✧ Devious Fates ✧ | COMPLETE WARRIOR CATS FANFICTION STORY |

// Chapter Seventeen

Frostkit arranged herself next to Sorrelpath in the middle of camp, nuzzling Shrimpkit and Eelkit's fur. I can't believe this! StarClan, why? She rested her head on Shrimpkit's flank; shutting her eyelids and absorbing his stale scent. Spottedpelt sat next to Sorrelpath, muttering comforting, incoherent messages to her sister.

Tigertail had his head facing the ground on the other side of the clearing. He was so dreadful that he couldn't even bare to shoot one glance at the two lifeless scraps of fur. He also seemed terrified to step even a single pawstep toward Spottedpelt because of what she supposedly did. Frostkit didn't fully believe his story about the WindClan deputy trampling the catmint. Spottedpelt always seemed so nervous and soft; she could never of done such a thing to her Clan.

Rockkit staggered over to Frostkit's side. His ears were drooped, and his tail was limp with sadness. He was followed by Grasskit, who lay next to him. I didn't even get to know Eelkit and Shrimpkit. A few heartbeats passed until Frostkit could hear the broad steps of Vinestar. She blinked open her eyes and turned around to see the immense figure.

Vinestar's neck fur had risen. "We will mourn greatly for Shrimpkit and Eelkit," he declared; his voice seemed to be hasty. I hope you really care. But Frostkit supposed he probably did. But she still doubted it. "But," the WindClan leader continued. "The only reason was because we ran out of catmint. And we know why."

Tigertail's tail lashed, and with scorching optics, gazed over at Spottedpelt. "I suggest more punishment is required," Vinestar concluded.

Spottedpelt and Sorrelpath's fur bristled. Frostkit's heart lurched. Please, no more drama! I just want to have a normal life in WindClan! Sorrelpath stammered onto her paws, defense washing over her face. "Haven't we already been through enough?" she hissed, her pelt standing straight. "Spottedpelt loved Shrimpkit and Eelkit as much as I did."

"This was her fault," Vinestar snorted. That's probably not true! "Why take her side? She caused the death of your kits."

Sorrelpath's tail twitched. Spottedpelt glanced up at her, her gaze mixed with anxiety and sorrow. Sorrelpath inhaled a heavy breath, gaping her jaws to speak again. "No," she mewed defensively with pain painted over her eyes. "I know my sister. I know she wouldn't do such a thing."

Tigertail lifted his head; his eyes blazing with fury. "How can you be so mouse-brained?" he growled, his voice still congested with dread. "Your sister trampled the catmint. I saw it with my own eyes."

Frostkit felt a bit of doubt strike through her. Did Spottedpelt destroy the catmint or not? Darkpool had said that she was just digging to look for any living stalks; but Frostkit was starting to question if that was true or not. I'm only a moon old! I don't need to be burdened by all of this! The white she-cat rested her head back onto the two kits' fur. I don't know who to blame! Oh Eelkit and Shrimpkit, why did you have to join StarClan so soon?

"No," Sorrelpath repeated, her voice growing cold toward her mate. "You saw her digging, trying to find if there were any living stems. She should've never been punished for something she didn't do." Spottedpelt gave the ginger, black, and white tortoiseshell she-cat a grateful glance.

Vinestar's tail twitched in response as he indignantly turned for his den, Tigertail snorting and staring back at the ground. But... who did destroy the catmint? Who is to be blamed for Shrimpkit and Eelkit's deaths? Frostkit closed her eyes, the conversations of WindClan brimming her ears.

"It's such a tragedy," Cloverpatch commented mournfully.

Her voice was followed by another she-cat's; Frostkit couldn't tell who; that remarked, "I can't even imagine how Sorrelpath feels."