“Relax, I’m not here to harm you.” She stood up and stretched. “Your mate, however, is a different story. We haven’t hurt her yet, but she’s on very thin ice. She doesn’t seem to want to... cooperate. She has a certain unfortunate habit that involves mentioning smart remarks in situations where they’re best left unsaid.”
"She's alive?" He almost collapsed with relief. "Can I see her?"
“I can’t take you into the Dark Forest,” she answered. “We’ll give her back, but on one condition.” She took a threatening step forward. “You have over your leadership for ThunderClan. I suggest you make your decision quickly, because we’re already planning on punishing her for something she said earlier today. If it doesn’t seem to help, then perhaps something involving your kits will quiet her.”
He gasped in fear. "Not our kits!" I can't hand over ThunderClan! But our kits lives might be in danger... And they fight dirty. They might not even give her back...
“On second thought,” she added lightly, “I might be able to take you to her. Follow me. But be quick. This visit won’t be long.” She walked into the darkness, not even glancing behind her.
He quickly followed
Darksky stopped when they reached Lilyflight, who was sleeping. “Wake up,” she snarled, slashing her across the shoulders. Perhaps if she was more rough than usual, Bramblestar would be persuaded.
He resisted the urge to pin her down. "Lilyflight?" He mewed timidly. "Are you okay?"
She opened her eyes, not darting to say anything to Darksky. “Bramblestar!" She managed to get to her paws. “Are you okay? What are you doing here?” Her joy at seeing him again was tainted with worry. Darksky, meanwhile, seemed to melt into the background.
