I remember from the start being told to respect my mentor. Then again, when I was brought home by Twoeye and Whiteleg. But Shadeheart was making it hard.
He was always running off with Softwillow, as if the pack wouldn't notice. Like, come on. You're not being subtle about it.
I just know Shadeheart is counting down the days until I'm old enough to be on my own.
Here I am, trotting through the woods, looking for bearberry, when I hear the rustle. I whip my head around before the older wolf jumps out at me.
"Sunfur!" I yelled. "It's just me, Silverpaw!"
"Crap, sorry. I thought you were an invader," Sunfur replied. "Where's Shadeheart?"
"Back at the den," I replied, scanning the clearing for any herbs. "He has some salves he needed to put together."
"You shouldn't be out here by yourself," Sunfur said, plopping down. Her stomach was heavy with the pups she was carrying. "You could get killed."
"I'm plenty old enough to handle myself," I replied.
"I'm plenty old enough to retire," Sunfur droned on. "As soon as these pups are weaned, I'm moving to the elders' den."
We stayed there, talking, for the rest of the day. It was the most peace I've had since I became an apprentice.