Leafpool’s stomach churned with worry. She had to tell him today. The Medicine Cat simply didn’t have a choice. She had run away from her Clan, abandoned her family, caused the death of her own mentor; but now she broke the Warrior Code. Leafpool closed her eyes in pain.

What am I becoming?

She stood up and slowly trudged over to the fresh-kill pile - hopefully food would make her think straight. She sat down next to Brambleclaw, who tilted his head slightly to glance at tabby she-cat.

“Good eating, eh, Leafpool?” he questioned, smiling.

Leafpool’s eyes immediately flashed down to her stomach. “Y-yes,” she stuttered, painfully aware of Cloudtail’s eyes boring into her belly.

“Hm.” Brambleclaw looked away, a suspicious frown on his face.

Leafpool’s eyes widened. “I’ll be back!” she suddenly mewed, sprinting away. She raced through the thorn tunnel, and swerved right. Wind scent hit her nostrils like ice. Leafpool slowed to a trot, ears flattened against her head. She could smell his scent too easily.

“Leafpool?”

The tabby she-cat’s head snapped, up, her eyes inches away from a pair of icy blue ones. She felt her heartbeat increase, it thudded against her chest so hard it almost hurt.

“Crowfeather.. I.. wanted to tell you something.. Important. I’m--”

The black tom looked away. “No, Leafpool. Don’t. We’re over I’m loyal to WindClan now! Nightcloud, she’s my mate. And I’m going to be a father.. Soon. Whatever it is you need to tell me, I’ll learn soon enough.”

Leafpool’s heart contracted painfully. “Please, Crowfeather. Let me speak!” she begged, her eyes watering. “I meant to tell you a long time ago, I’m.. I’m..”

Crowfeather growled. “Leafpool, you mouse-brain! Are you deaf? I don’t care what happens to you anymore! I don’t love you! I don’t want to look at your face!”

The ThunderClan Medicine Cat closed her eyes and dug her claws into the ground to steady herself. “Crowfeather. I’m pregnant with your kits.” She opened her eyes, expecting to see his bewildered face. But Crowfeather was gone.