol together. They’d even shared prey. Twigpaw had seen the accusing glances exchanged by her Clanmates every time Dovewing and Tigerheart brushed past each other on the way to the fresh-kill pile. Ivypool must be relieved that Tigerheart and the ShadowClan cats were gone. How could a relationship between her sister and another Clan’s deputy lead to anything but trouble?

She nodded. “So you didn’t want to stop me from finding my father?”

Ivypool blinked at her slowly. “Of course not. And I’m sorry you thought I did, and that my actions put you in danger.”

“And you’re not mad that I snuck off by myself?” Twigpaw pressed.

“I would have done the same.” Ivypool’s gaze was warm. “I’m glad you came back safely. ThunderClan is lucky to have you.”

A purr swelled in Twigpaw’s throat. She felt happy they’d cleared the air. Suddenly, Cherryfall’s complaints didn’t seem important. Once more she felt sure she’d done the right thing by bringing SkyClan home. “Thanks, Ivypool.”

Ivypool nodded toward the medicine den. “I think Violetpaw wants you.”

Twigpaw followed her gaze. Violetpaw was staring at her anxiously from beside the entrance. Was something wrong with Hawkwing? Twigpaw hurried toward her, heart beating in her throat. “What’s happened?”

Jayfeather looked up as she passed him. “Nothing.” He lifted one of Briarlight’s crippled hind legs with his paws and began to ease it up and down slowly. “Alderheart’s just decided that SkyClan needs twice as much attention as any other cats in this camp. Perhaps he’s hoping Leafstar will make him their medicine cat.”

“That’s not fair!” Twigpaw stopped and stared at Jayfeather. “He’s just being a good medicine cat. Like you taught him to be.”

Jayfeather’s blind blue gaze fixed on her, but he didn’t say anything. Indeed, his eyes widened slightly, as though he was impressed that she’d stood up to him.

“Come inside,” Violetpaw urged. Her gaze flitted around the busy camp. Twigpaw knew her sister wasn’t comfortable in ThunderClan. But she hadn’t been comfortable in ShadowClan, either. Or with the rogues. She only seemed happy with Hawkwing by her side.

Twigpaw followed her into the medicine den. Inside, late sunshine glittered at the top of the small hollow, sparkling on the damp cliff face where water trickled down to a small pool. Beside it, Alderheart was checking Hawkwing’s pelt. “The scratches have healed and you’re looking better,” the medicine cat told him.

“So I can hunt now?” Hawkwing looked eager.

“You should still rest for a few more days.” Alderheart pawed a small pile of herbs toward the SkyClan deputy.

“Are you sure?” Hawkwing meowed impatiently. “I don’t like being a burden on ThunderClan. I want to contribute to the fresh-kill pile.”

“I’m sure.” Alderheart sat back on his haunches. “And I’m sure a few mice and voles will be happy to live another day.”

Hawkwing caught sight of Twigpaw. He purred. “How was the hunt?”

“Great.” She crossed the medicine den and rubbed her cheek against his. “I caught a mouse and a shrew.”

“I can’t wait until I can be out there with you.” His gaze flicked to Violetpaw. “I always dreamed I’d hunt beside my kits one day.”

Violetpaw sat down and wrapped her paws over her tail, returning her father’s gaze happily.

Twigpaw felt a twinge of guilt. Hawkwing had already said that he would be happy for her to join SkyClan. Was she supposed to? Were kin more important than the Clan that had raised her?

“You’ve both grown into such fine cats.” Hawkwing turned to Alderheart. “I can’t thank you enough for finding them and looking after them.”

Alderheart glanced away self-consciously. “It was my privilege,” he murmured. “And I’m glad SkyClan is back where it belongs. I’ve been searching for you ever since my first vision.”

“It’s good to be among the other Clans,” Hawkwing meowed. “All we need now is our own territory so we don’t have to rely on the kindness of others.”