Ravenpaw’s paws pounded the soft grass as he ran full-speed away from WindClan territory, hoping the rain would be enough to hide his fear-scent from any patrolling cats.

As he ran, his mind drifted to the events of the night. Frostfur’s missing kits, her fury when he went to check on them, the terrifying run through WindClan territory with his friends. He knew he was running away from everyone and everything he knew, that things would never be the same. He ran, knowing even if Tigerclaw was dead, he could never, would never go back.

He reached the barn where he knew Barley, the loner, lived, and padded inside cautiously. He saw the large black and white tom curled in a nest in the far corner. “B-Barley?” Ravenpaw meowed, his voice shaking. Barley’s eyes opened drowsily, but he stood up immediately when he recognized his guest.

Weren’t you with Bluestar when she got attacked by those rats?” he asked, but continued on without waiting for an answer. “You’re sopping wet! Did you run all the way here? Is everything alright?”

Ravenpaw’s voice faltered for a minute, not sure how much to say. He decided to tell him everything. He owed the loner that much, considering what he was about to ask of him.

“…and then I ran here,” Ravenpaw finished. He took a deep breath, thinking about how to word his request. “I… I want to stay here and… and live with you.”

Barley looked into Ravenpaw’s eyes seriously and said, “Won’t you miss your friends? Your clan?”

”Of course I will!” Ravenpaw replied more confidently. “But I can’t go back, not with Tigerclaw around.”

Barley studied him for a few moments, while Ravenpaw looked around the barn nervously. Finally, after what seemed a moon, Barley meowed, “it would be nice to have some company around here.”

And even as Barley spoke, Ravenpaw felt himself relax. He knew, had always known, this was where he belonged...