Warrior Cats: Beyond the Clans

Dawnmist's Heart - Chapter 6

"I'm sorry," Dawnpaw blurted. "I should've stayed loyal to you! I remember how much you did for me, stealing the food and catmint just for me."

What's happening to me?

"Yeah," Demonclaw muttered. "I was exiled for you. I lost an eye for you, remember?" he shoved his right eye into her face.

I'm sorry!

Dawnpaw winced. "Look, I'm sorry for loving Foxclaw. Did you have to kill him?" 

"I did." Demonclaw growled. "No one, Dawnpaw, no one is disloyal to me. I should kill you right now!"

"No! Don't!" Dawnpaw backed away.

Why did Demonclaw want to kill her?

Luckily, Demonclaw didn't advance.

"I was kidding," Demonclaw said eventually.

"Good," Dawnpaw relaxed. "I want to be mates again," she murmured.

I don't. You killed Foxclaw.

"I do too," He admitted.

Demonclaw slashed his claws on the ground, gouging deep marks in the mud.

What's happened to you? You have so much rage inside. Let it out, Demonclaw. I won't stop you. Maybe this'll make you a better cat.

Another mark.

Hesitantly, Dawnpaw curled up next to him.

Dawnpaw felt something splatter her and opened one sleepy eye. The deep gouges Demonclaw was making kept going on her. She let out a small mew of protest but didn't argue further.

"YEOOOW!" Demonclaw roared.

No, he's not okay.

Without thinking, Dawnpaw reached up to touch noses with Demonclaw like they did in the past.

"Are you feeling better?" Dawnpaw looked up at him.

"I'm so confused, Dawnpaw!" Demonclaw yowled. "I loved you, but we were separated, and now I don't love you like that anymore!"

Demonclaw...Oh, Demonclaw. You're definitely not okay.

"I feel like you're my sister, not my mate! I loved Leaf, but she's dead now, and how did she die? At my claws!"

Who's Leaf? Exactly how many cats has he loved?

Dawnpaw nuzzled him comfortingly. "It'll be okay," she whispered in his ear.

"Then came Spark..." Demonclaw stopped. "She has my kits. But we're not mates anymore. And why? Because I ruined it, again!"

Another one. He really hates me.

Dawnpaw glanced anxiously at the sun. It was almost dawn, and they had met at dusk.

"I have to go," she licked his cheek. "We're confined to camp until the Final Battle tomorrow,"

"Same." Demonclaw whispered back before running away, again.

Dawnpaw was left, heartbroken, with mud on her fur and Demonclaw's scent in her nostrils.

---

"I WAS A SELFISH CAT!" he yowled to the whole world, startling Goldenperch. "I only thought of myself. Which is why my death will fix things. Goodbye, Echoflight. Goodbye, Goldenperch. I'm sorry that your kit had to end up like this."