The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

78. Comfort

     “I want to see!” 

     “Is she gonna die?” 

     “Skykit!” 

     “But is she?” 

     Echolight bared her teeth at the kit. “No, she won’t! Get out so I can do my work!” 

     Skykit yelped as Rosepetal dragged him back, and Spiderkit and Tawnykit scurried between her paws. “We want to help!” Spiderkit chirped. 

     “No!” Echolight snapped in frustration. “Go outside and play.” 

     “I have the raspberry leaves,” Grayfur said, slipping into the nursery. 

     “Chew them,” Echolight ordered. Spottedmoss lapped up the leaves obediently, gasping as another wave of pain came over her. 

     The labor had started just before sunrise, and it was now midday. The Clan buzzed, mostly with concern, but none felt quite like Echolight. Images of Rainfall’s bloody body flashed before her eyes, but she saw almost none of the crimson liquid by Spottedmoss, who panted and dug her claws into the earth. 

     “They don’t usually take this long,” Grayfur mewed. “But the worst of it hasn’t started. So that’s good.” 

     Spottedmoss cried out, and her entire body stiffened. Echolight froze with fright, and Grayfur took over. “Push! It’s time!” 

     “It hurts!” Spottedmoss snarled. 

     “You’ll be okay. It’ll be over soon,” Rosepetal insisted. Spottedmoss hissed. 

     “I’ve been here since this morning! Don’t tell me I’ll be okay!” 

     Grayfur let out a snort at the she-cat’s irritation and received a glare, which only made her laugh aloud. “You have spirit. It’s going to be alright.” 

     “Shut up!” 

     Echolight started to massage the queen’s belly, but Spottedmoss only shrieked. “DON’T TOUCH ME!” 

     Grayfur was gasping for air through her laughter. “Just let her be, Echolight. She’s doing really well. It’s just taking a while.” 

     “But why?” Echolight questioned frantically. She started to pace back and forth. “I’ve never heard of it.” 

     “She has enough energy to yell at you like that, she’s going to be alright.” Grayfur sat closer to Spottedmoss. “Time to push, alright?” 

     “If you get any closer, I’m going to push you!” Spottedmoss threatened. Echolight felt ill to her stomach. She had never seen the kind she-cat act so angrily.  

      “Don’t worry. She’s only upset because it’s taking forever,” Rosepetal said softly, looking to her own kits, who watched with wide eyes from the entrance. 

     “Have you considered that maybe you’re here because you aren’t pushing?” Grayfur teased. Spottedmoss batted at her. 

     “Be quiet, you heap of useless foxdung!” 

     “Watch your language,” the former rogue said. “There are young ones nearby.” 

     Spottedmoss’s ears laid back. “Can’t you make yourself useful and get me a wet mossball?” 

     Grayfur dipped her head. “Of course, my almighty leader, oh grand Spottedstar. May I get you a fat squirrel as well? How about some dove feathers for your nest?”