Firepaw and the rest of the group return to find ShadowClan has attacked the ThunderClan camp, just as both Firepaw’s and, he learns, Bluestar’s dream foretold. ShadowClan’s fearsome deputy, Blackfoot, raids ThunderClan’s nursery and attempts to steal their kits, but Yellowfang defends them. After ThunderClan drives the ShadowClan raiders out, the mothers are grateful to Yellowfang, and their attitudes toward her soften. But then despair strikes: Lionheart was killed during the battle. Bluestar’s grief at this news is great; Firepaw is unnerved to see her look so defeated. He finds comfort in sitting next to Spottedleaf and feeling her warm fur press against his. Nonetheless, Bluestar, after a brief hesitation, names her new deputy: Tigerclaw. Ravenpaw expresses distress at this news; careful to keep his voice low, Ravenpaw tells Firepaw that Tigerclaw has wanted the deputy position ever since he “took care of Redtail.” Firepaw’s mind reels—did Tigerclaw kill Redtail?

Tigerclaw appears suddenly, looming menacingly over Firepaw and Ravenpaw. Firepaw quickly covers for his friend, diverting Tigerclaw’s suspicions. The next day, Tigerclaw’s first act as deputy is to establish an around-the-clock guard for Bluestar; he decrees that no cat shall approach her without this guard present.