The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

74. Expecting Something

     Echolight sighed with relief as she felt a squirming against her paw. “The kits are fine.” 

     “Cramps are normal,” urged Helen. “Didn’t you have them with your last litter?” 

     Rainfall blinked and shook her head. “I didn’t.” Panic flashed in her eyes. “I didn’t have cramps then, and they were stillborn. What if these are too? Or something worse?” 

     “I felt them,” Echolight mewed. “You’ve been expecting longer than we thought, though. I want you to move to the nursery and take it easy.” 

     Tidefoot nuzzled the queen’s ear. “I’ll do everything I can to take care of you.” 

     “It’s not unusual to lose first litters. This one should be better. The birth should be easier.” Helen purred to comfort the two cats, and as they left the den, Echolight blinked at Helen gratefully. 

     “Thank you. You’re a huge help.”  

     Helen beamed at her. “Of course! I love helping queens. And I’ve been able to help Rosepetal more with her kits too. It’s a pleasure, really.” 

     Helen would have been an amazing mother if she could have kept her kits. It broke Echolight’s heart to see Fang so savage towards her kin. All she wants to do is take care of Fang.  

     “Is there anything you two need?” The voice made Echolight jump, and she turned and purred at Goldstreak. 

     “I could use a mouse, or a good bird.” 

     “One thrush coming up.” With that, Goldstreak dipped out of the den, returning with a thrush moments later. She set it down by Echolight’s paws. “You two will have to share it. The hunting patrols aren’t back yet.” 

     “Thank you,” Helen said, and Goldstreak left the two alone. Echolight nudged the thrush towards Helen. 

     “You take the first bite.” 

     Helen dipped her head and crouched, pulling out a mouthful of feathers and setting them neatly to the side. For Fang’s nest. 

     Another cat — Scorchwing — poked their head in, disrupting the peace. “Shadowstar’s calling a Clan meeting.” 

     Echolight forced her fur to lie flat, wishing she could have time without having to humor her Clanmates, and nodded to her littermate. She padded out into the light, huffing at the blinding sunlight. Once her eyes adjusted to the brightness, she walked to the crowd of cats by the rockfall and sat down. Others were gathering, looking around. What now? We have a deputy. 

     Shadowstar sat on the ledge, and when the Clan was settled, called for silence. “Everyone, I have an important announcement.” 

     Echolight could feel Froststrike bristling a little beside her. Who put ants in his nest? 

     “Helen, Poppy, and Spottedmoss, please come forward.” 

     The crowd stiffened, tension arising as the three she-cats moved awkwardly through the group. Someone sat down beside Echolight, and she relaxed when she realized it was Scorchwing. 

     “These three cats have helped DarkClan immensely in the past moons. Helen has shown compassion, first coming to warn us and since then helping our queens. Poppy guided us to victory, sacrificing so much to help us survive the trials that came and went. Spottedmoss, dear friend to Palemist, offered aide during the most recent battle.” Shadowstar paused for a moment to take a breath. “These are good cats who have proven themselves to be allies time and time again. I wish to offer them a permanent place in DarkClan as warriors, if they will accept.”