“Yes, we’re here now.” Leafstar dug her claws into the ground. “When we finally reached the lake, we were told we had to ask another Clan for territory. Then we agreed to share with ShadowClan, and we did our best to satisfy ShadowClan, even when Rowanstar was unreasonable. Then I was told that ShadowClan was disbanding, and I had to take their remaining cats into my Clan. Now—”

Violetshine tried to interrupt, but Leafstar swept on in a storm of indignation.

“Now I’ve worked really hard to blend every cat into one Clan—and you and Twigpaw want to split ShadowClan off again! Twigpaw, what are you even doing here? You’re a ThunderClan apprentice!”

“Leafstar, it’s because—” Violetshine began.

“I don’t want to hear it. Every hair on my pelt is out of patience with you!”

Leafstar whipped around to go back to her own den, but Tree stepped in front of her, blocking her with his tail. Violetshine cringed, waiting for Leafstar to rake a paw over his ear.

“Leafstar, wait,” Tree meowed. “Please listen. This isn’t about what Violetshine and Twigpaw want—it’s about StarClan. When StarClan is happy, all the Clans are happy, right? Couldn’t we save ourselves a lot of trouble by just doing what StarClan wants?”

Leafstar stared at him as if she was wondering where this cat had sprung from, daring to question her decisions. At least she didn’t strike him, Violetshine thought.

At that moment, to Violetshine’s relief, Hawkwing stepped to his leader’s side. “I know you’re frustrated, Leafstar,” he declared. “I’m frustrated too. We seem to have arrived at the lake at a very difficult time for the other Clans. But . . . perhaps Violetshine and Twigpaw—and Tree—have a point. If StarClan has willed it, then we should at least make an effort to have five Clans. Maybe we are missing something. Maybe there is a capable leader left in ShadowClan, who just needs convincing.”

Violetshine waited, hardly daring to breathe, while Leafstar stood in silence for what seemed like endless heartbeats. Finally the Clan leader let out a long sigh.

“Fine,” she mewed. “You can talk to the ShadowClan cats.” With a twitch of her ears toward Violetshine, she added, “Do you intend to leave, too, if ShadowClan splits off again?”

For a moment Violetshine gaped at her, stunned that her Clan leader could ask such a question. “No!” she exclaimed. “I’m a SkyClan cat, through and through. I would never be disloyal. Besides,” she added, “I could never leave Hawkwing.”

Leafstar seemed satisfied by her reply, though Violetshine was aware of Twigpaw, standing beside her, shifting her paws uncomfortably. And no wonder! Violetshine thought. She had no problem leaving.