Snowstar stared in dismay as Brightspirit gasped with horror.

"Does the rest of the Clan know?" Brightspirit asked.

Snowstar stood up. "If the whole Clan knew, you would know by now!" he snapped. Brightspirit looked down at her paws and Snowstar sighed and sat back down.

"It is important that you be prepared to be leader," he meowed,"I knew what I was doing when I made you deputy, I know I can leave StormClan and ThunderClan in your paws."

Brightspirit dipped her head, but there was worry in her eyes.

"StormClan and ThunderClan?" she asked, lashing her tail,"I thought we were two different Clans."

"Now we are, but I need you to unite StormClan and ThunderClan," Snowstar meowed.

Brightspirit's eyes widened. "Snowstar, are you sure?"

Snowstar nodded solemnly. "I have never been so sure in my life."

Then Snowstar flicked his tail. "Now, Brightspirit, go back to camp and set up a border patrol," he commanded. Brightspirit dipped her head and started to walk to camp.

Snowstar stood up and started to walk deeper into the forest. He flicked his ears as he suddenly scented prey. He slightly hovered over a bush to see a plump squirrel nibbling on an acorn.

Snowstar went into a hunting crouch and quietly creeped toward the squirrel, then with one big leap he landed on the small creature and killed it with one blow.

Thank StarClan for giving us so much prey in leaf-bare.

Snowstar picked up his prey and started to walk back to camp. He paused as he heard movement behind him. He could barely hear the small growl of a cat.

Snowstar turned around to see an almost transparent cat standing in front of him. His pelt was black with little hairs of gray growing in some parts of him. The tom's eyes were a deep green. He unsheathed his claws as Snowstar turned around.

"Hello, Snowstar," the tom hissed.

"Darkheart," Snowstar growled.