~ Immortality unveiled ~Tom Riddle x Reader 🐍🌶

Chapter 25 ~ Passage of hope ~

UPDATED Sep. 18th.2024

*Tom's POV*

It's been nearly two years since our paths diverged, but Eva haunts me still. Like a shadow in the back of my mind, she lingers, a constant reminder of what once was—of what she could have been. Her defiance, her spirit, that insufferable spark of rebellion—it should have disgusted me, yet it drew me in deeper. I despise how she became a weakness, a temptation I loathed to admit.

And now, she's fallen into Grindelwald's hands.

That old fool. He thinks he can keep what is mine. But I know exactly what he's doing. He's after what only Eva can unlock—her connection to magic older and darker than anything he could ever wield on his own. If he uses her, he'll become a threat.

I cannot let him have her.

The thought simmers in my mind as I stride through the dark halls of my manor, calculating my next move. My followers wait outside, ready for my command, but this mission is personal. My usual cold detachment is cracking, and a rage is building inside me. A fury I don't fully understand but refuse to acknowledge.

I reach my private chamber, a sanctuary of dark magic and control. The walls are lined with ancient tomes and relics of power—objects that bow to my will, unlike people. I sit at my desk, quill in hand, and jot down my thoughts with swift, precise strokes. The plan forms, each detail sharpened by my singular focus: Eva must be freed. Not just because Grindelwald will use her against me. No, it's more than that.

I need her.

"My lord," a voice interrupts, tentative and cautious. I don't need to turn to know it's Avery.

"What is it?" I reply sharply, still focused on the parchment.

"The Death Eaters are ready to leave, sir," Avery says, fear creeping into his tone.

I twirl my wand between two fingers, a cold smile spreading across my face. "Good. I will join."

Avery hesitates, and that slight pause grates on my nerves. "My lord... are you sure? It could be dangerous—"

I stand swiftly, turning to face him, my eyes locking onto his in a deadly stare. "Did you just interrupt me, Avery?"

His face drains of color as he stammers, "N-no, my lord. Forgive me."

"Do not make me remind you of your place," I say, my voice a low, dangerous hiss. I step forward, wand still spinning in my hand. "I will join. In fact, I look forward to meeting the 'legendary' Gellert Grindelwald face to face. In the end, the student always surpasses the master, doesn't he?"

Avery bows his head quickly. "Yes, my lord. We'll be ready."

With a swift flick of my wand, I Apparate, vanishing from the manor into the cold, oppressive night.

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The journey to Grindelwald's fortress is filled with peril, but that is of no consequence. My followers, the newly christened Death Eaters, flank me, but I move ahead of them. This mission is mine. The dark silhouette of the fortress looms before us, jagged against the night sky like a cursed monument to his hubris.

I slip through the shadows like a predator, my presence masked by concealment charms woven so tightly, not even Grindelwald's best sentries can detect me. The guards are nothing—easily dispatched with swift, silent flicks of my wand. No need for grand theatrics, just clean, efficient deaths.

My heart pounds with anticipation as I approach the core of the fortress. I can feel her—Eva. The magic radiating from her is familiar, intoxicating, and more powerful than I expected.