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A crater was formed beneath Lynxpaw with every pawstep, crafted out of the anxiety and pain that made her body feel heavy and tight. She was submerged in a realm of her thoughts as they hastened their paces towards HeathClan camp. Her heart throbbed and a shocked silence rippled over the three of them, but it only allowed their worry spike. There was no safety even amongst the haven they called HeathClan, and the heartwrenching truth kept their jaws latched shut as they ambled quickly back to the camp.

Growing closer to the camp, Lynxpaw watched as the sun began to peek over the distant horizon. Golden waves flooded the plains stretched out before them and grass and flowers pirouetted with the wind. Lynxpaw's gaze was drawn from the alluring sights of the sunrise instead to the hills of the land. Light simmered over the top and crafted long, dark shadows that molded over the medicine cats as they traveled onwards. A shiver rolled down Lynxpaw's spine and her breath remained trapped in her throat as she slinked through one of the shadows.

The whole time they had seen the benevolence of HeathClan and the glory of it, they had ignored the signs of discourse and menace. Lynxpaw had ignored it all. The warning from Galeflower and the odd behavior of the two HeathClan cats the night she spoke to Nightfrost. As much as the truth hurt the apprentice, she knew it was not a safe place for her and the other RidgeClanners. Not now, and maybe not ever.

When they froze in front of the camp entrance, Lynxpaw's ears rose as she heard frantic voices inside. Normally HeathClan was up rather early, but the voices were weaved with panic and sorrow. She winced when Nightfrost glanced back at her, worry lining his round gaze. No, please Star Realm no. Don't let another cat be hurt because of me.

As they stepped into camp, Lynxpaw's heart dropped. She felt as if she had stepped into RidgeClan camp once again, eyes plastered onto her with a limp body haunting her from the center of the clearing. Their smoky pelt reminded her so much of Marshleap's and she faltered in her steps as she followed Nightfrost and Robinwing forward.

All the former RidgeClanner's were gathered around the body of a familiar face, their faces shadowed over by melancholy and terror. Only some HeathClanner's sat amongst them and whispered words of comfort, including Mousestar. The HeathClan leader was pressed close to the trembling form of Shiverbee, the mother wailing as her kits buried their muzzles into her fur and joined her. Meanwhile, other HeathClanner's watched from afar, and some of their darkened, blank expression burrowed themselves into Lynxpaw's mind.

The medicine cat scrambled over to Shiverbee and Mousestar's side, her ears falling as she examined the body. Smokebite was sprawled out, his fur knotted and his tongue lolling out the side of his gaped mouth. Trepidation crawled over Lynxpaw and harsh memories left her tense and struggling to find words, until a grieving Shiverbee spoke up.

"He woke us all up by thrashing and calling for help. We didn't know what to do but we tried to hold him down and keep him calm," Shiverbee started, struggling to not choke on her words. "H-He told us something was hurting him... from inside of him. He then started choking and coughing and his eyes... my stars, I don't even know how to describe them. He even grew violent and left a nasty scratch across Pebblestep's cheek."

Lynxpaw frowned at the Queen's words. Her kits continued to wail, old enough to understand what had happened yet too young to understand the toll of it. Nightfrost and Robinwing were now standing over Smokebite's body, Pebblestep speaking to them in a hushed voice. Lynxpaw gritted her teeth and her gaze scanned back over to Shiverbee when the Queen began to speak again.

"Lynxpaw? What did the Star Realm tell you?" Shiverbee asked her, and Lynxpaw froze at the hopelessness in her eyes. "Are they doing this to us on purpose? First Marshleap, then Heroncall and Foxpaw, and now Smokebite? None of them deserved this. Why is the Star Realm trying to break RidgeClan? We aren't even safe here!"

Lynxpaw found herself fumbling as she searched for an answer. The molly had just lost her mate and she was desperate for answers. What was she supposed to tell her though? The Star Realm never even granted her proper answers! The apprentice's jaw was left agape as Mousestar suddenly responded herself.

"You are safe here," Mousestar mumbled to Shiverbee, pressing her muzzle to the grieving mother's ear. "I've seen similiar things happen to other cats and it can't be stopped. Usually they are older cats but... Maybe Smokebite had some health problems that stimulated this."

Lynxpaw held back a frustrated growl at the leader's words. "Smokebite was an extremely healthy tom," Lynxpaw argued. "Your Clan isn't safe. I know you don't understand but-"

"How dare you tell me my Clan isn't safe!" The sudden, harsh yowl from Mousestar made the air grow cold and still. Every cat froze and glanced to the agitated leader, who rose to her paws and growled at Lynxpaw. "We offered you a safe haven! Your clan is being ran by some monster who murdered your deputy yet you call my Clan unsafe? Your warrior here died due to health issues. There is nothing HeathClan has to do with this!"

Lynxpaw held her ground before the HeathClan leader. Their narrowed gazes met but Lynxpaw was desperate to remain calm. As the sun rolled into the sky, their shadows fell over the cats who stood around them and hostile sparks flickered in the air. Robinwing was quick to rush to Lynxpaw's aid though, the tom stepping over to her side and responding calmly to his leader.

"Lynxpaw has spoken to the Moon Realm, Mousestar, and I believe her word should be trusted," Robinwing calmly told her. Mousestar's eyes narrowed and the tension wrapped itself around Lynxpaw's throat like thorny vines. "I know it may sound hard to believe but HeathClan may be in danger as well. Maybe we are now. We-"

"Nonsense!" Mousestar snapped. Her harsh tone made Robinwing cower back and press closer to Lynxpaw's side. The freckled molly growled and shook her head in denial. "HeathClan is safe. Lynxpaw may have forged a strong bond with our ancestors, but we don't have a tyrannical leader and a murderer in the depths of our Clan! Smokebite died from natural causes. Not a single claw was laid on him. No deathberry was planted in his prey. The only danger HeathClan has to face is the possibilites of a war with RidgeClan."

Lynxpaw's fur bushed and rage sparked inside of her. Mousestar used to listen so carefully to what her and the medicine cats were saying, but now she refused to believe that her Clan was hiding some form of darkness as well. She watched as the other RidgeClanners gathered around her, Fawnleap pressed to her other side with Hawkpaw lowly growling beside her. My Clanmates are listening! Lynxpaw examined the observing HeathClanners, some wearing wary expressions amongst those who shot her threatening glares. Even some of her own are listening!

"We never knew Cottonstar had ill intentions! We never expected a murderer amongst our Clan! Smokebite may have died of natural causes, but maybe it is a sign that staying here is not safe," Lynxpaw explained to Mousestar, her tail whipping to and fro behind her. She paused, pondering on whether to say they had to believe in the Star Realms words or not. They had kept so much from Lynxpaw and still were, but they were right about a darkness seeping underneath their paws.

Shiverbee beckoned her kits away from a growling Mousestar closer to Smokebite's body, where Pebblestep and Nightfrost stood glaring at the HeathClan leader. The leader stared after them with a warm gaze for a second before she turned back to Lynxpaw. "Then what do you suggest we do? If there is a murderer, some kind of traitor amongst my Clan, how are we supposed to know? I do not want false turmoil destructing my home. If we are in danger, then tell me how! Tell me who! If you cannot, then you have caused nothing but unnecessary panic."

Lynxpaw's ears flattened and her words were caught in her throat. What was she going to tell Mousestar? The leader was so hesitant about believing her that she wanted direct answers, yet Lynxpaw did not even have those answers herself. She felt Fawnleap press closer to her, brushing her tail over hers in an attempt to comfort her. HeathClan could fall if she doesn't listen! It would all be my fault!

"Listen, Mousestar." Lynxpaw's quickly appointed her gaze towards Nightfrost, who stepped forward and spoke softly to the HeathClan leader. His tone made it obvious that he was vexed by her stubbornness though. "Lynxpaw didn't know what was going to cause havoc within RidgeClan as well. The Star Realm never warned of us of a specific cat or presence to look out for. It is best if we just listen to what we can and try to resolve this together."

Lynxpaw grinned at her mentor's wise input. Nightfrost had so much faith in her and he made it clear that he was always there to aid her. She glanced back towards Mousestar and instantly her grin dropped back into a frown. The HeathClan leader watched them through narrowed eyes with her tail lashing vigorously behind her. She had no faith in Lynxpaw's words, and the fact crafted a hole in the apprentice's heart.

"If you believe that it is not safe amongst my Clan, then I believe it is of your best interest to leave." She paused and her words rippled over the RidgeClanners like a frost from a suffocating, treacherous leafbare. Mousestar shook her head and turned away, flashing a glance at Shiverbee and her kits. "I'm sorry, but I can't anymore of this stirring up within my Clan. It will tear us apart and drive us mad. I can't risk a war." She inhaled a deep breath and bowed her head. "I hope that you will find refuge elsewhere. I expect you all gone by sundown, but feel free to eat, rest, and whatever else you need to do before you leave."

Lynxpaw wanted so desperately to reach out a paw for the leader in that moment and beg her to take back what she had said. The apprentice found herself swallowing every plea though, angry and melancholy taking a tight hold around her throat and her stomach. She noticed that Nightfrost only stared after the leader as she departed to her den. All the observing HeathClanners merely murmured to one another and ambled back to their duties.

The RidgeClanners stood bundled close together in the center of the camp though, a dead body in the middle of them yet they all seemed just as lost.

"She doesn't take war and danger so lightly," Robinwing suddenly spoke up, all of their gazes directed to him. "When she first became leader, she waged a war with a band of rogues on the border. It lead to the deaths of both her parents and her brother. She always blamed herself and she's kept HeathClan to ourselves and far away from any threats or violence. I'm sorry... But I don't think I can ever change her mind."

Nightfrost turned towards his friend, his ears flattened. "Why don't you come with us? You know this isn't right. You know there is a danger here in Heath-"

"And if there is, I have to be here to protect my Clan," Robinwing finished, flashing the other medicine cat a light smile. "I pray that you can all remain safe. If you ever need help, please don't be afraid to return. We may not be able to offer refuge but I can always offer herbs and some kind words."

Lynxpaw blinked and watched as Nightfrost lowered his head and glanced away. He must have really wanted Robinwing to come along, Lynxpaw noted. Leafdance then blocked her vision of her mentor, the tom dipping his head respectfully to Robinwing as he spoke.

"We thank you so much for all you have done for us," Leafdance meowed, sharing a heartfelt grin with the HeathClan medicine cat. "Please tell Mousestar our thanks as well. I understand where she is coming from but we trust our medicine cats." The tom peered over at Lynxpaw, who nervously froze up under his gaze. "But we won't let the Clans rot as we seek refuge elsewhere. We will be around for HeathClan as well and eventually we will all solve this together."

Robinwing nodded and with a final skim over the RidgeClanners, he departed to his den. Lynxpaw stared after him, a sense of hopelessness nearly dragging her after him. What if she would never see him again? She could only hope and plead that the stars would guide him and keep him safe - even after they had failed to protect the Clans properly and aid them with information.

"I suggest we all hold a proper vigil for Smokebite, then Pebblestep, Fawnleap, and I will bury him," Leafdance suggested, the RidgeClanners nodding in agreement.

Lynxpaw held her breath as they all turned to their fallen clanmate. They formed a tight, small circle around him, bowing their heads and shutting their eyes. Commotion bustled around them from busying HeathClanners but they directed their full attention to the loss of their friend. Lynxpaw shivered and slightly opened her eyes, observing her clanmates with a frown burrowed into her face.

Nightfrost bowed his head and squeezed his eyes shut beside her. His expression was gruff and serious, but the way his whiskers twitched and his fur spiked made Lynxpaw feel a pang of sympathy. It was obvious that her mentor was stressing so much over their current situation as he tried to remain serene and serious for the sake of their group. Who knew how much longer the tom could go before he snapped, but Lynxpaw had faith in her mentor. After all, he was the most intelligent cat she had ever known.

Next to him, Pebblestep scrunched up her muzzle and opened one eye to stare at the limp body of her Clanmate. The warrior was the youngest of them yet she was one of the bravest cats that lie underneath the star ignited sky. She had been willing to sacrifice so much to help them. She even had faith in Lynxpaw and the thought of it made the apprentices heart warm.

Leafdance and Flareheart were pressed close together, their eyes shut and their ears pinned against the back of their heads. Flareheart leaned against their friend and Lynxpaw smiled at their closeness. They had grown up together, Flareheart always admiring Leafdance's cleverness and courage while Leafdance cherished their benevolence and outlook on life. They were now holding a world on their shoulders together, and Lynxpaw knew they were also hiding a thundering storm of stress that ravaged within them.

Shiverbee, her kits, and Redpaw were settled next to the two friends. Lynxpaw noticed how Thicketkit was pressed against Redpaw's leg, the apprentice offering comfort to the mourning kits. He knew how it felt to lose family and the thought made Lynxpaw's heart sting with guilt. He had taken to so many other forms of grieving and now he was settled amongst the comfort of others. The moment his lips twisted into a small smile, Lynxpaw shoved away her guilt for a second to admire the side of Redpaw he had hidden from her since the loss of Foxpaw.

Daisytuft stood next to them, the elder mumbling a few words to Smokebite under her breath. Despite her age, she was one of the strongest cats amongst them. She was wise despite her untimely jokes and teasing jeers. The elder was what bind them all together, even if some of them never viewed her that way before.

Mottledpaw, Hawkpaw, and Fawnleap were on the other side of Lynxpaw. They all had comforted Lynxpaw through the current events. They put aside their own feelings of stress and sorrow to aid her, and now she felt as if it was her duty to protect them. She could never fight like them, but as she stared down at her paws and remembered her visions, she swore to them that she would stray them away from any possible dangers.

As she shut her eyes, she pictured Marshleap, Foxpaw, Smokebite, and Heroncall amongst them. Instead she pictured them grinning and laughing, reunited with family from their Clan and relishing in the warmth of home. Lynxpaw knew that that was a reality she could never reach for now, but that didn't mean that it wasn't a reality she wouldn't fight to avenge.

Through all the pain and stress, Lynxpaw managed to murmur blessings to the fallen Smokebite with her Clanmates. As they spoke together, their voices uplifted and echoed across the moors. Power soared through their voices and created a bond between them all that could never be broken.

Though she didn't feel powerful at all, Lynxpaw was now fighting alongside the most powerful cats in the forest, and she would do everything for each of them.