Riverstar shifted slightly on his paws as he watched the river. It had saved him before, and he had no doubt in his mind it would save him again. He missed Finch. His mate had died while kitting, leaving behind three very weak kits who barely managed to survive. Thinking on it now, it must have been a miracle of StarClan.

The small shifting of pebbles caused him to divert his attention to whoever was approaching. Walking towards him was a cat he recognized. One of his warriors, that is.

They were nigh silent as they trotted towards him. “Riverstar. You’re out late.”

He gave a mrrp of laughter. “You are too, you know.”

“Mm. Perhaps, but I have a reason to be up. Do you?”

“Can’t a tom just stay up because he wants to?”

“Yes, however, you seem to have something on your mind. Is it about her?”

The silver tom fell silent, gazing out at the churning water before speaking quietly, “Always.”

“I’m sure she’s watching over you,” the warrior told him gently, giving his ear a comforting lick. “Get some rest when you can, Riverstar. It’s late.”

“I will. Don’t worry about me,” he meowed in response, his eyes never straying from the river despite the lick to his ear.