Hiddenstar's Lament

Prolouge

The forest was silent. The body of a small, limp white-furred molly laid in the spindly grass, her glazed over eyes forever showing a look of sadness and remorse. A young, golden-furred bengal laid next to her quietly, sucking in shaky breaths. He had been crying, sobbing, and blaming himself all night. Most of the other cats had already headed back to their dens for the night. The dark grey sky opened up to reveal raindrops pattering from the heavens. Hiddenflame didn't care. He wasn't going to let Littlekit get wet. He had gently told her siblings to rest in the nursery for the night. He wrapped his quivering body around Littlekit, shielding her from the storm. Water plastered his pelt, causing him to slowly grow cold. His bones rattled with the chill of the wind and rain, but Littlekit remained dry while the dappled tom remained soaked to the skin. One more night. He'd bury her in the morning with Crowdusk, Swiftfoot, Angel, and Candy. His face was soaked from the rain and from crying. He knew that he'd never forgive himself for this. It was all his fault. She'd never come back. She'd be gone forever. And why? Because Hiddenflame had never made it in time. 'Littlekit...Dewkit.... Minnowkit... I'm so sorry...' he cried to himself. He closed his eyes shakily, and allowed his surroundings to gradually soften. He wrapped his body around Littlekit, holding her close. He gently licked her cold, stiff cheek. He nuzzled her soft forehead one last time, and finally, allowed himself to be taken by the warm, silent clutches of sleep.