Warriors: a path by the stars #1

CHAPTER TEN

Ivypaw and Owlpaw were focused on their tasks in the camp, their paws busy as they carried out Alderstripe's instructions. Ivypaw was carefully placing fresh moss and feathers in the elders' den, ensuring the bedding was soft and comfortable. "There, that should make it better," she said quietly, taking a step back to admire her work.

Addernose, one of the senior warriors, gave her an appreciative nod. "Thanks, Ivypaw. We're lucky to have apprentices like you," he said with a warm smile. Thornflight, an elder who had once been a mighty warrior, sighed as she stared at Shadowstripe's old bedding.

Ivypaw's heart clenched. Shadowstripe's death still weighed heavily on her, and seeing Thornflight's sorrow didn't make it easier. "Do you want me to handle Shadowstripe's nest?" Ivypaw asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Thornflight shook her head slowly, her eyes filled with sadness. "No... I'll do it." She paused, her voice trembling as she continued. "She was like a sister to me. It feels strange without her here."

Addernose rested his tail lightly on Thornflight's shoulder. "She's with StarClan now. We don't need to prepare her nest anymore. She's watching over us."

Ivypaw nodded, though the words didn't fully ease the ache in her heart. Shadowstripe's last warning echoed in her mind: Trust no cat. Ivypaw had tried to dismiss it at the time, but now, with tensions rising between DawnClan and RainforestClan, the words seemed to carry more weight. She couldn't help but wonder if Shadowstripe had known something none of them did.

Ivypaw shook the thought away, focusing on her task. "I'll go grab some fresh-kill for you both," she offered, eager to bring some normalcy back to the day.

"That would be nice," Thornflight murmured, her voice still shaky but grateful.

Ivypaw padded out of the elders' den, her gaze drifting toward the nursery. Owlpaw had been sent to clean the bedding there, and she was probably still busy with Sleekwish and her soon-to-arrive kits. Just as Ivypaw neared the fresh-kill pile, she heard a frantic yowl from behind her.

"Ivypaw! Ivypaw!"

She turned to see Owlpaw racing towards her, her fur fluffed up in panic. "What's wrong?" Ivypaw asked, her heart beginning to race with worry.

"Sleekwish! Her kits are coming, but something's wrong! Morningsun said we need Alderstripe now!"

Before Ivypaw could react, Morningsun's voice rang out across the camp. "SLEEKWISH'S KITS ARE COMING!"

The camp burst into action. Cats started moving towards the nursery, their eyes wide with concern. Sparrowclaw darted towards the medicine den, his paws barely touching the ground as he called for Alderstripe and Echoflower.

Ivypaw's heart pounded in her chest. She wanted to rush into the nursery to help, but Shimmerbreeze, a warrior, blocked her path. "Stay back, Ivypaw. Alderstripe will take care of it."

"But I just want to make sure she's okay!" Ivypaw protested, her eyes wide with worry.

Shimmerbreeze's voice was gentle but firm. "Sleekwish is in good paws. Morningsun and Alderstripe know what they're doing."

Ivypaw bit her lip but nodded, her gaze fixed on the nursery as she stepped back. Sparrowclaw was pacing outside, his eyes filled with anxiety. Silverfeather and Lizardpelt sat nearby, offering him quiet words of comfort.

Ivypaw felt a rush of helplessness as she watched the scene unfold. She desperately wanted to do something, anything, to help. But she knew Shimmerbreeze was right—there was nothing she could do.

"Come on, we still have work to do," Shimmerbreeze reminded her gently.

Ivypaw tore her gaze away from the nursery and nodded. "Right. We have to finish our tasks."