PROLOGUE
chirpbark

As soon as Archangel's claws swept through ginger fur, as soon as Waspstar's body fell, Chirpbark swore the air was sucked out of his lungs. He stared, shocked, paws shaking, and for a moment it felt as if he couldn't move.

Time blurred around him, warping the world into dripping colors and sounds. Chirpbark leapt forward, pummeling his feet into the ground, stumbling next to Waspstar and pushing his muzzle into his best friend's cheek. Heavy sobs wrenched from his throat and he cursed the world for this, cursed Archangel for the damage he had done. Most of all... Chirpbark cursed himself.

I could've stopped this. I... I could've ended it... He couldn't breathe, couldn't even think about Slap or Sparrowblaze. Words streamed past his lips but he was hardly paying attention, yellow eyes trained on the small rise and fall of Waspstar's chest. "Please..." he managed, choking on his belated breath. "You can't leave me... you can't...!"

Horrified yowls rang through the clearing as more EchoClanners realized what had happened, running to their leader, spitting insults at Archangel. Chirpbark briefly registered Snakeleap and Swiftspeck by their voices, though unlike usual they were thick with emotion, raspy whispers as they spoke their last words to their leader. Waspstar's green gaze was pale and glassy, as if he didn't really know what was happening.

The pain Chirpbark felt for Waspstar was unimaginable. His heart hurt and something inside of him cracked, something Chirpbark wasn't sure was meant to crack. A guttural sob escaped his jaws and he dropped his shaking paws in Waspstar's pool of warm and sticky blood, tears streaming down his face. "Goodbye, old friend," he choked out miserably, unable to speak any further.

By the time Chirpbark's gaze fell back on Waspstar's chest, it was still.

A low wail ripped from Snakeleap's throat as he gazed at his deceased brother. The orange deputy began to lick Waspstar's fur fiercely, as if he'd bring their leader back to life with warmth. "Please, please, please," Snakeleap said desperately, "I can't lose you, I can't live without you!"

"Dad," Swiftspeck whispered, voice low and broken. "Dad, stop." Snakeleap began to break down completely, shoulders heaving with grief. "Snakeleap, stop it! You have to b-be strong right now!"

"Yes," a cold, sly voice cut in, slightly high-pitched with a mischievous lilt. "You must stay strong, being EchoClan's deputy and all..."

The clearing went completely silent, Chirpbark most of all. He turned his head toward Archangel, staring at the skinny white tom, looking into those flashing golden eyes and wondering where he went wrong. I should've killed him when I had the chance. What have I done...? Chirpbark couldn't believe he'd sensed some strange, underlying connection between them. He and Archangel were nothing alike. Right?

In a mere matter of seconds Snakeleap was flying from his place beside Waspstar, screeching as he bowled into Archangel. The two tussled with each other, white and orange fur flying through the air, until Archangel's large paws were planting Snakeleap's head firmly in place with the ground. "Stop!" Archangel snarled, face twisted in rage.

Chirpbark felt someone touch his flank and flinched, snapping his head around. He came face-to-face with Slap, staring at his brother for a moment. A silent Are you okay? passed between the two, and Chirpbark could only give a small nod. He would not break now - maybe not ever.

More movement caught Chirpbark's attention, and as he slid his gaze toward the outer edges of the clearing, his hackles began to raise when he saw Sparrowblaze being tugged forward by Wolf. The brute tom laughed as he shoved her forward, and Chirpbark was quick to stabilize his mate before she went tumbling into the ground. "Are you okay?" he demanded in a whisper, almost forgetting he was sitting right next to Waspstar's cold body.

Sparrowblaze didn't answer, eyes instead training on the still form of their leader. Chirpbark's face paled considerably and he looked away, unable to face his mate, watching as more of Archangel's cats - and rogues - pushed EchoClanners into the clearing. Sparrowblaze curled her tail protectively around her stomach, finally spitting out, "What... what now?"

Chirpbark's mouth was dry as he looked back at Archangel. "I don't know."

"Unless you want your precious deputy to die," Archangel spat, claws leaving score marks across Snakeleap's cheek, "then you'd best heed my advice... surrender now, and I swear, nothing else has to happen. No more blood has to be shed."

For some reason, Chirpbark believed him. As he looked at Sparrowblaze and Slap, an instinctive protectiveness came over him - one as a father, one as a mate, and one as a brother. I must protect my kits. I must protect my family. Chirpbark swallowed the bile in his throat and glanced at Waspstar, chest clenching. I have to save them. I can't fail them like I failed Waspstar.

And so, Chirpbark bowed his head, unnoticeable to any - at least, except Sparrowblaze. His mate stared at him, a look of incredulity on her face, and somewhere inside he thought he saw betrayal. It hurt. Chirpbark opened his jaws to explain, to try and offer some sort of apology for his silent submissiveness, but nothing came out. Chirpbark turned away, tail flicking dust into the air, unable to look at Sparrowblaze anymore.

Archangel stood in the center of the clearing, still pressing Snakeleap into the ground, golden eyes glinting as he gazed at the cats gathered around. "Ah... we have everyone here."

Chirpbark followed his gaze, staring at his Clanmates that were standing in unison, expressions hard - but sad. Dimflare and Cloverpool stood side-by-side, Flamekit and Quailkit tucked behind their legs. Birdcry and Minktalon's tails were intertwined as they glared down at Archangel, and underneath them were Lilykit, Splashkit, and Creekkit. Applefall, Swanheart, Juniperblaze, Peonyflight, Redcloud, Whiteclaw, Breezestorm, Snowblaze, and Nettlewish stood together, chins high. Daypaw and Nightpaw stood shoulder-to-shoulder, Eveningpaw slightly cowered behind. Lastly, Chirpbark and Sparrowblaze huddled together next to Waspstar's body, but Swiftspeck, Ivybreeze, and even Slap stared at Archangel, seemingly telling him to do his worst.

And then, Archangel laughed. It was deep and guttural, an unnatural sound that made Chirpbark cringe, ears pressing to the back of his head. The EchoClanners seemed unnerved, determined dispositions replaced by something more worried. Archangel's teeth flashed and a wide smile stretched over his face, stilling his expression from ear to ear. "You all are cute - really, you are. The looks on all of your faces is priceless. I do hope someone surrenders for the Clan, though, else things might not go too well..."

"Never!" Snakeleap spat.

Archangel growled and slammed his paw into the side of Snakeleap's face, pressing his cheek deeper into the earth. "What was that?"

"We won't surrender," Dimflare said, stepping forward, Cloverpool's tail resting on his russet-furred shoulder. "We aren't scared of you, Archangel. Waspstar may be gone, but we won't surrender to you or your army. We are together, and for EchoClan, we'll do anything."

Swiftspeck tightened his shoulders, brows narrowing. "For EchoClan!" he yowled.

Minktalon and Birdcry lifted their heads. "For EchoClan!" they repeated.

No... Chirpbark thought, staring wide-eyed at his Clanmates. What are you doing? You'll get us all killed!

"For EchoClan!" Juniperblaze and Peonyflight snarled.

"For EchoClan!" Daypaw and Whiteclaw growled.

Sparrowblaze sunk her claws into the ground and tilted her chin forward, ignoring Chirpbark's horrified stare. "For EchoClan!" she said, loudest of all.

Chirpbark stared at her, jaw slack. "What are you doing?!" he said, heart hammering brutally inside his ribcage. It felt like the air had been sucked out of his chest once more, except this time his fear was palpable, so noticeable he began to visibly tremble. "Our kits-!"

"I do not want our kits to grow up in Archangel's world!" Sparrowblaze spat, ginger tail lashing. "If we die here, then at least my children won't have to suffer."

"No!" Chirpbark said, voice edged with terror. "Sparrowblaze, please, you don't mean that...!"

She meant it, and worst of all, Archangel had heard her loud call. His golden eyes drifted toward Chirpbark and they narrowed considerably, tail lashing. "Well... I suppose it's never too early for a lesson, hm?" The white tom latched his claws into Snakeleap's scruff and dragged him forward, practically throwing him to the ground in front of Shadowfire. "We'll deal with him later; for now, I think it's time we gather as a true Clan... with me as EchoClan's rightful leader."

Screeches of anger erupted from the crowd, cats beginning to stream forward toward Archangel. The rogues intercepted them, holding them back with brutal force.

"Enough of this!" Archangel spat. "You all are acting like a bunch of kits! Accept that you've been defeated!"

"Never!" Dimflare snarled, writhing against Hollowstorm's grasp.

"Then you will be one of the first to be punished!" Archangel snarled, lips curing into a snarl. "We're returning to camp now. I suggest you all stop struggling unless you want to be punished as well!"

Chirpbark was harshly shoved forward by Shadefur but he hardly noticed, looking at Sparrowblaze. His heart felt like it had shriveled up and died in his chest, and inside was a black hole, swallowing his entire body. He could've felt something akin to shame, but Chirpbark had gone too far - he had to stay strong and protect his family. That's what he was doing, and even if no one else understood, even if everyone else hated him for it, Chirpbark would be able to sleep at night knowing his family was safe and well.

As the EchoClanners were pushed along, the forest seemed to echo their silence, broad and large oak trees spiraling above their heads. Webs of branches cascaded shattered moonlight down to the ground, and the hum of katydids created a harmony through the otherwise quiet territory. Chirpbark felt apprehension tug at his fur, pelt spiking along his back. An owl hooted from above, spooking him greatly, and as he saw the bird's flashing eyes he recognized Archangel's there.

Because Archangel is a predator, and we're no better than his prey. Then what did that make his loyalists? Were they just as harsh and unpredictable as he was? Was he even doing the right thing, being submissive in silence? Sparrowblaze certainly doesn't think so. A frown tugged on his lips as the group walked, and some deep part of Chirpbark longed to fight back - fight back for his friends, for Slap, for Waspstar. But I can't... what can one cat do?

As the entrance of EchoClan came into view, Chirpbark noticed that the energy had changed drastically. He slowly padded into camp, rubbing shoulders with his mate, looking around at the hum of chatter. Cats he'd never seen before were gathered within EchoClan's walls and Chirpbark swore he could feel his heart leap erratically. What is this? Who are these cats? He had little time to dwell before he was being shoved into the middle of camp with his Clanmates, ears pressing back as he looked over at the loyalists. Archangel made his way into view, white fur rippling as he leapt through the air, claws digging into wood as he crawled on to the High Branch. His golden eyes were bright and a small smile was creeping on his face, and any thoughts of rebellion Chirpbark had kept close faded away into the abyss. These are his recruited cats... and we're completely outnumbered.

Chirpbark was now completely sure that any hint of rebellion would end in certain death.

"Cats of EchoClan!" Archangel said, voice ringing through the clay walls of camp. Voices died away into the wind and heads turned, blinking eyes trained on to Archangel. Chirpbark could feel his paws quivering with apprehension, wondering what was going to happen to the cats that had blatantly disrespected Archangel. And that includes Sparrowblaze... Chirpbark looked over at her and felt his heart throb in his throat, tongue dry like sandpaper. He would usually admire her sharp, determined gaze, but now all he could feel was immense terror for her. I have to do something!

"Here today, we have gathered our..." Archangel's eyes glinted as he continued. "Subordinates."

Dimflare's lips peeled into a snarl at the name.

"And, unfortunately," the white tom sighed, looking disappointed, "some of them aren't keen on accepting my new role as EchoClan's leader. So, I say they deserve a lesson. Don't they?!"

The rogues gathered in camp yowled out their agreement, Shadowfire and Hollowstorm looking the most interested. Chirpbark shuffled his paws and tried to slide closer to Sparrowblaze, but she shifted away before he could touch her. Doesn't she see I'm just trying to help her?! Frustration leaked through his veins until his claws were digging into the ground, and for a moment, Chirpbark wished he was anyone but himself.

Archangel grinned even wider, looking over the EchoClanners. "Why can't all of you be so accepting? Hm? Do you think I want to teach you lessons?" He grunted and flicked his bushy white tail. "For the blatant disrespect shown toward me earlier-"

"You killed my uncle!" Swiftspeck cried, outraged. "Our leader!"

Archangel ignored him. "-some of you will undergo a rigorous lesson, and all I can hope is that you begin to change your minds once it is over." He narrowed his eyes and scanned the crowd, appearing disinterested for a moment, as if he actually didn't want to punish them. "Dimflare, Swiftspeck, Minktalon, Juniperblaze, Peonyflight, Whiteclaw, and..." Archangel glanced at Chirpbark, gaze sliding to his mate, "Sparrowblaze..."

Chirpbark tried to swallow his fear.

"You will not be allowed to eat for three full nights."

The world fell out from under Chirpbark's paws, so much so he hardly heard the cries of outrage from his Clanmates. The brown tom froze, so terrified he couldn't even think to breathe. Panic welled up in his chest until he felt a torrent of emotion whirling inside of him. No, no, no...! Chirpbark snapped his head toward Sparrowblaze and nearly saw red by the hard, accepting look in her eyes.

He couldn't stand here and let her take it - not anymore, not ever again. Chirpbark threw himself to his paws, clearly ignoring Sparrowblaze's furious glare, wildly meeting Archangel's gaze. "Archangel!" he called, horror laced in his voice. "Please... please listen to me...!"

The white tom tilted his head and silence fell around Chirpbark. He didn't even see the deep laceration in Dimflare's cheek, or the scratch on Birdcry's muzzle. "What is it, Chirpbark?" Archangel said, voice silkily sweet, head tilting.

The brown tom inhaled, teeth clenching until his jaw was locked. "Sparrowblaze... she..." Chirpbark looked at his Clanmates and felt a terrible sorrow, wishing that he could save them in some way. I'm sorry... I really am. If I could help you all, I swear in SpiritClan's name that I would. He turned back to Archangel and blew out through his fangs, bowing his head, attempting to appear respectful. "Sparrowblaze is pregnant with my kits, Archangel. Please... if I can step in her place, I will. Just please don't punish her."

Chirpbark didn't miss the betrayed looks of his Clanmates, but he wasn't entirely sure he cared. They don't understand! The tom raised his head and looked at Archangel, trying to communicate his desperation with his eyes. Please, please listen to me.

A moment of quiet passed through the clearing until Archangel grinned widely, placing a paw to his chest. "Oh, Chirpbark! I wish you would have told me earlier! If I am anything, I'm not cruel, isn't that right?"

No one had the energy to argue, too worn from the night's grief.

"I may be your leader, and I may feel the need to discipline those who go out of their ways to disrespect me, but I am not going to place new and expecting mothers in danger. I'm higher than that; I'm better than that." Archangel showed his teeth in a smile, tail flicking. "Chirpbark, your loyalty has been noted. Don't worry about stepping in; I've taken our chat into consideration, and our interesting conversation has given you some brownie points! Only your other Clanmates have to be punished. I'm sure that's not a problem for you, though, is it?"

The relief Chirpbark felt nearly overshadowed the humiliation of Archangel's mention of their talk, right before Waspstar's death - the best chance Chirpbark would've gotten to kill Archangel. But the only time he'd ever killed was when it was personal, and Archangel hadn't ever done anything to him, at least not to his family - and not to his own skin. Friends aren't family. Waspstar, no matter how much he wanted it to be true, was not Chirpbark's brother. Sparrowblaze and Slap, on the other paw, were family, and Chirpbark would protect them to his last breath.

"Th-thank you," Chirpbark finally said, continuing to ignore the angry stares of his Clanmates. "I... I appreciate that, Archangel."

And as he stepped back, as his chosen Clanmates were rounded up into the empty elders' den, a plan formed in Chirpbark's mind. A plan that, no matter how morally flawed, had to work. As long as he could protect his blood, Chirpbark would do anything - and if that meant growing close to Archangel, well, then he could live.

He just hoped that, one day, his Clanmates would finally understand.

-
Hey, guys! Welcome to the prologue of Blood Moon, which I'm really excited to get out to the world! I hope you guys enjoyed, and don't worry, we'll really be exploring more of the cast next chapter!

Who are you guys excited to see? What do you think will happen next? I'd love to hear what everyone thinks! Thanks so much everyone, and most of all, huge shoutout to Alina, aka lovelorn-burnings , for being a motivator for me, a helpful hand in the planning of this story, and my beta reader! Go give her a follow if you aren't already.

Thanks for reading, and as usual, may SpiritClan light your paths!

Up next: Snakeleap deals with his new life in EchoClan. Meanwhile, talk of a rebellion rises within the subordinates.