The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

64. Truths

     A cool wind washed over Echolight, flattening her whiskers as she climbed the rise. The full moon glowed above, stars sparkling at its sides. She stared into the sky for a few moments before feeling someone brush against her. 

     “I need to talk to you. Meet me in the brush at the edge of the clearing,” Scorchwing whispered before hurrying back into the heart of the group. 

     Echolight followed her Clanmates as they filed into the valley. The scents of the many Clans mingled, but she could still pick out individuals. FireClan cats immediately began friendly chatter with DarkClan, MarshClan greeting PlainClan. TreeClan cats, as usual, kept to themselves. WaterClan kept as far away as possible, isolating themselves, hunched into their own groups. 

     Echolight hurried to the brush, watching as Scorchwing’s tail disappeared inside. She glanced behind herself, praying no cat saw her, and dived in. “Why couldn’t you tell me at camp? There’s so many-“ She cut herself off at the sight of the pretty WaterClan warrior.  

     “This is Spottedmoss,” Scorchwing said, “and she’s a friend of Palemist’s.”  

     The fur in Echolight’s neck began to raise. “So he was sneaking off to meet some WaterClan cat too?” She sneered. “I don’t have time for this. The others will get suspicious-“ 

     “I found Palemist five days ago.”
 
     Echolight stared at Scorchwing in disbelief. “Where?” 

     “Poppy and I went into twolegplace. He’s there,” Scorchwing explained. 

     Echolight looked between the WaterClan warrior and her littermate. Spottedmoss looked just as quizzical, but her confusion melted into hope. “He’s okay, right?” She asked. “Right?” 

     Scorchwing nodded. 

     “He was exiled, Scorchwing. Let it go,” Echolight urged, emotions welling up in her chest and creating a wet rock in her throat. Relief mixed with sorrow. I’m glad he’s okay, but he was exiled for a reason. 

     “You must look to them and their accounts.” Clearwhisker’s voice rang in her head, clear as water.  

     Maybe I should give it a chance. 

     “Echolight, listen. I went to the spot that Ashtail was killed. I found WaterClan fur there,” Scorchwing said in a hushed whisper. “Spottedmoss was going to help me identify the owner, but the fur was thrown out with my old moss.” 

     Echolight studied Spottedmoss now. “Why would you betray your Clanmates?” 

     Spottedmoss’ eyes glowed with confidence. “Because Palemist would never murder his own Clanmate, and whoever killed Ashtail should be brought to justice.” 

     She loves him, doesn’t she? That’s why. “Are you sure it was WaterClan fur?” Echolight questioned. 

     Scorchwing dipped his head. “Absolutely.” 

     A yowl for attention rang through the clearing, and Echolight backed out, hurrying to the group of medicine cats. Kestrelstar was speaking, but she paid no attention, instead dwelling on what she had learned. Then I have two accounts, both with no proof. Patchback claims Palemist murdered Ashtail, and Scorchwing says it was a WaterClan cat. I trust Scorchwing. I want to believe him. But is it right? She dug her claws into the grass beneath her paws. Why couldn’t Clearwhisker tell me more? I understand that we’re supposed to figure it out, but he could have helped a bit.