Darkest Night

Leafstar’s tail twitched. “I suppose that if StarClan has prophesied it, then we must accept you.” She padded closer to Tree, wariness in her gaze. “For now.”

Relief flooded through Violetpaw. She wondered if Needletail could see this. Was she on her way to StarClan?

“Bellaleaf! Plumwillow!” Leafstar beckoned to the two warriors. “Take those hunting patrols out. We have mouths to feed.”

The Clans broke from the stillness that had held them. Violetpaw blinked as warriors moved around her. It felt strange to be home and surrounded by so many cats. She glanced toward the apprentices’ den.

Twigpaw’s pelt brushed her side. “Finpaw and I have been building nests since you went. But we didn’t realize we’d need so many.” She glanced toward Fringepaw and her littermates. “I’m not sure the apprentices’ den will be big enough.”

Leafstar padded toward them, her muzzle high. “You two won’t need nests.” She caught Violetpaw’s eye. “It’s time you and your sister moved to the warriors’ den.”

Excitement welled in Violetpaw’s chest. “Really?” She could hardly believe her ears.

Leafstar dipped her head. “Twigpaw has learned enough about SkyClan’s ways, and you have traveled beyond the horizon to bring your Clanmates home. You have both earned warrior names.”

Violetpaw turned to Twigpaw, her heart almost bursting with joy. At last they would be warriors together, fighting and hunting for the same Clan. With a purr, she touched Twigpaw’s cheek. Everything was finally as it should be.

CHAPTER 22

Twigpaw felt Violetpaw’s breath on her cheek. They were going to be warriors. She waited for happiness to well in her chest, but nothing stirred.

Hawkwing’s rich purr throbbed in her ears. “I’m proud of you both,” he rumbled. “You’ll be great SkyClan warriors.”

Fringepaw, Reedpaw, and Dewpaw crowded around them. Twigpaw blinked numbly, wondering why she felt so far away.

“You’re going to get your warrior name!” Dewpaw thrust his muzzle against hers. “Congratulations.” His eyes widened. “I have to fetch Finpaw. He’ll want to watch the ceremony.”

Twigpaw didn’t move as the tom raced out of camp.

“Twigpaw!” Violetpaw’s mew jolted her from her daze.

“What?” She blinked at her sister.

“Aren’t you pleased?” Violetpaw was staring at her anxiously.

Twigpaw shook out her fur. “Of course I’m pleased.” She forced a purr. “I’ve wanted this for so long.” I’m going to be a warrior. She was aware of cats moving around her. A SkyClan warrior. The camp seemed suddenly crowded. ShadowClan fussed over the warriors’ den. SkyClan chattered eagerly. Twigpaw could barely breathe. “I have to get out of here.”

Violetpaw didn’t seem to hear. She was focused on Hawkwing. “I wonder what my warrior name will be. I hope it’s nice. Do you think Twigpaw will get a nice name? She’ll probably get a fierce one. She’s so practical.”

Twigpaw backed away.

Hawkwing caught her eye. “Where are you going?”

“I just need some air,” she mewed.

“Don’t be long.” Hawkwing’s eyes sparkled brightly. “Leafstar will want to get on with the ceremony.”

“I’ll be back.” Twigpaw turned and wove between SkyClan and ShadowClan, quickening her step as she neared the entrance before racing out of camp.

She swerved from the track, crashing through bracken, running as fast as she could, running anywhere she could be alone. She reached a slope, where fallen trees crisscrossed the ground, leaving open sky ahead. She pulled up, then stood panting. What’s wrong with me? Why was panic scorching beneath her pelt? This is everything I wanted.

“Twigpaw?” Finpaw’s mew took her by surprise. She turned and saw him at the head of the slope, looking down at her. “I thought I recognized your pelt. Where are you going? Dewpaw says you’re about to have your naming ceremony. He’s taking Whorlpaw and Flowerpaw back to camp to watch it.” He stared at her, puzzled. “Why are you out here?”

“I needed some air.” The run had left her fur ruffled. Heat pulsed from her pelt.

Finpaw padded toward her, his eyes round. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.” Twigpaw pretended to be happy. “Leafstar’s announcement took me by surprise, that’s all. And the camp is so crowded. I just needed some space.”

“I guess it’s a big thing,” he mewed. “Getting your warrior name.”

“Yeah.” She gazed at him. His yellow eyes sparkled. His thick pelt rippled. “Violetpaw’s so excited.” Finpaw looked more like a warrior than an apprentice. “You’ll probably get your name soon.”

“I still have lots to learn.” He was staring at her warily, as though he’d guessed she was making small talk to hide something more serious.

“I should be getting back to camp,” Twigpaw mewed. “The ceremony will start any moment. Violetpaw will never forgive me if I’m late.”

“It must mean a lot, sharing a naming ceremony with her after being apart for so long,” Finpaw guessed.