The moon shone bright that night. The sky was a dark blanket of indigo, dotted by shining white stars. Fresh, crisp air drifted through the air, causing leaves to stir ever so briefly.

A she-cat stood in a clearing with smooth rocks, staring at the sky. Her eyes were filled with melancholy that one could not tell with one glance.

"Staring at Silverpelt?" it was the voice of a tom, who took a seat next to the sombre she-cat.

She gave no answer. As moonlight reached the cats' pelts, it was revealed that she-cat had a light grey pelt, with lighter patches.

It was then the she-cat realised the grey tom beside her. Her pelt burned in embarrassment as she could not recognise the voice of her own Clanmate, more importantly, one that she admired.

"S-sorry," the she-cat apologised. "I didn't realise it was you."

"No apologies required," the polite tom meowed warmly, like he always do. "Do you want to talk about it?"

His blue eyes met hers. She broke away from his gaze and looked at her paws.

"I'm worried," the light grey she-cat mewed. "It feels that the Clan is crumbling apart."

"Everyone is worried," the tom pointed out gently.

The hope in the she-cat's belly dwindled. He always used that tone when comforting other cats - perhaps it hinted that she was not special to him.

Noticing that he was waiting for a response, the light grey she-cat changed the subject. "Do you like any she-cats in particular?"

The tom looked startled. "Why do you ask?"

"J-just asking."

The stars seemed to stop as he thought of an answer. The she-cat shifted uncomfortably, wondering if she should have been more subtle.

Maybe... he doesn't l-

"Lilyflower," the tom spoke softly. Her heart fluttered as he said her name.

"Huh?" she stumbled over her words. "I-I... Well, it's just that... I always admired you and..."

He put his paw on her mouth. "I understand."

"Y-you do?"

"I have always noticed that look on your face when we made eye contact. But when I wanted to ask about it, you would run off," the grey tom meowed. "At first, I thought you did not want anything to do with me. After all, I'm just a norma-"

"No," Lilyflower blurted out. "Umm, what I mean is that you are special, to me. You are the most hardworking warrior in the Clan, the nicest to any cat and respectful towards the elders, even though they may be sharp with their words! I..."

"I love you."

Stunned by her words, he took some time to regain his composure. "Y-you do?"

The she-cat nodded. "Will you be my mate?"

It was the moment of truth. The question that lingered in her head for many moons was about to be answered by the cat she loved so much.

His blue eyes softened. "I love you too, Lilyflower, and I accept. I will be your mate."

As soon as he finished his words, he stepped forward, giving Lilyflower an affectionate lick on her forehead.

The tom bounced on top of one of the rocks, facing the light grey she-cat. "Let StarClan be the witness to my words to you tonight," he mewed. "I promise that I will always treat you, Lilyflower, with respect and love you forever. We will have many beautiful kits and I will protect them all."

Watching the tom with moonlight glimmering in his fur making a simple yet powerful declaration before StarClan moved her to tears.

Little did Lilyflower knew, that her kits would grow up without a father.