The camp is solemn, the world turned upside down by mourning. Even though the sky is blue, it's a deeper shade. It feels almost like it'll never be the same again. Of course, the one crying the loudest is none other than Foxsong, his mate and previous deputy. Her shuddering sobs wrack the clearing, their kits close to her feet.

"We were supposed to be apprentices today... Dadi was gonna make me an apprentice. He was gonna make us all apprentices." Everkit says.

We all look at the darkening sky the first stay appearing on the horizon. Even though it's impossible, I like to imagine that up there, one of those stars is Wolfstar, watching over us.

Mothflight is pacing camp. Cinderpaw whispers, "She must be choosing the new deputy." I nod slowly, watching her with interest and a tinge of fear. What if she chose the wrong cat? What if she chose someone like Tigerfang? What if she chose someone worse?

Silly Icepaw, I tell myself, there's no one worse than Tigerfang in DragonClan.

"All cats gather beneath the High Tree for a clan meeting!"

Well, I'm about to find out.

"Even though we don't have Wolfstar's body here, I say these words and hope his spirit may hear and approve my choice. Silverwing will be the new deputy of DragonClan, and tonight I will make my journey to the Moonpool, accompanied by Volcanoheart, my faithful medicine cat. All with wounds while we take this journey will be treated by Shadowpaw."

Shadowpaw, my old friend, puffs up with pride. Even if we don't talk much, I still feel happy for her. Our old bonds run deep.

Cinderpaw meows her delight at the choice, although it's hollow and fake. I wish Pinepaw was here. His gentle smile, his laugh... everything about him is gone and I miss it and I want him back next to me again.

Lionpelt and Dragonwing are both shouting Silverwing's name, along with many of the other young warriors. Mothflight, soon to be star, and Volcanoheart, bow out and then walk out of camp together.

Cinderpaw yawns. "I'm going to get some sleep." On the horizon, I can hear thunder- a storm is coming.

I nod.

We curl up together, but the thunder keeps me from falling asleep. The leaves are comfy and dry and the moss is squishy and comfortable. The nest almost helps me forget the trauma of the last few days. Maybe I can go back to training with Silentpelt. "Your warriors are training with the Dark Forest!"

Hailstorm's reminder echoes through my mind, and I hope that I can direct my thoughts elsewhere. I don't want to go there anymore.

It's your fault, yells the thunder.

It's your fault, cries the wind.

It's your fault, murmurs the rain.

No- I have a destiny. I am destined to freeze the storm of souls. Could it be the long-forgotten DarkClan, once the pride of the Dark Forest and now nothing but rogues following a mad leader? Could it be... FrostClan itself?

My heart thumps. Taking down FrostClan sounds so great now, but my inner demons demand even more attention. Through the storm's loud banter, I hear pawprints, and feel warmth leave my side. "Cinderpaw?" I mutter.

I get up and she's standing there in the rain. "Cinderpaw, what are you doing..."

She's talking to Everkit. There are others, too, just about her age- but I don't recognize them.

Then suddenly, lightning flashes, the roar of thunder right after. For a second I see not Cinderpaw but Silentpelt, and he saw me. Then both cats are gone.

"Cinderpaw!"

No. It's just a dream.

I tell myself this again.

A dream.

And hoping with all my heart I'm right, I head back to sleep.

Silentpelt doesn't come for me in my dreams tonight.

I wish he had. I would be less scared if he did.