Moth Flight’s Vision

Dust Muzzle’s eyes rounded with sympathy as he caught sight of Moth Flight. She saw him exchange glances with Spotted Fur. This was so humiliating. Did Wind Runner have to scold her in front of every cat?

Spotted Fur seemed to guess her thoughts. “Let’s get the kits into camp,” he suggested. “It’s more sheltered there.” Wind was tugging at their fur. He began to nose Silver Stripe, Black Ear, and White Tail toward the camp entrance, then glanced at Willow Tail. “Are you coming?”

The pale tabby shook her head. “I’m going to follow Red Claw’s scent,” she growled. “I want to make sure he crossed the border.”

Wind Runner narrowed her eyes. “Was Red Claw on our land?”

Moth Flight lifted her head sharply. “He wasn’t hunting. He just wanted to lie in the sun.”

“They have sun in SkyClan,” Wind Runner answered sharply. She nodded toward Willow Tail. “Go make sure he’s left our territory.”

“I’ll go with you,” Fern Leaf offered, following Willow Tail.

“Why do we have to have all this fuss about borders?” Moth

Flight blurted.

Wind Runner silenced her with a look. “You weren’t around for the great battle. If you had been, you’d understand.” There was darkness in her gaze.

Moth Flight curled her claws into the ground. I don’t know why I bother opening my mouth. Her fur pricked angrily along her spine as Willow Tail headed away. Then she remembered her plant. She had to fetch it before a rabbit ate it or the wind blew it away. She turned and began to pad downslope.

“Where are you going?” Wind Runner snapped.

Moth Flight halted. What was wrong now? “I have to fetch a new plant I discovered.”

“No you don’t.” Wind Runner’s mew was hard with anger.

Gorse Fur nosed past the Clan leader and met Moth Flight’s gaze. “Your mother wants us to go hunting together.”

But my plant! Moth Flight’s heart sank. What was the point in arguing? Wind Runner would never understand.

Dust Muzzle weaved around her. “Come on,” he murmured to her softly. “Hunting will put us all in a good mood.” He snatched a glance at Wind Runner.

Moth Flight huffed. “Yeah, right.”

Gorse Fur sniffed the air. “I smell rabbit!” Lifting his tail, he raced across the grass. Wind Runner shot Moth Flight a final searing look, and bounded after him.

Dust Muzzle nudged Moth Flight with his shoulder. “Come on. She can’t be angry forever.”

Moth Flight stared after her mother. The lithe tabby moved with expert speed across the grass, her tail low, and her shoulders pumping rhythmically. Why did Wind Runner have to be so good at everything?

Dust Muzzle darted away. “I’ll race you!” he called over his shoulder.

Moth Flight hurried after him, her heart like a stone in her chest. Her brother’s words rang in her ears as her paws thrummed the earth. She can’t be angry forever. Wind streamed through her fur.

With a daughter like me, she probably can.

Chapter 3

Gorse Fur pulled up sharply as the slope steepened toward the moortop. Moth Flight was out of breath and relieved to see Wind Runner halt beside her mate. Dust Muzzle reached them first. She couldn’t help noticing that he was hardly panting as she scrambled to a halt beside him.

Wind Runner surveyed the moor, her pelt rippling the chilly breeze. Moth Flight gazed past her, staring across the wide valley that dipped behind them to Highstones. The sun burned orange in the pale blue sky and, as it sank toward the craggy peaks, Moth Flight watched their vast shadow fall across the moor and fold it in darkness. She suddenly felt very small.

“Moth Flight!” Her mother’s stern mew made her jump.

“What?”

“Didn’t you hear me?”

Moth Flight stared in dismay. No.

“I told you to go with Dust Muzzle and hunt out the prey around that gorse patch.” Wind Runner nodded toward a clump of prickly bushes downslope. “Gorse Fur and I will check the high burrows for rabbits.”

Dust Muzzle frowned. “Can’t I hunt rabbits too?”

“Stay with your sister,” Wind Runner told him. “She’s not fast enough for rabbits and if I let her hunt alone, she’ll probably end up bringing home nothing but leaves.” She stared at Moth Flight. “And leaves don’t fill empty bellies.”

Moth Flight turned away and stomped down the slope.

Dust Muzzle quickly caught up. “Ignore her,” he advised.

“Her bad mood won’t last.”

“It’s my fault she’s in a bad mood in the first place.” Moth

Flight padded on, not looking at her brother. “She’s going to torture me all day just because I fell asleep.”

“You were supposed to be looking after Slate’s kits,” Dust Muzzle reminded her gently.

“They were okay, weren’t they? I rescued them!” Moth

Flight lashed her tail. It wasn’t like she didn’t try to be a good cat. “Why can’t Wind Runner be pleased with that?”

Dust Muzzle didn’t answer, but walked closer to Moth

Flight, his pelt brushing hers. “Let’s forget about it and catch something tasty.” He slowed as they neared the gorse.