SUNSET. Эрин Хантер

Ashfur meowed. “I can remember Tigerstar. His paws were red with the blood of innocent cats. You know that he murdered my mother to lure a pack of dogs to our camp?”

      Squirrelflight murmured something Brambleclaw couldn’t catch, then went on more clearly, “But that doesn’t mean Brambleclaw will turn out like his father.”

      Movement behind Brambleclaw distracted him, and he realised that more of the warriors were stirring. Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, he slid quickly between the branches and into the clearing.

      Squirrelflight turned to him as he appeared. “Hi, Brambleclaw!”

      The light was strengthening and the sky was clear, promising sunlight later to drive off the dawn chill. But for Brambleclaw the warmth in Squirrelflight’s eyes was even better. He padded over and touched noses with her, trying to ignore the frosty look Ashfur gave him.

      As he stretched to ease the stiffness in his shoulder, Brambleclaw saw Firestar emerge from his den onto the Highledge and taste the morning air.

      “Firestar!” he called. “Has the dawn patrol left yet?”

      “No, would you like to lead one?”

      Brambleclaw dipped his head. “Of course. Coming with me?” he asked Squirrelflight.

      She nodded. Ashfur mewed abruptly, “I’m going to check on Birchpaw,” and stalked off towards Leafpool’s den without waiting for a reply.

      Squirrelflight watched him walk away, her green gaze troubled. “I’m sorry he’s been hurt,” she meowed. “I thought he was the right mate for me, but he’s not. I don’t know how I can make him understand.”

      Brambleclaw knew there was nothing he could say to make her feel better, so he just pressed his muzzle briefly to hers. But would the Clan side with him or with Ashfur? The grey warrior was popular with all their Clanmates, while Brambleclaw had forged his strongest friendships with the cats who had travelled to the sun-drown-place, and all but Squirrelflight were in different Clans.

      A rustle sounded behind him as Brightheart pushed her way into the open. She glanced around as if she was looking for Cloudtail, then pricked her ears when she spotted him outside the nursery. He was talking to Daisy while her three kits tried to scramble over him. Brambleclaw saw sadness shadow Brightheart’s gaze, and felt a stab of anger. Cloudtail had bees in his brain if he couldn’t see how he was hurting Brightheart with the attention he was giving to the horseplace cat!

      “Hey, Brightheart,” he meowed, pretending he hadn’t noticed anything. “Do you want to come with the dawn patrol?”

      Brightheart shook her head. “Thanks, but I’ve promised to help Leafpool this morning. Can we have Whitepaw again?”

      “Sure. It’s a good idea to keep her busy while Brackenfur’s in the nursery with Sorreltail.”

      “Thanks. I’ll go and call her.” Brightheart took a pace towards the apprentices’ den, then paused to look back. “It’s really great to see you and Squirrelflight back together again,” she added softly. Surprise kept Brambleclaw silent, while Brightheart bounded away, calling for Whitepaw.