Warriors #4: Dawn ✓

Prologue

The stench of smoke clawed at the air, its acrid tendrils swirling amidst the warriors as they prowled through its haunting presence. Amidst them, a flame-colored tom and a she-cat as white as snow, her eyes shimmering like ice, led the way. They were joined by a ginger-and-white tom and two others, their pelts touched by the spirit of the forest.

"Mother, we must return to our camp," Starspeckle growled, his tail slashing through the air with urgency. Though there was much to be done, his heart ached for his friends—Stormfur, Feathertail, and Crowpaw. Yet, deep inside, he couldn't let go of the hope that their bond could transcend mere friendship.

"Fret not," purred a soothing voice in his ear, and Starspeckle turned to see Brambleclaw, his mate, padding towards him. Brambleclaw pressed his tabby flank against Starspeckle's, offering solace amidst the turmoil.

Starspeckle sighed and dipped his head, and at that moment, Squirrelpaw appeared by his side, their tails entwined. "Firestar and Mistyheart have their reasons for leaving camp, Starspeckle, and you know it well," she mewed, giving a gentle lick to the white ginger tom's cheek.

With another sigh, Starspeckle nodded and forged ahead, flanked by his two friends. They reached their parents, who enveloped Starspeckle with comforting tail brushes and soothing words.

Soon enough, they arrived at their destination—the heart of the Twolegs' domain. Starspeckle felt his claws unsheath and sink into the scarred, charred earth. "Hush," Mistyheart whispered softly into her son's ear, winding her tail around his back to calm his raging emotions.

If she hadn't been there, Starspeckle would have lunged forward, his fangs seeking the taste of Twoleg blood until they were nothing but lifeless bodies. But now, he stood still, watching as a couple strolled by, exchanging meaningless barks. Machines rumbled in the background, devouring the once vibrant land he had called home all his life.

"We should return to camp and report this," Firestar mewed, casting a glance towards Mistyheart. With a nod of agreement, the patrol vanished from the Twolegs' territory.

Starspeckle fell in stride with Brambleclaw and Squirrelpaw, their hearts heavy with the terror and sorrow that emanated from their mate. The young tom may not have been overtly expressive, but his loved ones could sense the turmoil within him.

"Hey, once we're back, we'll go out and hunt together, alright?" Brambleclaw suggested, nudging the white ginger tom, who looked at him with eyes brimming with emotions beyond words.

With a silent nod, Starspeckle offered a wordless smile. Brambleclaw returned the smile, and Squirrelpaw entwined her tail with Starspeckle's.

Let's just hope that ShadowClan and RiverClan are eager to leave as soon as possible. We cannot stay here, Starspeckle thought as they made their way back to camp. Yet, how could they leave behind a place they had called home for countless seasons?

He sighed, casting his gaze upward as the scent of many cats washed over him—some sickly thin, others simply unwell. Starspeckle dipped his head in farewell to his mates, then headed towards the warriors' den, settling into his nest.

All he desired was to sleep away the world, yearning for this to be nothing more than a terrible dream. But deep down, he knew it was far from that.

Soon, he surrendered to the embrace of StarClan's dreams, seeking solace in their ethereal realm.