Nightfrost's Choice

Chapter 7

"Eat these." Vinetail ordered, pressing dark green leaves under her nose. "They will help."

"With what?" Nightpaw meowed scathingly, and she shoved them back at the medicine cat. "With my wounds?"

Her mocking tone clearly hurt the tomcat, but she didn't care.

"I'm leaving." She stood up to pad out of the medicine cat's den, but Echopaw was ready for her, and the older apprentice blocked the enterance.

"Do what Vinetail says." The silver apprentice's tone was surprisingly steely and firm. "Eat the herbs. Now."

"Why should I? So I can forget about Moonshadow?" Nightpaw snarled back, shoving Echopaw, but Echopaw shoved back.

"No. So you can remember her in the best way." The apprentice's tone was sad, now, and Nightpaw remembered that their mother, Petalflower, had died when she was a kit.

But she didn't care.

"I already DO remember her in the best way. Now let me out of here." Nightpaw ordered, pushing past the apprentice with all her might, but Echopaw placed her paws on Nightpaw's shoulders and pushed her back.

Nightpaw stumbled over to Vinetail, who pawed the leaves at her again.

"Eat it." Now Vinetail's voice was cold, too. "Or do I need to get Tigerstar?"

"You can get StarClan if you want. I'm not eating them." Nightpaw snapped, and she wedged past Echopaw and bounded into the clearing.

Moonshadow's body, bathed in moonlight, looked like she was sleeping, with her ears pricked and her fur groomed and all her wounds covered up with bright blue-purple lilies.

Tears stung Nightpaw's eyes, and she sat down next to Moonshadow, curling herself around her mother like she used to when she was little.

"I love you so much." Nightpaw whispered. "Why did you have to leave me?"

Moonshadow's scent suddenly hung in the air and a breeze made her voice shimmer and breathe into Nightpaw's ear.

I haven't left you, love. I'm always here if you need me.

But I need you now! Nightpaw thought desperately. I need you where I can feel your fur and hug you and sleep with you.

Moonshadow's voice wafted around her head, fading with every word.

Be brave, love. Be brave for me.... And your sister.

I-I will. Nightpaw managed. I promise.

She felt Dewpaw settle down next to her, and her sister began to lap at Moonshadow's fur gently.

"I miss her already." Dewpaw murmured, her blue eyes round and sad. "I want her back."

"You'll get her back." Nightpaw promised, and already, revenge flashed through her mind. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. "I promise."

Sparrowheart joined them, his gray fur spiking up and his blue eyes flooded with grief.

"Be strong, my kits." He meowed to them softly. Then he leaned down to groom his mate's fur with slows gentle strokes, smoothing down her beautiful fur.

That was the first time Nightpaw saw her father cry.

Quietly, but he still cried.

Nightpaw pressed against Sparrowheart and closed her eyes.

His scent wasn't as sweet as Moonshadow's, but it smelled like fresh moss and pine and it comforted Nightpaw.

"I love you." She whispered, and Sparrowheart licked her ears, just like Moonshadow used to.

"I love you more."

I love you most. Moonshadow's voice rang in Nightpaw's ears again, and Nightpaw took in all the scents around her, wishing Moonshadow was still there.