"Rose!"

The black she-wolf  looked up, growling harshly at Star Spirit, "Save your breath! She's dead!" She snarled before stalking away. Star Spirit's paws itched to leap at the she-wolf and rip her throat out, put he didn't move, he stood there frozen, staring at his mate's body, tears threatened to pour down his cheeks. Suddenly, he snapped out of his brief trance and rushed toward her.

"Rose! Wake up please!" He begged, gently laying his paw on her side in any hopes of feeling her flank rise and fall with breathing, but he felt nothing, not even the kits inside of her womb. He sobbed in her fur and stayed there, until Pine, Ginger, Bramble, and Storm came to find him. He was a crying mess. Ginger was the first to approach him, she brushed her pelt against his in a comforting and loving way. She was sad, despise the constant arguments between her and Rose for Star Spirit's love. Though, he ignored her as he watched Bramble, his old mentor, and Storm lift the dead queen's body and began to carry her back to the rest of the tribe. Star Spirit tried his hardest to pull himself together, but he couldn't, he stumbled the rest of the way back, Ginger had to support him from time to time.

Once the small patrol caught up to the tribe, Shine, a beautiful black she-cat, rushed up to them, "Diamond is in labor!" She announced, Star Spirit pricked his ears when he heard Diamond's agonized yowl just as Shine said that. The small group of cats rushed to the tribe, which were gathered around Diamond, who was lying on her side, her flank convulsing with spasms. Flower was with her, giving her reassuring words. Crow, Diamond's mate, was panicking like a cornered mouse. Two of Diamond's four kits are already out, Star Spirit watched as the last two were born and their parents gazed lovingly at them. Star Spirit thought of what it would be like to have a family, but his mate and unborn kits are dead. New tears slowly flowed down his cheeks. Shine seemed to notice.

"Star Spirit, I know Rose is gone, but there are still many she-cats out there." She meowed, her tail twitched toward Misty, who was talking to Boulder, she seemed a bit depressed, her usually bright blue gaze was dim and even her pale grey pelt was dull. Star Spirit gazed at her, not knowing why Misty was upset, sympathy filled his gaze.

"She always had her eye on you." Shine continued. Star Spirit glanced at the black she-cat before returning his gaze back to Misty. If he wanted to become her mate, what would happen if she died too? He shook his head to Shine.

"No, I will never love again, now, my only priority is to get our home back."