Colorful Doom

Chapter 18

Pale light filled the clearing, giving it a strange eerie air. The clumps of heather and fern rustled in the slight breeze, the wind almost enough to whisk away Nightfeather's worries.

Almost.

The black she-cat gave a sigh as she stared into the darkness that is ShadowClan territory. It had been so long since she had breathed in the comforting scent of pine and night air. Now that the battle was over, it had all come rushing back, and the weight on her had increased until she felt she couldn't take it anymore. She had been chosen to guard camp, but the cool air made the job even more difficult.

Nightfeather shivered and shook out her pelt. Leaf-fall was approaching, signaled by the amber or red leaf here or there. She perked up a bit at the thought of leaf-bare. It was her favorite season, with its frosty weather and snowflakes.

She opened her jaws to taste the air, wrinkling her nose in disgust. The strange mixture of Clan and rogue scent still filled her nostrils, though ShadowClan scent lied deep under.

Nightfeather curled her tail around her paws and looked up, trying to catch a glimpse of the stars. She smiled a little when she spotted them, littered across the dark indigo sky in strange patterns. They sparkled softly beneath the light of the moon.

A voice sounded behind her. "I couldn't sleep."

Nightfeather's eyes widened, and her strance immediately stiffened. Sparrowwing was the one thought on her mind.

His husky voice filled the air once again as he sat beside her. "I'm sorry."

Nightfeather avoided his burning gaze, rage bubbling in her throat. He didn't deserve to be forgiven. "Go away." She spat. "I'm sure you have better she-cats to play with."

Sparrowwing laughed. "You're cute."

Nightfeather whipped around, eyes glittering with anger. "Don't call me cute!" She snarled. "You betrayed me for...for a rogue! "

His yellow eyes glazed over with shock. "How did you know?"

Nightfeather avoided his gaze. "That's none of your business."

Sparrowwing shook his head. "No, no. Nightfeather, I'm so sorry." His voice cracked. "I didn't mean to. I just-"

Nightfeather cut him off with a hiss. "Oh, of course. You didn't mean to. You're sorry. Well guess what? I'm done with your apologies."

Sparrowwing didn't respond for a moment, and when he did, his voice was deathly calm. "Get back to camp, Nightfeather."

Nightfeather dug her claws into the ground. She glared at him, hoping to see the tiniest bit of weakness, but there was none. There was only regret.

She screwed her eyes shut. "I just want you to know," she whispered, "that I still love you. I don't know why, but I do."

Sparrowwing's eyes sparkled with curiousity for a few seconds before he turned back to the forest.

Nightfeather tried to ignore the ache in her heart and sprinted back into the camp, tail stiff as she ducked into the warrior's den. She made her way through the many wounded, exhausted bodies until she finally found her nest. Next to it lied Sparrowwing's. She bit back a sob and turned away, eyes narrowed as she attempted to sink into sleep.

》》》》》》》》》

Finchwing was waiting for her the second she opened her eyes, gaze flashing. She smiled even wider when Nightfeather faded into view.

"You're finally here!" She exclaimed sweetly. Nightfeather shivered at her tone, but she continued. "Oh, I'm so glad you got rid of that annoying tom."