Flamepaw stared around the camp. Wolfstar had announced that the vigil for Greycloud was about to start.

Though her leg and scratches were on fire from where the badger and Sharpkit had attacked, she had no desire to see Dappleleaf.

She would probably make feel even worse.

Flamepaw looked up at Silverpelt. There would be one more star shining brightly tonight.

Greycloud, why did you have to go?

She felt fur brush her side. She looked to see Goldenpaw.

"I'm so sorry."

Here we go again. I don't want your pity!

Flamepaw grunted in response. She didn't feel like talking to anyone. She wanted to be left alone.

"The vigil for the beloved warrior, queen, and mate, Greycloud, has begun." Wolfstar announced.

Flamepaw wanted to sleep next to her mother one last time, but Sharpkit was there. So was Addertooth.

Let them get mad, I don't care!

Flamepaw limped over to the deceased queen. Her eyes were still open, wide with terror. Heronflight and Bluestream had washed the blood off of Greycloud's fur and made her pelt shine.

They're trying to make it look like it was a peaceful death!

She settled down next to her sister, who was asleep. She let out a sigh. Everything would have been much easier if they didn't go outside camp that one day.

Sharpkit and Flamepaw would have been made apprentices together, like they said they would. Sharpkit also wouldn't hate Flamepaw.

She hates me more now, I'm sure of it.

She buried her nose into her mother's grey fur. A sweet, herb scent replaced the stench of blood.

Flamepaw felt Sharpkit growl, next to her.

"I wish it was you instead!" she hissed.

Flamepaw looked up at the stars.

Me too.