[lio]

[ @Slushie ]

Duskstar felt herself lean into the touch, remaining silent save for the quivering breaths she took in an attempt to calm herself down. The voice, goodness the voice was so powerful. It masked any other thoughts she had, overpowering her mind. It was too strong.

Useless. Stupid. Hated. You've just destroyed the Clan. They'd be better off if you never existed. They all hate you. They all want you dead. Just leave. It'd be better with you gone. You're worthless, little Duskfeather.

She couldn't take this. The voice was right. Even StarClan hated her. The fire was her punishment. Maybe it was better off if she just... disappeared.

Many, many heartbeats passed where she simply breathed in the scent of Buckbranch's fur, using it to slowly but surely calm down from her panic. Duskstar took in a deep breath, blinking open her eye to look at her deputy.

"I..." she trailed off, gathering her words, "...I can't be leader anymore..