Wails pierce the air until the next morning, the blood red sky streaking across the morning like a comet. I watch it rise all too fast, the sinking sensation in my throat falling as it goes up. So many dead... the forest is bleeding.

Dying.

Moonblaze's groans are the loudest as she bears the children of Foxfang. Tigerkit, Serpentkit and Bronzekit will grow up in a bleeding forest.

I pity them.

Mothstar watches the camp, from her tree she watches the kits mewl for milk. Just born. Oh so innocent, oh so little...

Ravenwing waits in the elder's den, bleary eyes and bleary heart in tune with each other. Every bone in her body creaks with the suffering it has endured.

Her mate, dead.

Her kits, some evil, some dead. Hard to tell what's worse.

Shadowstep works in the medicine den alone, although Amberkit stops by every now and then to assist her nowadays... so much to heal now, after all.

The clan is holding it's breath for the ceremony today. I, myself, am excited more than I wish to show. I almost want to slash myself for it. I should be mourning for Blazefur, but the idea of a new deputy is still exciting. I hope it's Flintfang, or Firepool. Either one would be great.

"All cats gather around the Hightree for a clan meeting!" It's time already. I get up from my solitary position at the edge of camp, where warm sunshine is chased away by fresh breeze. It's a good place for resting and sharing tongues, but I know it can wait.

"As you know, many cats died last night. They did not die in vain and to honor their spirit, we will continue to grow strong. It is time for one of the saddest and most sacred rituals in the clans- the choosing of a new deputy."

Everyone in the clearing murmurs, dissent and remorse fresh in their voices. No one wants a replacement. We all want our family and friends back. It's too late now...

"Over the body of Blazefur, I choose my new deputy. May his spirit hear my words and approve my choice as he carries on to StarClan. Icestorm will be the new deputy of DragonClan."

I expect a rebellion. I receive silence. I'm not actually sure which is worse.

I dip my head to the watching cats, and then raise it slowly. They don't know. Mothstar whispers, "Make it happen, prophecy cat."

My hackles rise. She thinks I'm destined to save them with a prophecy.

She doesn't know it's all a lie.

I am a lie.

My pupils dilate to slits as I see the cats, intently sizing me up one by one. Those I love are cheering my name, and soon the whole clan takes it up with gusto- "Icestorm! Icestorm! Icestorm! Icestorm!"

I want them to stop, but my throat is dry.

I can almost hear it under me, subtly terrifying- the sound of cracking ice.