Moth Flight’s Vision

“She is just defending our borders,” Wind Runner snapped back. “Besides, it isn’t only Willow Tail who’s noticed. Slate found rabbit bones just on our side of the SkyClan border. None of my cats enjoyed that meal. Which of yours did?” She glared at Red Claw.

Moth Flight’s fur prickled nervously. Slate found evidence?

Still, one rabbit didn’t seem worth fighting about. The Gathering was meant to be a time of peace. The Clans weren’t supposed to quarrel here.

Micah shifted beside her. “Are they going to fight?”

“I hope not.” Moth Flight watched uneasily as Clear Sky nudged Red Claw aside and glared at Wind Runner.

“Any animal could have killed that rabbit. What other proof do you have my cats are on your territory?” he growled.

“Willow Tail saw Red Claw on the moor a few days ago,” Wind Runner hissed.

“Is she telling the truth?” Clear Sky’s tail twitched irritably as he turned to the SkyClan tom.

Red Claw lifted his chin. “I was there. I don’t need to hide it. I wasn’t hunting. Can’t we even set paw on another Clan’s land now?”

Willow Tail glared at him. “Not when you’re a fox-hearted traitor.”

“How dare you!” Red Claw’s eyes flashed in the half-light.

Willow Tail let out a low warning growl.

They mustn’t fight! Blood roared in Moth Flight’s ears. The spirit-cats wanted her to share her news with the other Clans.

How could she if they were at war? “Wait here!” She left Micah and bounded from the bracken.

The cats turned, eyes glittering with surprise as they saw her.

She skidded to a halt in the clearing, suddenly conscious that everyone was staring at her.

“Moth Flight?” Wind Runner stared across the dappled clearing, her eyes round with dread. “Is that you?”

Moth Flight blinked at her. “Of course.” Why did her mother look so scared?

Wind Runner flattened her ears. “Are you dead?” Fear edged her mew.

Moth Flight frowned, struggling to understand. Dead? Why would I be dead? She glanced at her paws, noticing how the moonlight was making her white fur glow. Then she realized, shocked. She’d appeared at a Gathering like a spirit-cat! Did Wind Runner think she’d been killed on her journey? Alarm spiked in her belly. “No!” She hurried toward Wind Runner.

“I’m alive. I’ve come home!” She pressed her muzzle against her mother’s cheek.

Wind Runner was trembling.

Gorse Fur shouldered his way through the watching cats, his gaze glittering with anger. “Where have you been? We’ve been worried sick!”

Moth Flight dipped her head apologetically. “I’m sorry,” she mewed. “But I had to go. There was something I needed to find.”

“What?” Wind Runner lifted her head sharply. Her grief seemed to evaporate.

Moth Flight backed away. Clear Sky was staring at her.

River Ripple padded closer, his eyes round with interest.

Tall Shadow tipped her head to one side thoughtfully.

Moth Flight’s belly fluttered with fear. She lifted her chin. “I bring news from the spirit-cats,” she began.

“Really?” Clear Sky huffed, clearly unconvinced. Tall Shadow rolled her eyes.

Moth Flight glanced toward her Clanmates, hoping to find support.

But Swift Minnow was staring at her accusingly. “Have you been daydreaming again, Moth Flight?”

Jagged Peak exchanged glances with Holly. Spotted Fur blinked at her sympathetically.

They don’t believe me. Moth Flight fought the panic rising in her chest.

A low growl sounded in Red Claw’s throat. “She’s just trying to distract us.” He turned his gaze back to Willow Tail.

“No cat accuses me of stealing.”

Wind Runner hissed. “No cat steals from WindClan.”

Frustration surged beneath Moth Flight’s pelt. Did they really think their dumb fight was more important than a message from their ancestors? She lashed her tail. “You have to listen to me!”

Red Claw flashed her a look. “Did Wind Runner put you up to this, Moth Flight?” He growled. “Is she scared her Clan is going to look like a bunch of liars?”

Wind Runner’s hackles lifted. “Clear Sky.” She glared at the SkyClan leader. “You seem to make a habit of taking in troublemakers. I thought you’d have learned after One Eye turned on you. But you’re still filling your Clan with thieves and bullies.”

Clear Sky’s blue gaze turned to ice. “My cats are brave and honest.”

Star Flower pushed past Blossom and Acorn Fur and stood beside her mate. “Clear Sky is a great leader. He knows his cats and he knows they would never lie!”

Wind Runner curled her lip. “Then why did Slate find rabbit bones at the border?”

Red Claw snorted. “How do we know Slate is telling the truth?”

“Slate is not a liar!” Wind Runner hissed.

“Stop it!” Frustration flared through Moth Flight. “I’m trying to tell you the most important news you’ll ever hear. The future of the Clans depends on it!” She stiffened, surprised by her own boldness.

Dust Muzzle blinked at her.

Before any cat could interrupt, she went on. “I spoke with the spirit-cats. They told me that each Clan should have a medicine cat to care for their sick. Dappled Pelt will be