Tigerheart’s Shadow

Tigerheart hesitated, then avoided the question. “I don’t know where Dovewing is.”

Tawnypelt’s eyes narrowed. Tigerheart could sense doubt glittering behind them. But she didn’t ask again. “ShadowClan needs you, Tigerheart. Your father needs you.”

Anger surged beneath Tigerheart’s pelt. “You think I don’t know that?” If I didn’t, I’d be with Dovewing right now! I’d have followed her wherever she went.

Tawnypelt held his gaze for a moment, then turned away. “A warrior is loyal to his Clan above all things.”

As she headed back to camp, Tigerheart called after her. “You don’t need to tell me about the warrior code!” She had no idea what he was giving up to stay loyal to his Clan. Not just Dovewing, but his kits. He might never know them.

As she disappeared through the bramble tunnel, urgency tugged at his paws. He headed for the ThunderClan border, rain splashing his pelt. He had to speak with Ivypool before she sparked suspicion in any other cats. He didn’t want all the Clans silently believing that he was responsible for Dovewing’s disappearance. It had been Dovewing’s decision. Ivypool had to know that. Should I tell her where Dovewing was heading? His belly twisted. I can’t betray her! What if ThunderClan follows her and brings her home? He slowed. Would that be so bad? She’s not safe alone. His thoughts were spinning as he crossed the border. Tawnypelt had said Ivypool had gone to SkyClan. He could intercept her on her way home, before she reached her camp. Climbing a leaf-strewn rise, he ducked through bracken and shadowed a ThunderClan trail. He tasted Ivypool’s scent before he heard her call.

“Tigerheart.” There was anger in her yowl. He stopped as she marched toward him. She was alone, her pelt bristling as she glared at him. “You’re on our land. And I know why. You’ve come to lie to me again. You’re here to persuade me that you have nothing to do with Dovewing’s disappearance. But you know where she is, don’t you?”

“No.”

“You knew she was going to leave!” Ivypool accused.

“I did,” Tigerheart admitted. “I tried to stop her, but she was determined.”

“Where has she gone?”

A huge Twolegplace with nests that reach into the sky…

He could still hear Dovewing’s words clearly. He pictured the desperation in her green eyes as she told him. He couldn’t betray her. She was convinced that their kits’ lives depended on finding a gorse-spined den. He looked at Ivypool. “I tracked her as far as the Thunderpath beside the marsh.”

“But no farther?” Ivypool’s eyes flashed with disgust. “Did the monsters scare you away?”

“My Clan needs me,” Tigerheart meowed simply. “I couldn’t abandon them.”

“But you could abandon Dovewing?” Ivypool flexed her claws.

She abandoned me ! Frustration flared in Tigerheart’s belly. “I thought you didn’t want us to be together,” he snapped.

Ivypool spat at him. “Do you think I’d prefer she was out there alone?”

Guilt swamped Tigerheart. Ivypool was right. He had chosen to stay with his Clan. He’d left Dovewing to face the land beyond the forest alone.

Ivypool thrust her face closer. “I always knew you were trouble. You never cared about Dovewing. If you had, you’d never have let her leave.” With a snarl, she lashed her claws across his muzzle.

Tigerheart didn’t flinch. He deserved it. He felt the sting of torn flesh and the wetness of blood welling on his nose. Without moving, he held Ivypool’s gaze. “I love her,” he confessed. “I should have stopped her, but I couldn’t.” He’d let Scorchfur and Juniperclaw keep him from meeting her. If he had let his Clanmates go to SkyClan, he could have met Dovewing before she left. He might even have been able to persuade her to stay. Instead he’d given up everything he loved for his Clan. His eyes grew hot with grief.

Ivypool stared at him with hatred. “You’re a coward. And a fox-heart. Dovewing deserved a better mate than you.” Tail lashing, she turned away and left him alone beneath the dripping pines.

She’s right. His throat thickened with grief, almost choking him. Dovewing, I’m so sorry.

Chapter 7

“The rain has driven the prey too far underground.” Grassheart lifted a clump of soggy leaves and peered underneath. “There’s a mouse hole here.” She reached in but dragged up nothing but mud.