He raised his voice over the murmurs of alarm speeding through the Clan. “The loner Sol appears to be encouraging this belief. But I hope StarClan will have a greater influence over ShadowClan in the end. I believe they will speak through Littlecloud and to Blackstar himself. StarClan have never let us down before. Perhaps they let Blackstar stray for a reason. But I’m sure they will bring him back to the Clans. All will be well. Remember how the sun disappeared? But then it came back again, as warm as ever. This darkness will pass too, I’m sure.”

As the Clan stared up at their leader, Lionpaw remembered Sol’s words: The light will return, just like the sun came back, but it will be your light, and yours to control.

His blood-soaked dream lingered in his mind. Was he ready for such power? Did he even deserve it?

CHAPTER 25

He doesn’t believe what he’s saying.

Jaypaw lifted his muzzle toward Firestar. He’s not sure at all that this darkness will pass.

He felt Lionpaw tense beside him, uncertainty prickling beneath his brother’s pelt. Hollypaw’s tail whisked the ground.

“Can’t we get rid of Sol?” Dustpelt called.

“Blackstar has to make his own choices,” Firestar answered.

“Even if it affects all the Clans?” Sandstorm demanded.

“We shall go on as usual,” Firestar declared. “We shall hunt and take care of our kits and our elders. We shall patrol our borders the same way we did in the forest. The same way we have done here. Whatever change comes, we will listen to StarClan and use the warrior code as our guide.”

Hollypaw let out a slow breath. “The warrior code,” she murmured. “The warrior code.” She repeated it as though it were the answer to everything.

Jaypaw envied his sister’s faith. And her ignorance. She didn’t realize that Firestar was taking as much comfort from his words as his Clanmates.

He has to believe things are going to be all right, for the sake of the Clan.

Firestar shifted on his paws. “I have good news to share today as well as bad.”

Jaypaw looked up, surprised. What good news?

“ThunderClan is still strong. We have proved ourselves in battle, and we know that StarClan still watch over us.” His tail brushed the ledge. “There are three new warriors to be named.”

Jaypaw flinched as excitement blazed from Lionpaw and Hollypaw. It was like sitting between two suns.

“Lionpaw, Hollypaw, and Cinderpaw.”

Pebbles cracked as Firestar bounded down the rocks and into the clearing, where the Clan were already making space for the naming ceremony.

Brackenfur darted over to Hollypaw and smoothed her fur with his tail. “Well done,” he purred.

Ashfur weaved past Lionpaw. “You’ll be a fine warrior.”

“I’ll make you proud of me,” Lionpaw promised.