Ebonywind felt shivers go down her spine as the cats travelled away from the Clans. Their homes.

Their homes.

Not hers.

You will never belong with the Clans...you belong with Dark and RevengeClan...

My family are with the Clans. I do belong there. Ebonywind argued back.

No...they don't care about you and you don't care about them. Admit it. You were happier with Dark...

Ebonywind didn't have a comeback.

Love had started to drift in and out of Ebonywind's body. There were moments where she felt free and she felt independent and herself. She hated Dark and loved her family and friends, all negativity gone. But there were also times when Love whispered things to her, making her lose her trust and confidence. Her love for Dark would blossom during those times.

Then, Love would leave, Ebonywind would build up her self confidence, and try to be happy. It would repeat. It was one, endless circle.

"Hey! Ebonywind!" A cheerful mew called her from her thoughts.

Ebonywind instantly grew more comfortable as she nudged Silverspots. Their friendship had been recovered, thank StarClan. Currently, Silverspots was the only thing stopping Ebonywind from losing her mind.

"Stop!" Luckystar suddenly screeched. Ebonywind tilted her head, confused.

All of a sudden, rogues poured over them. There were dozens, all covered in mud or dirt, their fur matted and dirty. One familiar cat led them.

Dark.

Ebonywind felt her heart melt at him. She longed to rush over to him.

Be more cautious, kitty! You'll reveal yourself.

What if I want to?

But Ebonywind reluctantly listened, hanging back, not involving in the battle. Her heart was racing at the thought of either sides getting married. StarClan, help me!

StarClan can't help you. I'm your only help.

Ebonywind stared at Dark, longing to be next to him. But a loud yowl next to her broke her focus and she snapped around, horrified at the intensity and panic in that yowl.

Silverspots was in trouble. Ruthless had her in her grasp, tearing her fur off viciously.

NO!

Ebonywind's relationship with Silverspots, her friendship with Silverspots, was all going to end if Ebonywind didn't save her.

I can't let her die. I love her too much to let her die.

Ebonywind sprang forwards, knocking Ruthless off with a growl. She flashed a warning glare at the black cat, hissing. "You stay off Silverspots, or I'll personally make sure Dark kills you."

Ruthless backed away, flanks heaving, fur fluffed out. Her yellow eyes darted around before she jumped onto Redpaw.

That's ThunderClan's medicine cat.

Ebonywind felt slightly guilty as she ignored Ruthless and Redpaw and turned to Silverspots. The she-cat wasn't breathing, her eyes closed as she lay on the grass, surrounded by a pool of her own blood.

Please don't die. Silverspots. Please. I need you.

You love her.

No I don't! She's just my friend...

Denial... Love chuckled softly. Don't worry, kitty. I support you.

Maybe I do. But in a platonic way.

Denial, Love repeated in a teasing way.

Ebonywind spotted Ravenflight and called her sister over frantically. She was almost crying now. "Ravenflight! Please! Save her! I'll do anything!"

Ravenflight gave Ebonywind a curious look but started bandaging Silverspots' wound, applying herbs.

Please don't die. Please don't die.

The battle was still going on, but for Ebonywind, all that existed was the small circle that included her, Silverspots, who was dying, and Ravenflight, Silverspots' only chance to live.

Please don't die. Please don't die. Please don't die. Please don't die.

After what seemed like moons to Ebonywind, but was really only a few minutes in reality, Ravenflight stopped her work on Silverspots.

Please don't die. Please don't die.

"Is she dead?" Ebonywind whispered, unbelieving it. She can't be dead. SHE CAN'T BE DEAD. I NEED HER!

Ravenflight gestured at Silverspots' body and Ebonywind couldn't bring herself to look.

She's dead. She's dead, Ebonywind. You're going to see her still body. She's dead. That's final.

But when she looked at Silverspots' body, the she-cat was stirring, her chest heaving as she struggled to breathe.

"She'll live," Ravenflight breathed softly, applying a few more herbs before rising, touching Ebonywind's shoulder with her tail and padding away to go take care of other cats.

She'll live. She'll live. She'll live.

Ebonywind had to talk to herself firmly. Feeling herself break down, she lay down next to Silverspots, grateful that her friend hadn't died.

Friend...?

Shut up, Love! Not the time.

Come on, Love wheedled.

Fine. I love Silverspots. I need her. Even more than Dark. I never realized it, but when we weren't together, it felt like a gaping hole in my stomach. I have her back. I can't lose her again.

She'll live.

The Clan cats had won the battle. Dark had lost, but Ebonywind didn't find herself caring about him, even though Love was with her. All her attention was focused on Silverspots, the cat that had almost died.

She's alive.

For now... Love whispered.

Love's words were silenced and tucked away neatly. Ebonywind would deal with them later. As the medicine cats patched up their wounds, Ebonywind just stared at Silverspots the whole time. She still hadn't woken up fully yet.

We need to talk. But for now, she needs her rest. I'm just thankful she's alive. And I love her.

A/N - short chapter yeah sorry, kinda didn't have any inspiration lately. wrapping up this book and starting on the next one soon!