“It’s bound to be stiff,” Leafpool told her.

Hollypaw narrowed her eyes. There was sharpness in the medicine cat’s voice. Was she frustrated that Cinderpaw was making such a fuss?

“Try stretching it again,” Leafpool meowed.

“Yes,” Hollypaw agreed. “The sooner you start moving around, the better.”

Screwing up her face, Cinderpaw struggled to her feet.

“Try putting a little weight on it,” Leafpool suggested.

Cinderpaw gingerly pressed her paw to the ground. “Ow!” She flopped back into her nest. “It hurts too much, and I’m too tired.”

“Eat these herbs.” Leafpool nosed the pile of leaves close to Cinderpaw’s face. “I’ll fetch some more ointment to soothe the swelling.” The medicine cat was frowning. Was she worried, or upset?

As Leafpool padded to the other side of the cave, Hollypaw decided to try to distract her friend. “Icepaw’s been on her first patrol.”

“Really?” Cinderpaw sounded uninterested.

Hollypaw searched for something else to tell her. Should she share what Brambleclaw had told her last night? She’s going to find out anyway. “Firestar’s giving Poppypaw and Honeypaw their warrior names today.”

Cinderpaw turned her head away and closed her eyes.

“It’ll be your turn soon,” Hollypaw promised.

“I just want to sleep,” Cinderpaw muttered, without opening her eyes.

“Okay.” Feeling wretched, Hollypaw padded to the entrance. “Don’t forget to eat those herbs!” she called over her shoulder.

Cinderpaw merely grunted, and Hollypaw pushed her way out through the brambles.

Jaypaw was heading toward the den.

Hollypaw greeted him. “You’re up early.”

“I’ve been checking on Millie.” He halted beside her. “Were you visiting Cinderpaw?”

“Yes.” Hollypaw sighed. “She seems even worse than the last time she hurt her leg.”

“She’ll feel better once the swelling goes down.”

“Will she be able to walk again?” Hollypaw’s ears twitched. She realized with a jolt that she was terrified of the answer.

Jaypaw blinked. “Of course she will! She’s only wrenched her leg. She should heal quicker this time.”

Is that true? Hollypaw searched his face. “But Cinderpaw won’t even try to move. Last time, we could hardly keep her still.”

“She’s just upset,” Jaypaw mewed. “She was so close to making warrior, and now she’s got to wait.”

“But Leafpool seemed really worried.”

“Leafpool!” Jaypaw snorted angrily and padded past her into the den.

Surprised, Hollypaw watched him go. Had he fallen out with his mentor? But what have they got to fall out over?

“Hollypaw!” Foxpaw’s excited mew made her spin around. The young apprentice nearly crashed into her as she skidded to a halt. “Firestar’s about to give Poppypaw and Honeypaw their warrior names!”

Hollypaw looked up at Highledge and saw Firestar gazing down at the clearing. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather together!” he called.