The Clash of Stars Book 1: The Key

Chapter 23: Sunnyheart

Dovewish's body lay in the center of camp, curled up beside Lioncall's. One could even mistake them as sleeping. But Sunnyheart knew better, and the exhaustion that swept through her now was the only barrier in front of the rage that threatened to overtake her.

Runningcloud, along with several others, were clustered around Lioncall's body, giving Palepaw and Streampaw space as they pressed their muzzles into their dead mother's fur. A few fox-lengths away, Gryphonstar and Hawkflash's heads were bent close together, speaking in low and grave tones.

"Those poor kits," Flamewhisker murmured.

Sunnyheart nodded, numb. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off, she felt a claw of empathy pierce her chest. Was this how every other cat had felt when Gorsetalon and Nectarbird had died?

No, she told herself firmly. Because Beesmoke isn't dead. He'd gotten away and left the mother of his kits to die.

Sunnyheart pressed her nose into Flamewhisker's shoulder, and they opened their wing like a shroud of darkness, enveloping her in safety. Her ears pricked at the sound of approaching pawsteps.

"Streampaw said you fought Beesmoke," Gryphonstar meowed.

Sunnyheart nodded.

"Did he say anything at all?" the leader pressed.

Sunnyheart felt Flamewhisker bristle protectively, but gave them a small shake of her head. "He said that FlashClan were too obedient to kill him," she explained, her voice gentle. "When he was fighting Dovewish, he said that AmberClan would pay for what they did."

Gryphonstar furrowed her brows. "What business could he have with AmberClan?" she wondered aloud.

Hawkflash padded to Gryphonstar's side. "He's on his way to attack them now, and he's going to hurt more cats," the deputy reported. "With respect, I'm not sure his motives matter right now."

"Right." Gryphonstar nodded, as if snapped out of her worries. "Sunnyheart, I want you to lead a patrol to AmberClan. Stop Beesmoke before he can hurt anyone else."

"Mantispaw is missing, too," Hawkflash added. "We need to find out where he is, and if Beesmoke's gotten to him."

"Hawkflash, you go with Sunnyheart," Gryphonstar ordered. "I'll stay here and guard camp, and try to calm everyone." She sighed, weariness showing in her face. "Sunnyheart, you can choose whichever other cats you want, but ... " She trailed off, glancing over her shoulder. "Bumblespring should remain here for this mission."

Sunnyheart twitched an ear in surprise. In the chaos, she hadn't considered that Bumblespring could be considered suspicious. Craning her neck, she spotted him talking to Sleekfrost, both of whom looked frightened.

"Alright," Sunnyheart answered. As Gryphonstar left, she turned to Flamewhisker. "You're coming, right?"

Flamewhisker snorted. "I'm not letting you run off on your own again," they retorted, a playful glint in their eyes. "Who else are you bringing?"

Sunnyheart frowned in contemplation. "Hawkflash, do you think Rainyfern could join us?" she mewed. While older than the now-dead queen, Rainyfern had been quite close with Dovewish. Sunnyheart knew she would want the chance to avenge her friend.

Understanding lit Hawkflash's eyes. The brown tabby nodded, turning and marching to the nursery.

"What about Runningcloud?" Flamewhisker suggested in a murmur. "He was your mentor." They angled their ears towards the tom, who had his head bowed beside Lioncall's body.

Sunnyheart's eyes narrowed. She knew, deep inside somewhere, that Runningcloud hadn't meant any malice when he'd held her back from helping Dovewish. In fact, she was sure that springing into the fight would have earned her a cuff around the ear from the furious queen. But she couldn't help remembering the way Runningcloud had just watched as Dovewish struggled against her former mate, and then fell to her death.