Radio to the heart

Confrontation with doubters 

The dimly lit corridor stretched before us, the flickering torches casting long shadows that danced across the stone walls. Tapestries depicting past battles hung like silent witnesses to the tension that lurked in the air, their faded colors whispering stories of glory and defeat. Alistair and I walked hand in hand, our fingers intertwined, the warmth of our connection a stark contrast to the chill of the castle's stone. Laughter bubbled between us, an intimate melody against the backdrop of uncertainty.

Suddenly, our lighthearted moment was shattered. Angel Dust and Husk stepped into our path, their silhouettes blocking the way like ominous sentinels. Angel's trademark smirk twisted his lips, an expression that radiated mischief and challenge. "Well, well, look what we have here. The lovebirds in their natural habitat," he drawled, sarcasm dripping from every word.

Husk stood beside him, arms crossed and a look of unimpressed disdain plastered on his face. "What's this? A fairy tale? You really think this is gonna end well?" His tone was heavy, as if he derived satisfaction from trying to douse the sparks of our happiness.

Alistair straightened, the relaxed demeanor he had worn moments before shifting to something more protective. He stepped slightly in front of me, shielding me with his body. "What's your problem, Angel?" he shot back, his voice firm but steady.

I felt the knot of tension tighten in my stomach, but I refused to back down. I could feel Alistair's reassurance through our connected hands, a lifeline in the swirling storm. "You don't know anything, you guys," I said, the words tumbling out with unexpected confidence. "You think you know what Alistair and I have, but you don't." I directed my gaze at Angel, feeling the heat of truth behind my words. "It's probably because you let people walk all over you. You pretty much act like a whore and expect to get whatever you want. And Husk? You just seem like you've got some kind of issue that makes you a jerk to everyone. You can't even manage a positive note. I know we're in hell, but even Charlie seems a little more upbeat than you."

There it was-the silence that followed my words was thick and charged, a palpable tension that hung in the air. I watched as the expressions on their faces shifted, a flicker of discomfort mingling with the surprise. I smiled, a sense of satisfaction washing over me at the realization that I had struck a nerve. I was right, and it felt good to finally say it.

Angel leaned closer, the taunt returning to his voice, though now tinged with something more uncertain. "Oh, just wondering how you can be so sure about her. You barely know her."

"Do you not get enough attention from Oscar?" I shot back, my voice rising slightly in defiance. "Well, maybe you should come out and just tell him how you really feel." A chuckle escaped me, not because I found humor in the situation, but because I felt a rush of exhilaration. Alistair stood by my side, unwavering, and I was proud to face this challenge with him.

Husk's eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something-maybe respect? Maybe begrudging acknowledgment? Whatever it was, it didn't last. "You better watch your mouth," he muttered, but I noticed the edge of his voice had softened.

"Or what?" I challenged, lifting my chin defiantly. The flickering torches cast our shadows long and fierce on the cold stone floor. "You think you can intimidate me? I'm here for Alistair, and I'm not going anywhere."

Alistair's grip tightened around my hand, a silent promise that he was with me. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the confrontation settling in. Whatever doubts they harbored, I was ready to face them head-on. After all, love wasn't about fairy tales; it was about fighting through the darkness together.

The echo of our words ricocheted off the stone walls, amplifying the tension in the narrow corridor. A cool draft whispered through the space, sending a shiver down my spine. I tightened my grip on Alistair's hand, seeking reassurance from his warm presence beside me. His eyes met mine, and I felt a flicker of strength as I turned my gaze to Angel Dust, my resolve hardening like steel.