The Heart of a Lion

Chapter 1: For the Love of an Apprentice

The drone of the Gathering faded as I scurried away from the tree where all the Clan leaders were perched on. I scanned around hopefully for the one cat I wished to see. "Lionpaw?" I called out quietly, my voice barely a whisper. I feared that someone else would hear.

"Heatherpaw, I am here," the familiar voice of Lionpaw answered. "Are we alone?"

"Yes." I pushed her nose in his fur, and cherished every moment being in his presence. "I have been waiting for days. How come you haven't come to see me?"

Lionpaw's golden amber eyes sparkled, reminding me of honey. "I have tried, believe me. I got on as many patrols on the WindClan border as I could."

I sighed. "Crowfeather has been insisting I improve my battle training techniques instead of focusing on hunting and patrols."

Say it. You know you want to, I told myself and dreamily focused on his golden fur, soft eyes, strong muscles. He is like a warrior from LionClan. But how could I? I could just spoil the moment? What if Lionpaw didn't feel the same way?

"Do you dream of me?" I countered curiously.

Lionpaw shrugged. "Hard to say since every moment I spend around you is a miracle," he meowed, making my fiery intensity burn stronger for him.

"I wish it could be that way."

I stiffened and turned around when I heard Leopardstar's high-pitched yowl bringing the Gathering to a closing. It was over already? How could that be? I didn't want to leave now. There was still so much more I had to say.

I kneaded the ground and my paws traipsed me back in the direction of the island clearing back to where my love would remain hidden in the shadows of the warrior code, and where happiness was deprived from those who secretly longed to be somewhere else. Lionpaw's tail touched my back and I automatically stopped, shivering where he touched me.

"Wait. We don't have to go back, you know," Lionpaw insisted. "Tonight is a beautiful night."

I stifled a sad purr. "I know, but our Clans will be wondering where we are."

Lionpaw's eyes were full of pleading. "Let them wonder. Tonight is a night where we can be who we are, and no one can stop us. Not even StarClan."

Why couldn't I just say yes?

"Heatherpaw, do this for me. I want to be with you, just for one night." He circled around me and my paws itched to join him.

Guilt is a small price to pay for happiness, I decided. I could scent my Clan getting farther away as they went toward the tree bridge on the other side of the island, but for once I didn't care. Let them leave.

Lionpaw watched them go with satisfaction and I could feel his relief and excitement when he saw that I did not follow after my Clanmates. "We will stay here on the island. No one will be here but us."

We were all alone, and my excitement deepened. "Yes," I said.