Prologue

Prologue - Starburst

The chill of leaf-fall stirs the fresh blanket of mountain frost in the Snowclan camp. Outside the nursery, a molten brown she-cat waits patiently as the sun sets to reveal Silverpelt.

“Please come inside Owlwing, you’ll catch green-cough out there.” Frostfeather taps her shoulder, her two kits peep outside the brambles of the den to see what’s going on.

Owlwing huffs a reply and shakes out her fluffed pelt. “I know, I’m just anxious. He’s been gone for ages.” She casts her den-mate a solemn frown.

Frostfeather only responds with sighs and settles next to Owlwing in the snow. “I’ve noticed you haven’t stated the father of your kits, is there a reason?” Frostfeather tilts her head trying to change the subject.

Owlwing’s ears twitch defensively. “I’d rather not say..”

Her father, Silverstar, went to visit the Moonflowers at dawn. He had been gone since, the Clan was starting to get on edge. The sound of paw steps caught her attention. She stood up as Badgerheart entered camp. The deputy’s eyes were dull. Behind her followed several warriors that were part of her patrol, carrying Silverstar’s body.

Two moons have passed since Silverstar’s death. Along with her father, Owlwing’s mother had gone missing a few days after. Soon her father’s brother Sharptooth disappeared. The most recent missing cat had been Owlwing’s brother. It didn’t take her long to realize what was happening.

She begged Badgerstar to let her go to the gathering. Her kitting was soon, but she had to talk to their father. She scanned the crowd of cats until she spotted him and led him aside.

“I can’t do this.” She whispered hoarsely.

“What do you mean?” The ginger and white Blazeclan Tom look at her questioningly.

“I can’t do this Lionclaw!” She yowled, her voice cracking with emotion. “Someone is targeting my kin, I can’t bring these kits into the world just to see them murdered.”

“I-I don’t understand, are you abandoning them?” Lionclaw’s eyes widened.

“You need to take them, I can’t let them die.” She looks at him, pleading.

“I can’t just waltz into your camp Owlwing.” His mew edged with panic.

Owlwing glances at the congregation of cats preparing to leave, she thinks quickly. “Then meet by the river every night. When I have my kits, I’ll meet you there. The river should be frozen.”

The day arrives when her kits are due. Owlwing sneaks out of camp the best she can, taking refuge in an abandoned fox den. Three kits are born in the frosted den, two Toms and a She-kit. Owlwing weakly makes her way to the river, a small golden Tom in her jaws. The surface is frozen over while the current churns underneath. Lionclaw meets her halfway.

“Are you sure about this?” His eyes wide with concern.

She replies by placing the Tom in front of him. She drags her tired paws back and repeats with the black and white she-kit. However, the ice cracks on her way back. The frozen cover of the river tumbled into the current, separating Snowclan from Blazeclan. At first Owlwing is relieved, until she realizes one kit is left.