Silverspots was restless the next night, one question circling around in her head. Should she trust Echoflight?

But a small voice, the ShadowClan voice in her, was telling her that ThunderClan cats were nosy, arrogant furballs who liked to boss every cat around. Out of all the cats the White Dove had to be, she was ThunderClan?

I suppose I could heal myself without her. It'll just take a few years.

"I'll go," Silverspots tested the words on her tongue. Grooming her fur in a few swift strokes, she slipped out of the camp, aware of Speckleflower leaving too.

This time, she stayed behind the elder. Silverspots was amazed at how effortlessly the elder walked now. She didn't wince every step and moved with purpose, her head high and eyes shining.

If that's what Echoflight can do, perhaps I should trust her. It wasn't too long ago when Speckleflower was moping and devastated.

The long walk had made Silverspots exhausted, yet Speckleflower didn't even pant. They arrived at the Cave of Peace Speckleflower stepping in first. Silverspots hesitated for a few heartbeats before entering. Echoflight looked busy helping Speckleflower, so she waited.

"I think you're done with swimming," Echoflight checked Speckleflower's leg gently.

"Thank StarClan!" Speckleflower purred, although Silverspots could see the teasing in them. "Swimming wasn't too bad, though."

"Try stretching your leg and padding around the cave," Echoflight instructed.

Speckleflower dipped her head and stretched her leg out, wincing as it gave a crack. Silverspots felt new respect overwhelm her for the elder and the White Dove.

Silverspots was memorized as she watched carefully and softly encourage Speckleflower when she staggered to a halt. She was amazed by how gentle Echoflight was with Speckleflower. And finally, when it was moonhigh, Speckleflower left the Cave to see her standing there, eavesdropping.

"Echoflight!" Speckleflower called before shooting her a sharp glance. "You better not blab."

Since when did she become so loyal to a ThunderClan cat?

"I won't blab," Silverspots retorted angrily.

"There you are, Silverspots," Echoflight interrupted them cheerfully. "I thought you might come."

Silverspots reluctantly entered the den, ignoring her instinct to fight this ThunderClan cat. "Well? Help me!"

"You need to trust me and tell me," Echoflight encouraged her.

"I...I..." Silverspots stammered.

Do I trust her?

She's ThunderClan.

But can I trust her?

Her choice could very well change her life. She paused before saying the words.

"I trust you."

"See, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Echoflight swept her tail onto her back, nudging her playfully.

Silverspots relaxed at the friendly gesture. "I keep obsessing over Ebonywind. My dreams are of her. But she doesn't like me anymore."

Echoflight seemed to be thinking hard. "Is there a chance that she isn't just a friend to you?"

Confusion clouded her mind. "What do you mean? She was my best friend, yeah."

"No, not a best friend either," Echoflight phrased her words carefully. "Do you think you loved her?"

"Of course, I did!" Silverspots flared.

Echoflight looked surprised. "Well, that makes things a little clearer."

"As a friend!" Silverspots added.

"Oh," Echoflight mewed, disappointed. "Are you sure? Because from what you've told me, it seems like you perhaps had feelings for her."

I don't. Do I? I can't.

"Ebonywind was my best friend. We hunted together and shared prey together. We were extremely close, and I helped her since I felt sympathy for her. The Clan shunned her and hated her. She messed up a lot when hunting or patrolling with other cats, but with me, she was an angel. Ebonywind didn't do anything wrong when she was with cats that believed in her. She could be very talented if she had more confidence. It's a shame, really."

"Continue," Echoflight urged.

"She could beat any cat in a battle if she had the motive and the confidence. Ebonywind is a strong cat, but she's been broken too many times to reach her full potential. I hoped that I could help her...but she doesn't like me." Silverspots finished off with a sigh.

"Can you describe her?" Echoflight asked.

"Ebonywind has the softest fur. She's a calico she-cat with silver and tan fur. Her fur shines under the sun and glows in the moonlight. A bit like your river. Her eyes are the most beautiful green. They changed colour too. Once, she was extremely sad and her eyes were murky green. They were dull and she looked so sad. So sad that I joined her and comforted her. I helped her and her eyes brightened up like the sun coming out of a cloud. That's when we became best friends." Silverspots smiled at the memory.

Echoflight looked torn. "And you're sure you never loved her as...a mate, but only as a best friend?"

"Why do you keep asking?" Silverspots growled in frustration. "I don't! I've told you!"

Annoyed, Silverspots stormed out of the cave, lashing her tail. She sat outside the cave, waiting for Echoflight to come out and soothe her. But the White Dove didn't.

Some White Dove. More like Lying Dove. A cheat. A faker. I need the real White Dove.

Is Echoflight the White Dove? Can I trust her? Questions raced around her brain and suddenly, the weight of it seemed really heavy.

"It's alright. I understand you might not trust me." A small voice mewed.

Silverspots spun around to see Echoflight had come out quietly. "I want to trust you. But my instincts tell me not to."

"That's fine. You could always come back another day, when you feel better. And think on it, because I believe your heart wants Ebonywind. That's why you know her so well and you're obsessing over her." Echoflight's voice was calm and steady. She truly believed what she was saying.

Silverspots snorted before she thought on it. Do I love Ebonywind? Certainly not anymore. She doesn't love me.

"I suggest you talk to Ebonywind," Echoflight continued. "Both of you are hurting, and the only way to fix that is to talk to her."

"Alright, I'll talk to her," Silverspots agreed. "Good night."

Echoflight dipped her head. "Good night and may StarClan light your path. May your decisions be correct, and your friendship be restored."

A/N - sorry I haven't updated in a while. I published chapter 12 a day ago, but it didn't seem to work, so here's an extra chapter!