Prologue
The moon rode high in the sky and shone with a pale silver light onto the backs of the warriors. They sat, bodies entwined, on the banks of the River.
"You know that we can't ever be together," said Sweetfur.
"I know, but I would risk everything to be with you," murmured Hawkshadow. "You are windclan and I Shadowclan." He licked her ear gently.
"Hawkshadow, I-I'm expecting our kits. What should we do? If our clans ever found out..." She trailed off.
"Neither of us could keep them, but I have a friend in Riverclan whose mate's kits died very young. She still has milk. If you want, I will ask them.