"Gotcha!"

Milkblaze felt ready to burst with pride as Boost rose from the undergrowth, holding a plump frog in his jaws. He looked back at Milkblaze with beaming eyes before he turned and hurried forward to meet him, his tail high.

"Well done!" Milkblaze purred as Song appeared behind her brother, holding up a vole for him to see. "You too, Song!"

Five moons had passed since that night Milkblaze had fallen asleep with Boost and Song cuddled against him. The siblings weren't tiny kits anymore. Two moons ago, they had begun their apprenticeships. To the surprise of many, Boost and Song had asked not to take apprentice names. Milkblaze knew that unfortunately, this decision would make ShadowClan even more suspicious of their commitment to the clan. But he had no doubt that by the time Boost and Song completed their training, they would prove their loyalties to their clanmates.

Ever since that night in the warriors' den, Milkblaze's relationship with Boost and Song had only grown stronger. The kits became less depressed every day they spent with him, playing, laughing, and feeling more and more at home in ShadowClan. Milkblaze loved them, and he had no doubt that the two felt the same about him. They were kin now, not bound by blood, but by something Milkblaze didn't know how to describe.

As Boost and Song prepared for their apprenticeships, Milkblaze had found himself growing more and more concerned. So few ShadowClan warriors trusted the kits. What if their mentors treated them wrongly? Crushed the spirit Milkblaze had worked so hard to build up in them? What if Poisonedsap mentored one of them? He wouldn't take the chance. And so he'd asked Depthstar if he could mentor one of the kits. He'd been relieved and overjoyed when his leader agreed and named him Boost's mentor.

The young warrior Copperstripe had become Song's mentor. Milkblaze was wary of him at first, but quickly saw that he treated Song just as he would any apprentice. He could trust him with her.

Copperstripe stepped to Milkblaze's side. "Great catch, Song!" He praised. "Your pouncing technique has really improved."

The young she-cat purred. "Really? Thank you!"

She's already an amazing hunter. Milkblaze thought proudly as he gazed at his foster daughter. She'll be an excellent warrior. So will Boost. He looked past the apprentices where the dawn sky was brightening. They had gone out for training very early today.

"I think it's time we head back to camp," Copperstripe meowed suddenly, as if reading his mind.

"Yes," Milkblaze agreed. "You two did very well today. I bet you're hungry!"

As he finished speaking, Boost's stomach rumbled. "I'm starving!" He mumbled around the frog.

Milkblaze purred in amusement and turned away, flicking his tail. "Come on, then. Make sure you bring your prey to the queens and elders before you eat anything," He quickly reminded them.

"We know," Song purred. "Voles are Bluerain's favorite, so I'm bringing this one for her." She and Boost hurried ahead toward the camp while Milkblaze and Copperstripe followed more slowly side by side.

"Those two have more energy than a couple of rabbits," Copperstripe chuckled before looking to Milkblaze. "You must be proud of them."

Milkblaze nodded, his heart warming as he watched the apprentices disappear through the thorn tunnel. "More than you can imagine."

As the two warriors neared the thorn tunnel, a new scent drifted into Milkblaze's nose. Blood... He exchanged a look with Copperstripe, whose worried expression confirmed that he'd scented it too. They quickly hurried through the thorn tunnel.

When they entered the camp, Boost and Song stood frozen with their backs to them a couple fox lengths from the entrance. Milkblaze stepped to Song's side and gasped when he saw the scene before him.

The clan had gathered in an unorganized circle, meowing to one another. Some looked angry, while others murmured sobs of grief. In the center of the clearing lay a ginger tabby she-cat, her throat soaked in blood. Sunflower!

Blackpaw and Brownpaw crouched beside their mother's body, their eyes glistening with grief. Depthstar was at their side, his nose pressed to his mate's shoulder. "My beautiful Sunflower..." He whispered.

"Depthstar," Crowmask growled. "What are we going to do?" The black warrior sat by the medicine den while Hawkfeather pressed cobwebs to his shoulder. Blood ran through his dark fur.

Milkblaze spotted Maplefur and hurried to his side. "What happened?" He whispered nervously. Could Poisonedsap have done this? He suddenly noticed the she-cat beside Maplefur, her expression unreadable. She caught Milkblaze's eye and narrowed her amber gaze, as if challenging him.

"Crowmask, Sunflower, and Foxpaw were out marking the border when they were attacked," Maplefur explained, not seeming to notice the tension between his brother and Poisonedsap. "Foxpaw ran here for help. Me, Poisonedsap, and Timberstorm went, but..." He closed his eyes. "It was too late for Sunflower."

What? Milkblaze stared at his brother. Then it wasn't Poisonedsap... "Who attacked them?"

Before Maplefur could respond, Depthstar's yowl interrupted. Milkblaze turned to see that his leader had leaped onto the meeting rock. The clan quickly quieted and looked up at him anxiously.

"Cats of ShadowClan," Depthstar's voice was dry with grief. "As you all know, Crowmask's patrol was attacked this morning by a rogue. Sunflower was killed." He paused and looked down toward the medicine den. "Crowmask, are you absolutely sure about the identity of this cat?"

The dark warrior's eyes were narrowed to slits. "I'm certain!" He hissed. "It was Deserve!"

There were several gasps of shock, mingled with angry snarls. Deserve? Milkblaze's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately looked back at Boost and Song. The two apprentices looked stunned, their eyes round with horror. Milkblaze quickly returned to their side, ready to defend them if the clan found a way to blame them.

"Deserve?" Greenpine blinked in disbelief. "He's a kit!"

"Not anymore!" Crowmask shot back. "He's only about the age of an older apprentice now. But believe me, he fights like a seasoned warrior."

Foxpaw stepped forward. "I never knew Deserve," He meowed, his amber eyes wide. "But that cat didn't seem like no apprentice to me!"

Is it just me, or does he seem... impressed? Milkblaze studied the apprentice, his fur prickling with unease. Perhaps by Deserve's fighting skills?

"I heard him before he killed Sunflower," Crowmask rose to his paws. "He targeted her to hurt Brownpaw and Blackpaw. And it's clear that he wants revenge on ShadowClan!"

Like Poisonedsap? Curious, Milkblaze looked toward her. She was watching the dark warrior, a thoughtful look on her face. What is she thinking? Does she approve of what Deserve has done?

"Deserve is alive..." Song whispered beside Milkblaze. He turned to see her eyes filled with emotion. "But... Why would he do this?"

Boost shook his head. "He's gone crazy."

Milkblaze leaned against Song and wrapped his tail around Boost, feeling a pang of sympathy. This is so hard for them... They remember Deserve as their sweet and caring brother. Not a bloodthirsty killer. To his relief, no cat questioned Boost or Song about their brother's crime.

Up on the meeting rock, Depthstar sighed, his tail drooping. "Deserve is a threat. But he's only one cat. We'll increase patrols, and if we encounter him again, we'll kill him." He looked down. "We will hold a vigil for Sunflower tonight." He leaped down from the rock silently.

As the clan began murmuring quietly to one another, Depthstar quietly approached his mate's body. He sat and stared down at it numbly. Brownpaw pressed his head against his father's shoulder, while Blackpaw rested his chin against Sunflower's flank.

Milkblaze blinked in surprise as Boost and Song left his side to join the family. The three looked at them uncertainly as they approached, but said nothing.

Song lowered her head respectfully before touching her nose to Sunflower's ear. "Thank you for taking care of us," She whispered. "I'm sorry we hurt you."

"Deserve took Snakekit from you," Boost murmured beside his sister. "But now you'll be united in StarClan."

As Boost finished speaking, Milkblaze noticed that Depthstar was watching the two apprentices, a thoughtful, numb look in his eyes. After a moment, he gave them a nod. Trust.

"Depthstar?"

Milkblaze stiffened as Poisonedsap approached the clan leader. Maplefur was at her side, their pelts brushing. He dug his claws into the ground. I wish she'd stay away from him...

"Yes, Poisonedsap?" Depthstar replied quietly, not removing his gaze from Sunflower's body.

The golden brown she-cat dipped her head. "I know that it's a bad time, but... I have some news that might lighten the mood."

Depthstar twitched his tail, inviting her to continue. Poisonedsap exchanged a warm look with Maplefur, who looked ready to burst with excitement.

News? Milkblaze pricked his ears as he took a step toward them, studying the she-cat. What's going on? What does it have to do with Maplefur? His stomach churned. Have they decided to become mates?

Poisonedsap returned her gleaming amber gaze to Depthstar and spoke. "I'm expecting kits. Maplefur is the father."

Kits!? Her words stabbed Milkblaze in the throat like an icy thorn. His veins froze as shock seized his body. He felt sick as he watched the former rogue wrap her tail around his brother. You've fallen into a trap, Maplefur... And now there's no escape.

***

As the moons passed by like falling leaves, Milkblaze tried to push his thoughts about Poisonedsap aside and focus on Boost and Song's training. But no matter how hard he tried, his fears only escalated.

Just over five moons ago, Poisonedsap had given birth to two kits: Stonekit and Swiftkit. The arrival of the kits had warmed the clan, and many saw it as a sign that Poisonedsap could in fact be trusted. Even Crowmask, who had spoken out against her for moons, seemed to have grown to respect her.

Two of Ashcloud and Greenpine's kits, Mottledface and Foxshadow, had become warriors. Their third son, Stripedpaw, had decided to continue his training alongside Boost and Song. Milkblaze could see clear as day that the tortoiseshell tom had a crush on Song. And she seemed to enjoy his company.

Milkblaze crouched by the fresh kill pile, chewing on a frog leg. Across the clearing outside the apprentices' den, he saw Stripedpaw and Song now, purring and giggling together. Not far from them, Boost rolled his eyes.

I was like Boost when I was his age. Milkblaze thought in amusement. I still don't know how any cat could want a mate so young. But Stripedpaw and Song are so close, I wouldn't be surprised if they became mates after they're made warriors.

Sunflower's kits, Blackstorm and Brownstripe, had become warriors. To everyone's surprise and relief, Deserve hadn't attacked any more patrols since killing Sunflower. Perhaps she was the only one he wanted to kill. Milkblaze had guessed. Maybe he's gone far away now.

However, it wasn't all good news for ShadowClan. Just a few moons ago, they had suffered a tragedy. Poppywing had bled to death while giving birth to her kit. Devastated, Rainheart had committed suicide by jumping into an occupied fox den- killed by the same fox that had killed Stormstar. The fox that Poisonedsap brought here. Milkblaze knew Poisonedsap hadn't intended for the fox to kill Rainheart. But it was still her fault that it was on their territory. Another death because of her...

Poppywing's surviving kit, Bloodkit, had been taken in by Rainheart's sister, Bloomfire, and her mate, Flameheart. The entire clan had agreed to hide the truth from Bloodkit, and let him believe that Bloomfire and Flameheart were his real parents. Their medicine cat, Hawkfeather, seemed certain that Bloodkit was a bad omen, and now every cat seemed suspicious of the little red tabby.

Milkblaze had seen Bloodkit around the camp occasionally with Maplefur's kit, Swiftkit. The look of fear and longing to belong was far too familiar to Milkblaze. He'd seen the same look on Boost and Song's faces for a moon. Poor kit... He hasn't done any wrong. Looking toward the nursery, he saw Bloodkit now, sitting close to Bloomfire's side and looking around nervously. And things are harder for him now.

A few days ago, Bloodkit and Swiftkit had been playing in the clearing when suddenly, the clan found Swiftkit with his pelt caught in the thorn barrier. Poisonedsap had been furious, claiming that Bloodkit pushed Swiftkit into the thorns. Though after Flameheart had a talk with Depthstar, the clan leader told the clan that this was not the case. It had been an accident.

Milkblaze found himself hating Poisonedsap even more now. What does she have to gain by accusing Bloodkit of such things? Or is she really so protective of her kits?

"Milkblaze?"

He flicked an ear and turned to see Maplefur padding toward him, his gaze low.

"Maplefur." He blinked at his brother. "Is everything okay?"

Maplefur paused in front of him and hesitated. He didn't meet his gaze, but Milkblaze could see the conflict and worry written clearly on his face. He looked over his shoulder toward the nursery, where Poisonedsap was watching Swiftkit and Stonekit play. After a long moment, Maplefur turned to face him again, his eyes deeply troubled. "I need to talk to you," He murmured. "Can we go into the forest?"

"Of course." Milkblaze blinked and stood. As he and Maplefur headed out of the camp, his concern grew for his brother. What's going on? Is it Poisonedsap? If she's hurt him... As they padded into the forest, another thought struck him. Has she told him her plan? Does he know she's up to something?

Maplefur paused by a twisted pine tree, raising his chin and staring up into the sky. The late afternoon sky gave his creamy fur a pale golden hue. Milkblaze watched him, his tail swishing slowly as he nervously waited for him to speak. After a long moment, Maplefur sighed and sat down, looking at his brother. "Poisonedsap has been... different lately."

Milkblaze's stomach twisted. "What do you mean?" He whispered.

The cream tabby hesitated. "She's teaching the kits in the nursery to fight. With tooth and claw." As Milkblaze's heart skipped a beat, he went on. "They're only kits, and they have nicked ears and scars!" He trembled a little as he spoke. "I don't want my kits to get hurt."

"What?" Milkblaze could hardly believe his ears. "How could she do such a thing?"

Maplefur shuffled his paws. "I guess kits fought like that in Bone Shred's gang," He murmured. "Maybe she thinks she's making them stronger. But it doesn't work like that in the clans. She doesn't understand that."

"Then make her understand!" Milkblaze growled, his heart pounding in concern.

"You think I haven't tried?" Maplefur met his gaze with wide anxious eyes. "She won't listen! She's acting completely different now. She..." He dug his claws into the ground. "She won't even let me see Swiftkit and Stonekit anymore. She wants me out of their lives."

Why? Milkblaze wondered as his anger boiled inside him. Forcing her kits to fight? Wanting Maplefur out of the picture? What could she possibly be up to?

"I sneak in to see Swiftkit at night when I can," Maplefur told him quietly. "But Stonekit... Stonekit is different. I see so much of Poisonedsap in him. And not in a good way." He paused. "He loves to fight. He doesn't seem to care about me at all. His only loyalty is to his mother. He's my kit, and I love him, but..." He looked down. "I want to get them away from Poisonedsap."

Milkblaze felt himself trembling with anger. That fox hearted, crazy rogue! How dare she do this to Maplefur? How dare she hurt those kits? "Poisonedsap has never belonged in this clan!"

Maplefur didn't respond. He still has feelings for her! Milkblaze realized in disbelief. He still wants to trust her and believe that she has good inside her. "She's still the mother of my kits," He murmured at last. "I'll talk to her again tomorrow."

Will he be able to change her mind? Milkblaze stared at his brother, his heart pounding with anxiety. "I'm worried about you... I don't want you to get hurt."

"It'll work out." Maplefur met his brother's gaze, and Milkblaze immediately saw the stress in his yellow eyes. "I won't let my kits be hurt."

Milkblaze leaned against his brother reassuringly, and it was quiet for a long moment. I wish I knew how to help... But this is Maplefur's battle. He gave him a lick on the ear. "Tomorrow Boost, Song, and Stripedpaw are being assessed," He meowed quietly. "Why don't you come along? We could use the help."

Maplefur looked thoughtful for a long moment. "You know, I'd like that." He decided. "It'll give me some time to think and gather the strength to face Poisonedsap." He blinked gratefully. "Thanks, Milkblaze. You're a great brother."

He nodded and watched as Maplefur padded away, his cream striped tail disappearing into the thorn tunnel. Please be careful, Maplefur... He thought numbly. I don't think you know what you're dealing with. I'm not sure any of us do.

***

Later that day, Milkblaze sat outside the warriors' den, reflecting on what he'd learned earlier. Poisonedsap is training Swiftkit and Stonekit to fight... Why? He looked toward the nursery occasionally, but tried not to make it too obvious in case Poisonedsap noticed. Is she raising them to turn against ShadowClan?

Outside the nursery, Swiftkit and Stonekit were tumbling around together, laughing and batting at each other. They're acting like normal kits to me. Milkblaze thought as he watched. Maybe-

"Ow!" Swiftkit suddenly cried and pulled away from his brother, reaching up and rubbing his ear. Milkblaze stiffened when he saw a droplet of crimson fall from his ear.

Stonekit snorted. "Don't be a baby!" He stalked toward his brother aggressively.

Without thinking, Milkblaze rose to his paws and quickly crossed the clearing. "Stonekit!"

The black legged kit paused and glared over his shoulder at Milkblaze, who froze for a heartbeat. Those amber eyes, so much like Poisonedsap's... "Did you hurt your brother?" He demanded.

Stonekit looked confused. "If he got hurt, it's because he was too stupid to move." He meowed. "Warriors fight with claws!" With a tiny growl, he launched himself at Milkblaze.

He gently pushed the kit back with one paw. "Warriors fight with courage and their hearts," He told him. "If you-"

"Milkblaze." Poisonedsap stepped out of the nursery, her eyes dark. Milkblaze met her gaze without hesitation. "What are you doing?"

A few moons ago, Milkblaze might have been hesitant to confront her. But now, he was ready to let her know that she was outnumbered. "I've seen the blood on those kits," He growled. "Why are you making them fight?"

For a moment, Poisonedsap didn't respond. Then her amber eyes narrowed. "I only want what's best for my kits, Milkblaze," She meowed calmly. "As a father, surely you can understand that?" She said the word "father" mockingly, infuriating him even more.

She said the word "father" mockingly, infuriating Milkblaze even more. "If you think you-"

"Milkblaze!"

Boost and Song hurried over to him, each pressing alongside him. "Tomorrow's the day!" Boost purred. "Our assessments!"

"I'm so excited!" Song added brightly. She looked from Milkblaze to Poisonedsap. "Oh, sorry! Were we interrupting something?"

To his surprise, Poisonedsap let out a purr. "Not at all, dear. Milkblaze was just leaving." She gave him a stern look.

Milkblaze narrowed his eyes. "Yes, I was." With that, he turned away, padding further into the clearing and looking over his shoulder. Poisonedsap guided her kits back into the nursery, glaring at him before disappearing into the shadows.

"Milkblaze?" Song stared at him, and he snapped his attention to her. "Is everything alright?"

"Do you think we'll pass?" Boost added, tilting his head.

Milkblaze pushed aside his anger to focus on his foster kits. "I know you will," He purred dryly and touched noses with each of them. "You'll be the best warriors in ShadowClan." As the apprentices purred, he thought about what he'd just seen.

Maplefur was right. Stonekit is so aggressive, so much like his mother... He worried about the little tom's future. He needs a mentor who will teach him how to be a true warrior. Not whatever Poisonedsap is turning him into. He blinked thoughtfully and looked toward Depthstar's den. Maybe...

"I need to go speak with Depthstar," Milkblaze told the apprentices, stepping back. "It's almost sundown. Make sure you're both rested up for tomorrow."

Boost and Song mewed their agreement, their eyes bright as they turned away. I've helped those kits become great warriors. Milkblaze watched them head to the fresh kill pile, then returned his attention to the leaders' den. Now it's time for me to help Stonekit.

Milkblaze padded over to Depthstar's den and paused, raising a forepaw and briefly scratching at the outer wall of the den. A moment later, his leader spoke. "Come in."

When he entered, Depthstar was sitting in his nest. "How can I help you, Milkblaze?"

"Depthstar," Milkblaze dipped his head as he stepped inside. "I was wondering when Poisonedsap's kits are being apprenticed."

"They're six moons old now, aren't they?" The clan leader meowed. "I think I'll apprentice them tomorrow. Why do you ask?"

This is perfect. Milkblaze thought. Tomorrow will be Boost's assessment. I'll be able to take another apprentice. "If it's alright with you, I would like to mentor Stonekit."

Depthstar blinked in surprise. "You're already mentoring Boost."

"He'll be completing his training tomorrow," Milkblaze reminded him.

The dark blue-gray tom looked thoughtful. "You'd be taking on a new apprentice immediately after Boost. Are you sure you wouldn't prefer a break?"

"I'm sure," Milkblaze meowed. Stonekit needs me. "I like being a mentor, and Stonekit has the makings of a great warrior." He just needs someone to set his paws on the right path.

Depthstar nodded. "If you're sure, Milkblaze. You may mentor Stonekit when the time comes."

He blinked gratefully, feeling some of his stress lifted. "Thank you, Depthstar." His leader flicked his tail to dismiss him, and he turned away. I'm looking forward to this. He thought as he stepped out of the den. Stonekit is a strong young cat. And he's my nephew. I'll make sure he-

"Milkblaze."

He stopped a heartbeat before he crashed into Poisonedsap. The queen stood before him, her dark amber eyes blazing with anger. She overheard me. "You will not mentor either of my kits."

Milkblaze narrowed his eyes. "Yes, I will," He growled. "Depthstar has already agreed to it."

"So?" A growl rumbled in her throat. "I will not allow Stonekit to be weakened." Her ragged tail lashed slowly. "Especially by kin of his father."

Fixing the she-cat with a dark stare, he leaned closer, pushing away his fear. "I don't know what game you're playing, Poisonedsap," He growled. "But you're not going to win."

Poisonedsap's eyes burned into his. The tension between them felt like a wall of smoke. After several heartbeats, the queen grinned, revealing sharp white teeth. "Watch me."

***

Milkblaze woke to the first light of dawn fading through the branches of the warriors' den. His body longed to continue sleeping, but he refused and pulled himself to his paws. It's time for the apprentices to be assessed. He yawned and arched his back in a stretch, then turned toward Maplefur's nest to wake him.

The nest was empty. Milkblaze blinked away sleep. He must be in the clearing already. Flameheart was absent from his nest as well. Spotting Copperstripe, he weaved through the sleeping cats until he reached the tabby's side, prodding him with a paw.

"Hmm?" The young warrior mumbled.

"It's dawn," Milkblaze told him. "Time to assess the apprentices." As Copperstripe yawned and rose to his paws, he turned and exited the den.

The clearing was quiet and chilly this early in the morning. Flameheart stood near the thorn tunnel with Song, Boost, and Stripedpaw, who all looked ready to burst with excitement. Maplefur isn't here?

As Milkblaze joined the group, Boost turned to him brightly. "You're awake!" He purred.

"Can we go now?" Song added hopefully as Copperstripe stepped to Milkblaze's side.

"I'd say so." Flameheart looked to the warriors. "Are we ready?"

"Hold on." Milkblaze looked around the clearing. "Where is Maplefur? He's going to help assess them."

Flameheart frowned. "I haven't seen Maplefur yet today. Is he still asleep?"

"He wasn't in his nest," He replied, worry for his brother sinking in as he thought about this. Where else could he be?

Stripedpaw blinked. "Maybe he's in the dirtplace?"

"Or out hunting or getting a drink," Copperstripe added, looking to the apprentices. "Maybe he changed his mind. We should go."

Maplefur was looking forward to this! It's going to help him relax before he confronts Poisonedsap again. "Let's wait a bit," He suggested, worry in his tone. "I'm sure Maplefur won't be much longer."

The other cats hesitated, but nodded and murmured agreement. Time seemed to stand still as Milkblaze sat, his gaze flicking around as every once in a while, a couple of his clanmates slowly emerged from their dens, ready to start the day. But there was no sign of Maplefur. It isn't like him to be late, or away from camp like this... Moment by moment, he grew more worried. Come on, Maplefur! Where are you?

Copperstripe was grooming himself, licking a paw and swiping at his ear while Flameheart sat, looking patient, but his twitching tail tip revealed otherwise. Boost, Song, Stripedpaw were still in good spirits, laughing quietly as they showed off their hunting crouches and leaps.

At last, Flameheart rose to his paws. "I don't think Maplefur is coming, Milkblaze," He meowed. "He must be busy."

As the ginger tabby spoke, the apprentices shot over to them, their eyes sparkling eagerly. "So we can go now?" Boost asked.

"Please, it's been forever!" Song begged eagerly.

Milkblaze wanted to object, but seeing the excited looks on the young cats' faces, he knew he couldn't make them wait any longer. He let out a sigh. "Alright, we can go."

"Yay!" Boost and Song shot out of the camp with Stripedpaw hot on their tails. "Race you there!"

While Copperstripe hurried after the trio, Flameheart padded alongside Milkblaze, looking at him sympathetically. "If Maplefur really wants to come, he'll catch up."

"I suppose." Milkblaze looked over his shoulder once more in hopes that Maplefur had appeared. But his brother was nowhere to be seen. With a quiet sigh, he looked away and padded into the forest.

***

The assessment went very well. Song had impressed every cat when she'd caught a huge thrush with a mighty leap into the air, but none more than Stripedpaw. Admiration sparkled in his eyes whenever he saw the white she-cat. He himself had caught three frogs, and Boost had skillfully hunted a couple birds and a frog.

Milkblaze found himself distracted the entire morning, his thoughts occupied with Maplefur's disappearance. Why wasn't he in the camp this morning? Where could he have gone? Why didn't he come for the assessment? It's so unlike him. A chill ran down his spine as a terrible thought struck him. Poisonedsap... What if... He gave himself a shake. No. She wouldn't just kill Maplefur like that. You're being paranoid.

"So we passed?" Song asked anxiously as the group padded back toward the camp. "Really?"

"You all passed!" Flameheart purred and flicked Stripedpaw on the shoulder. "You all did excellent."

Copperstripe nodded. "You really mastered everything we taught you. You should be proud."

Milkblaze padded at the back of the group, his mind still filled with questions. Maplefur must be back at camp by now, right? The sun has risen. Has any other cat noticed-

"Milkblaze?"

He paused and looked up. Boost and Song were staring at them, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. "Are you proud of us?" Song asked.

With a flash of guilt, Milkblaze realized he'd been so distracted by Maplefur, he'd forgotten to praise his own foster kits."Oh, yes!" He exclaimed. "Of course. I couldn't be more proud of you two. You'll be great warriors."

The two purred before Stripedpaw gave Song a nudge. "Race you to the camp!" He exclaimed before dashing through the trees.

The white she-cat laughed and shot after him. "You're on!"

Flameheart chuckled. "We'd better catch up." He and Copperstripe hurried after the apprentices.

Milkblaze looked at Boost, who watched his sister disappear into the trees. "You don't feel like racing today?"

The young tabby purred. "Nah, my legs are sore from all that hunting." As they padded toward the camp side by side, Boost looked at him worriedly. "Are you okay?"

He hesitated. "I'm fine." I will be when I return to camp and see Maplefur...

***

"I, Depthstar, leader of ShadowClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these three apprentices."

Milkblaze sat beside Copperstripe, looking up at his clan leader as he spoke. Boost, Song, and Stripedpaw stood at the base of the meeting rock, their tails high. Milkblaze was infinitely proud of them. But his feelings of pride toward his kits was clashing with a sickening fear.

Maplefur was still nowhere to be seen. They'd reported this to Cobratail when they returned. The deputy guessed he was out hunting, but Milkblaze doubted it. Why would he be out hunting alone for so long? Why wouldn't he come to assess the apprentices? Something isn't right.

He eased out of his thoughts as Depthstar went on. "Stripedpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," The young tom responded.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name," Depthstar meowed. "Stripedpaw, from this moment you will be known as Stripednose."

"Stripednose! Stripednose!" The clan cheered, and Milkblaze joined in more quietly, occasionally looking over his shoulder and scanning the crowd for Maplefur.

"Milkblaze?" Rosebreeze whispered as she leaned in beside him. "Where's Maplefur? His kits are being apprenticed soon, and he's nowhere to be seen!"

The kits! Milkblaze remembered. He looked toward the nursery and saw Poisonedsap sitting outside with her two kits at her paws, her eyes gleaming. Stonekit looked eager and restless, while Swiftkit stared at his paws. Maplefur would never miss this. He watched Poisonedsap through narrowed eyes. And she doesn't seem the least bit concerned.

"Boost, Song." As Depthstar spoke their names, Milkblaze returned his attention to the front of the clearing. "You joined ShadowClan as rogues and chose not to take clan names when you were apprenticed. Do you wish to take warrior names?"

Boost and Song exchanged a look, and Milkblaze wondered how they would respond. Then Boost dipped his head respectfully. "I wish to keep my name, Depthstar. I like being called Boost. It was the name my mother gave me. I cannot give it up."

Milkblaze blinked proudly at his apprentice as Depthstar nodded. "Very well. Song?"

She hesitated and looked at Stripednose. "Would you mind?" She asked quietly.

Stripednose's eyes shone. "Of course not. I love you no matter what you're called." The two cats leaned together purring, and Milkblaze's heart warmed as he watched them. They'll make a good couple.

The two young cats broke apart as Depthstar coughed and went on. "Now then. Boost, Song, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," Both cats meowed.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I name you both warriors." Depthstar dipped his head. "StarClan honors your determination and enthusiasm, and we welcome you as full warriors of ShadowClan."

"Boost! Song!"

As the clan cheered, Milkblaze gazed at the two cats, overwhelmed with emotion. It feels like yesterday they were tiny kits, afraid and heartbroken. And now look at them. Warriors accepted by their clan!

As Depthstar leaped down from the rock to rest his chin on each new warriors' head, Rosebreeze gave Milkblaze an affectionate nudge. "It's thanks to you, you know," She murmured. "You raised them well."

Milkblaze purred gratefully to his sister, and in that moment, his concern for Maplefur was replaced by fatherly pride. I raised those kits as my own, and they've grown into smart, skilled, brave warriors. He raised his voice above the rest. "Song! Boost!" The siblings looked back at him, their eyes blazing with joy.

"Now it's also time for two kits to begin their training." Depthstar took his place on the meeting rock again as the new warriors stepped aside, mewing excitedly to each other. Song playfully batted Stripednose on the nose, teasing him about his name. The tortoiseshell tom purred and licked her cheek.

Milkblaze watched Stonekit race through the crowd to the foot of the rock, looking up at the clan leader with his tail high. Where's Swiftkit? He looked over his shoulder, surprised to see the black and white kit following more slowly, his head low. What's wrong with him? KIts are always ready to explode when they become apprentices! He looked around again. And where is Maplefur? He would never miss their ceremony!

When Swiftkit reached his brother's side, Depthstar spoke. "Swiftkit, Stonekit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. Swiftkit, from this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Swiftpaw."

As Swiftpaw's tail flicked slowly, Depthstar looked into the crowd. "Timberstorm, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from Crowmask, and you have shown yourself to be wise and loyal. I expect you to pass on all you know to Swiftpaw."

As the black and white kit touched noses with Timberstorm, Milkblaze glanced over his shoulder at Poisonedsap. The queen was nodding in approval. He remembered how just yesterday she'd confronted him, claiming that she would not let him mentor Stonekit.

As the clan cheered Swiftpaw's name, Milkblaze narrowed his eyes at the queen. I will be mentoring Stonekit and turning him into a great warrior. And there's nothing you can do to stop me. Poisonedsap met his gaze, her amber eyes glittering.

"Now," Depthstar began. "Stonekit-"

"Depthstar! Depthstar!"

Milkblaze twitched an ear at the alarmed yowls. He and every other cat looked toward the thorn tunnel in surprise, many rising to their paws and murmuring worriedly to one another. Ashcloud and Blackstorm suddenly burst into the camp, panting as they caught their breath.

"Ashcloud? Blackstorm?" Depthstar's blue eyes were fixed worriedly on the two warriors. "What is it?"

What's going on? Milkblaze stared at the warriors as they caught their breath, his heartbeat quickening nervously. Why did they run so far, so fast? A horrible thought struck him. Oh StarClan, is it Maplefur? No... No, it can't be. Maplefur is fine. Maybe some cat has crossed the border, or-

"It's Maplefur."

Blackstorm's words struck Milkblaze like a bolt of lightning, igniting flames of fear inside him. His heart galloped as he stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat as the dark warrior spoke again.

"He's dead!"