“Really?” She cocked her head, seeming a little more hopeful.

“Really. I don’t even remember getting my name. Sometimes there’s a vague memory, but . . .” Lucky shook his shoulders. “I remember a young longpaw with yellow hair like a tail. She was in danger. I remember my Mother-Dog being pleased with me. I hear a voice saying Lucky . . . but the memory slips away just when I’m about to seize it, like a sneaky piece of prey.”

Lick gave a rumbling laugh, a deep one that reminded Lucky just how fast the young dog was growing. “At least I’m not the only one, then.”

“It’s not something all dogs do,” Lucky reminded her. “Think of the Leashed Dogs.”

Lick sniffed and said wryly, “They don’t know how to do anything right.”

Poor Lick. She’s putting on a brave face, but I know she’s desperate to get her adult dog name like the others. Covering his anger at Alpha, Lucky nudged her. “You’ll get a Naming Ceremony. Don’t worry.”

“I hope so.” Lick scowled. “Why won’t Alpha let me have one now?”

About the Author

ERIN HUNTER is inspired by a fascination with the ferocity of the natural world. As well as having great respect for nature in all its forms, Erin enjoys creating rich mythical explanations for animal behavior. She is also the author of the bestselling Warriors and Seekers series. Visit her online at www.survivorsdogs.com.

Also by Erin Hunter

Book One: The Empty City

Book Two: A Hidden Enemy

Book One: Into the Wild

Book Two: Fire and Ice

Book Three: Forest of Secrets

Book Four: Rising Storm

Book Five: A Dangerous Path

Book Six: The Darkest Hour

THE NEW PROPHECY

Book One: Midnight

Book Two: Moonrise

Book Three: Dawn

Book Four: Starlight

Book Five: Twilight

Book Six: Sunset

POWER OF THREE

Book One: The Sight

Book Two: Dark River

Book Three: Outcast

Book Four: Eclipse

Book Five: Long Shadows

Book Six: Sunrise

OMEN OF THE STARS

Book One: The Fourth Apprentice

Book Two: Fading Echoes

Book Three: Night Whispers

Book Four: Sign of the Moon

Book Five: The Forgotten Warrior

Book Six: The Last Hope

DAWN OF THE CLANS

Book One: The Sun Trail

Warriors Super Edition: Firestar’s Quest

Warriors Super Edition: Bluestar’s Prophecy

Warriors Super Edition: SkyClan’s Destiny

Warriors Super Edition: Crookedstar’s Promise

Warriors Super Edition: Yellowfang’s Secret

Warriors Super Edition: Tallstar’s Revenge

Warriors Field Guide: Secrets of the Clans

Warriors: Cats of the Clans

Warriors: Code of the Clans

Warriors: Battles of the Clans

Warriors: Enter the Clans

MANGA

The Lost Warrior

Warrior’s Refuge

Warrior’s Return

The Rise of Scourge

Tigerstar and Sasha #1: Into the Woods

Tigerstar and Sasha #2: Escape from the Forest

Tigerstar and Sasha #3: Return to the Clans

Ravenpaw’s Path #1: Shattered Peace

Ravenpaw’s Path #2: A Clan in Need

Ravenpaw’s Path #3: The Heart of a Warrior

SkyClan and the Stranger #1: The Rescue