"Night and Ice Do Not Mix" *Winterwatcher*

Chapter 11

Winter watched the faces around him, smirking as soon as his words instantly effected the other three.

"You didn't — sorry, but — you didn't have anything to do with —" Qibli started.

"No!" Moon cried. "Of course not! I would never hurt anyone." Why do have to listen to her? Don't pity her you stupid IceWing!

"I know," Qibli said, but not convincingly.

"If you didn't do it, then do you know who did?" Turtle asked. He hadn't spoken since the blast; he hadn't moved from his spot by the wall until he came chasing after him. Must be shaken badly about Carnelian.

"Or maybe you saw something?" Kinkajou suggested hopefully. "Something that warned you?" Moon just pressed her claws together and closed her eyes.

"There is only one explanation," Winter hissed through his teeth, looking down his snout at her, making sure that no one saw how hurt and betrayed he felt. "You did this." He forced the words out. He couldn't bear seeing Moon like this. But he pushed himself to say it. "You set that fire. I don't know why yet, but I will find out." There is another option. But there is no way that she had powers.

"I swear I didn't," Moon pleaded. She spread her wings helplessly. "Please believe me."

"Can't you tell us how you knew?" Kinkajou said pleadingly.

Winter stared at her, watching her every movement. He lashed out his tail in frustration, his tail spikes clattering against the stubby pillars dotting the floor. "I give you one chance, NightWing. You have until midnight tomorrow to tell me the truth — or I'm going to tell everyone what you did." He took a step forward, making Moon flinch back. "I knew NightWings couldn't be trusted, but I was starting to think that you were different. Clearly I was wrong." With that, Winter stalked out of the cave, leaving the others behind.

What did I just do? No, I will not regret what I just did. She deserved it, she set a fire! The more Winter repeated that thought, the more he doubted himself. Maybe I'll check on Bandit. Maybe read a scroll or two. Why do even like Moon? Because she saved Bandit? Grew up in the rainforest? Winter trudged back to his cave, only to look at the floor and hold back a terrified hiss. There were words engraved on the floor. Winter blinked a few times, making sure he was not hallucinating. But, unfortunately, the words remained. It read:

Daughter of two moon nights,
Shall be one of two to rewrite.

Descendant of cold pure ice,
Will sacrifice.

Together they shall rise,
learning along the way,
Or they will pay a deadly price.

You must seek the one with advice,
But make sure you are precise.

This is just a joke, right?

P.S. This is NOT a joke.

Typical.

Winter turned and ran down to the cave where he left his winglet. As he entered, he felt all eyes on him.

"What do you want Winter?" Qibli asked coldly. Winter was taken back at his tone, but  he ignored him.