[Dreadnox]

SNOWCRUNCH

[ CLOSED REACTION POST ]

>> He arrived just in time to hear Spiderthroat's voice ringing out over the gathered Clan. His paws slowed as he slipped into the edge of the clearing, his amber gaze narrowing slightly. It wasn’t Bumblestar addressing them. That alone was enough to unsettle him. Where was she? His ears flicked with unease, but he kept his expression neutral, his tail curling lightly at his side as he turned his full attention to the deputy.

Spiderthroat spoke with the weight of someone dragging a boulder uphill. Each announcement landed with force — Wolfhive’s death, Raggedear’s promotion, Risingstorm’s new role. The tom’s awkward pauses and the faint shake in his stance didn’t escape Snowcrunch’s notice, but there was a fierce determination in the deputy’s voice, too, as if he was daring the world to crumble under his paws.

When the new warriors’ names were called, Snowcrunch joined the cheers that erupted from the Clan. "ALPINEMOON! MALLOWSWARM!" His voice rumbled, a rare smile tugging the neutrally stoic features of his face. The names were fitting, tributes to their late mentor, and Snowcrunch silently hoped the two young cats would carry that legacy with pride.

Still, his thoughts churned beneath the surface. Why was Spiderthroat leading this meeting? Why was Bumblestar absent? The uncertainty clawed at him, but he kept his paws rooted. This was not the time for questions. Spiderthroat’s final words lingered in the cold air, an attempt to bolster the Clan’s spirits despite the weight pressing on them all.

As the meeting dispersed, Snowcrunch remained where he stood, his amber eyes following Spiderthroat’s retreating form. He caught the slight shake in the deputy’s legs as he disappeared into the shadows, and a flicker of concern stirring Snowcrunch’s chest. Whatever had happened, the Clan felt… unsteady.

He exhaled slowly, his breath clouding in the crisp leaf-bare air. The Clan would need strength now more than ever, he thought. His gaze swept the clearing one last time before he turned to blend back into the trees, his mind still heavy with the new weight of the meeting.