[lio]

[ @Slushie ]

She gave a weak smile.

"... just now. I- I can't do it anymore, Buckbranch. The Clan hates me. StarClan hates me. The other Clans hate me. I've destroyed this Clan more than I could have ever imagined. The fire was my punishment for being a horrible leader, wasn't it? I said I'd make this Clan stronger, but all I've done is break it down. I just... I can't keep trying. ThunderClan would be better off without me leading."

Duskstar took a shaky breath, looking down at her paws with a frown. For now, she had managed to silence the nagging voice. It seemed to be satisfied.

"I trust you with leading the Clan, Buckbranch. Please, please make it better. Fix everything I had destroyed. Make things right. I know you can be a better leader than I was."

The she-cat chuckled quietly, though it was weak. Sadness loomed over her and she could only listen to the sound of her heart beating. For once, she would be making the right choice.

"Tomorrow, we will go to the Starcave and you will receive your lives. I will give up my remaining lives and it will be your duty to build up from the mistakes I had made. Just... please promise me that you will be a better leader than I was."

She looked at him, hope glinting in her eye. Please.