~ Immortality unveiled ~Tom Riddle x Reader 🐍🌶

Chapter 16 ~Consequences~

*UPDATED Sep. 15th.2024*

*Eva's POV*
The next morning:

The soft light of dawn filters through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. I wake slowly, my body aching in a way that feels both satisfying and painful. Tom is still beside me, his arm draped possessively over my waist. For a moment, I allow myself to linger in his embrace, pretending that the world beyond this room doesn't exist—that there are no looming dangers, no missions, no betrayals.

But reality intrudes swiftly.

Carefully, I lift Tom's arm from around me, making sure not to wake him. His hold tightens momentarily, even in sleep, as if he knows I'm trying to slip away. My heart pounds, but I manage to free myself and dress quickly, my mind already racing with plans and contingencies. The weight of the secrets we share hangs heavy on my shoulders.

Just as I turn to leave, Tom stirs, his eyes cracking open, instantly alert. His gaze fixes on me with a sleepy, possessive intensity. "Where are you going?" he murmurs, his voice thick with sleep yet carrying an unmistakable edge of command.

"I need to prepare for the day," I reply softly, leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead. "There's much to be done."

He doesn't release my hand as I try to move away, his grip firm, his eyes darkening with a quiet warning. "See you after," he says, his words more of an order than a farewell.

I nod, offering a weak smile. "Yes, after classes."

His lips curl into a slow, predatory smile that sends a thrill through me, both of desire and dread. "Yes," he repeats, his gaze lingering as I leave the room.

As I step into the hall, the oppressive atmosphere of his chamber lifts, but the weight of what lies ahead does not. I focus on the mission, the secrets I must uncover. Every moment with Tom is fraught with tension—a delicate balance between passion and danger, loyalty and deceit. Dumbledore's warnings echo in my mind, but I push them aside. For now.

In the classroom, Tom is the perfect picture of charm and authority. The students hang on his every word, their admiration palpable. But I know the man behind the mask. Behind closed doors, his charm gives way to something darker—possessive, intense, and at times, terrifying. Each encounter with him leaves me breathless and confused, my feelings tangled between fear and desire.

As I make my way to my first class, Albus Dumbledore's voice calls out softly behind me. "Miss Eva, do you have a moment?"

I pause, turning to face him. His eyes, always so piercing, hold a concern that unnerves me. "Of course, sir. What is it?"

He gestures for me to follow him to a more secluded spot overlooking the landscape of Hogwarts. We stop at the stone bridge, the wind rustling through the trees below, and for a moment, we simply stand in silence.

After what feels like an eternity, Dumbledore speaks, his voice gentle but firm. "How are you faring, Miss Orlov?"

I glance at him, knowing he already senses the truth. "As well as I can, Professor... Albus." My voice carries a sadness I can't hide.

"You have come closer to him, haven't you?" he asks softly. I nod, unable to deny it.

"Be cautious," he warns, his tone serious now. "Tom is an extraordinary wizard, but also a master manipulator. Do not underestimate his power—not just of magic, but of the mind."

I nod again, though deep down, I already know. Perhaps it's already too late.

"I will be careful, sir," I reply, my voice quiet. "But... he has followers, Albus. They call themselves Death Eaters. I don't fully understand why, but I'll find out."