In the name of love (c)

Blazefang was about to do it. She was about to formally make the most important decision of her life. And she wasn’t sure how to feel. Excited to finally be with Dayquill in the open? Determined to protect her kits? Ashamed of breaking her oath to WindClan? Angry at Coyotegrin and StarClan for the whole tunnel fiasco? Guilty for hurting Silverwing? Maybe all of the above. Tentatively but somehow still with determination, the she-cat approached the makeshift leader’s den. “Shrikestar,” she called. “May I speak with you?”

Shrikestar noticed Blazefang coming his way. From the way she was moving to the tone of her voice, he could tell it was something important. What that was, though, he didn't know. "Of course." He stood up and led Blazefang away to as quiet a spot as he could find, where he turned again to face the warrior. "What is it, Blazefang?"

Blazefang sat down, took a deep breath, and began to speak. “Shrikestar, I have several things to tell you, and I doubt you’ll like any of them. Firstly, I have to admit I’ve been seeing a ThunderClan tom in secret for many moons now. We’re really in love, and he’s asked me to be his mate. Secondly, you know I was acting as a surrogate for Mudfern, and you also I’m sure know of his recent passing. We had agreed that if anything should happen to him before the kits were born they’d become mine. Thirdly, I don’t feel comfortable with a lot of the recent goings-on in WindClan and I really don’t want to raise my children here. Because of all this, I’ve made the decision to move to ThunderClan, and I hope we can speak with Mottlestar about it. I do promise you this, though. I won’t tell a soul about the tunnels. Even my mate doesn’t know. The secret will die with me.” There, she’d said it. The queen mentally steeled herself for what was to come. Would she be labeled a traitor?

Shrikestar had to brace himself, as he was being told beforehand that he wouldn't like what he had to hear. Blazefang wasn't wrong: he certainly didn't. To hear that another of his warriors was carrying on an illicit relationship with a ThunderClan cat was heartbreaking. 'I don't feel comfortable with a lot of the recent goings-on in WindClan.' What did she even mean by that? WindClan stood strong above the other clans. There was nothing to be uncomfortable about. His eyes narrowed as he stood tall above the queen, hating what he had to do, but knowing what he must.

"Blazefang, you know the laws of our clan, so I'm sure you know the punishment for this betrayal. I only hope that ThunderClan will welcome you with open paws." He sighed and shook his head, his eyes on Blazefang, but his gaze elsewhere. "I pray that my trust in you to keep the tunnels a secret is not misguided. May... StarClan light your path."