Whisper's POV:
As we are making our way to the torture chambers, I contemplate on whether or not to tell Shade about what Thomas did to me. I decide against it for the time being. My siblings come first. We enter the torture chambers to find my family there. There are two weasels dead on the ground. Mom is shaking and staring at them. By the look on her face, I can tell she recognizes them. The look of terror in her eyes is overwhelming. I head over to mom and embrace her. "Mom, don't worry. It's over," I speak softly.
"Whisper! You're safe! You're all safe! Thank goodness!" Mom gasps in relief, hugging me back.
"Yes, we're safe, thanks to Shade," I reply.
"Oh, don't thank me. I didn't do anything special!" Shade argues modestly.
"No, Shade. You did everything! It was you who led us to freedom again. Your love for me is greater than the evil that had me imprisoned. You saved my life!" I smile as I hug the love of my life.
Shade blushes, but has enough sense to hug me back. "I love you, Whisper," Shade speaks softly in my ear.
"I love you, too," I reply, hugging Shade a little tighter.
The sound of my father clearing his throat causes us to break away. "So, now that ya two lovebirds met again, let's get out of this hellhole," dad suggests.
"I'm with you on that one," Colby puts in. I notice his face droop a bit as he looks towards the living chambers, where his mother died.
"Colby, you and your siblings will be alright. We'll take care of you," I try to comfort him.
"You?" Dad asks.
"Yes, dad. I think it's time for me to spread my wings," I explain.
"Wot? But you're a teenager!" Dad protests.
That's when Shade steps forward. "She won't be alone. I…Buck, you know I love your daughter. If it's okay with you and, of course, Whisper, I would like nothing more than to marry her," Shade speaks softly, yet with the strength of his emotions that choke me up.
"Shade, I…I love you! If…if dad doesn't mind…Of course I'll marry you!" I throw my arms around Shade. We look over at dad nervously. I put on my best pleading look.
Dad doesn't look too happy about it but, at the sight of the look on my face, he seems to reconsider. "Normally, I wouldn't allow 't. However, I know 'ow much ya love my daughter. Ya risked yer life fer 'er. Ya 'ave my approval, soon-ta-be son-in-law," dad smiles and claps Shade on the shoulder.
"Thanks, daddy!" I laugh as I hug dad. I release him and return to my soon-to-be mate. Things are perfect (for now). If I have my way, things will never get bad again. All I can think about as we begin to return to my grandparents and the other three kits is how perfect our lives are slowly becoming.