The temperature in the den dropped. Heartstorm pressed his back to the cold den wall. 

           "Well, she was going to die anyway," Frogleap muttered. Reedstar didn't seem amused, just angered. Thornstar looked deep in thought. Heartstorm felt guilt flood him. He had killed a cat. Yes, he hated her...., but he had still killed her out of anger. 

            "Heartstorm, she was the only way we could find out about ShadowClan's plans," Reedstar said slowly, trying to keep his temper in. "What are we going to do now?" Heartstorm shrunk back from Reedstar's accusing eyes. 

            "There was nothing more she could tell us that we didn't already know or that was important," Thornstar put in. Heartstorm wanted to run away. How could Thornstar still be protecting him when he had done everything wrong? 

            "Thornstar, I told you he wasn't right! He isn't- he isn't ready yet!" Reedstar retorted angrily then looked coldly at Heartstorm. "I understand she was annoying you but you had to control yourself. You could have walked out instead of listening to her. But you chose to stay. You chose to listen. And you chose to kill her." Heartstorm couldn't say a word. It was like his mouth had gone dry. He just hung his head. Frogleap sighed. 

             "So what are we going to do?" he asked. 

             "Well Heartstorm needs to be punished," Reedstar said firmly but not meanly. He didn't look as angry anymore but Heartstorm felt a sinking feeling. He couldn't be kicked out of RiverClan. RiverClan was all he had. Silverdrop, Bumblekit, Brightkit, Eelfrost, Deerflame, Thornstar... He needed them. He couldn't leave. He wouldn't be able to make himself a new life. 

              "How?" Thornstar asked with a sigh. 

              "The Clan must not know Heartstorm killed Cinderstar," Frogleap put in. "He is the deputy." 

              "Well this shows he shouldn't be," Reedstar said. 

              "Reedstar, you saw how Cinderstar provoked Heartstorm. And she wouldn't have lived for more than a few days anyways. Our food supplies were also getting low," Thornstar poined out. 

              "How about this?" Reedstar suggested. "We'll tell the Clan that Cinderstar died because of her sickness so his life in RiverClan isn't destroyed. I do want him to stay in RiverClan." He gazed at Heartstorm with a sort of fondness but Reedstar needed to be firm. He was the leader. 

             "And Heartstorm can return to being a warrior," Reedstar said. Thornstar took a deep breath but gave a feeble nod. Frogleap shrugged. Heartstorm wanted to shout back, to fight back for his role. But there was nothing he could say. Reedstar was being much more generous than he should. Heartstorm hadn't realised how attached he had been to his role until now, when it had been snatched away. His heart beat faster and he felt a ringing in his ear but he deserved it. 

             "Reedstar-" Thornstar began but Reedstar silenced him with a flick of his tail. 

            "I deserve it," Heartstorm spoke up, finally finding his voice. "I'll give up my role." Reedstar nodded in content and Thornstar looked like he was going to argue but Heartstorm shook his head. 

            "Tonight, I will appoint a new deputy," Reedstar said. Heartstorm hung his head. "I am sorry it didn't work out Heartstorm." Reedstar looked genuine as he sighed sadly. 

            "Thank you," whispered Heartstorm, looking mostly at Thornstar. He slipped out of the den, not wanting to face anybody anymore. He heard somebody call his name but he brushed past, walking faster towards the camp entrance. He slipped out. A cold wind ruffled his fur but he didn't pay attention to it. He walked deeper into the forest. Faster and faster. Till he was running. Running because he wanted to run away from what he had done. But he couldn't. He ran through the forest, streaking past trees, rivers, rocks... He halted. Panting hard. Slowly, he sunk to the floor. It was no use running anymore. He took deep breaths. Feeling the cold seep into his fur. He closed his eyes.