Eden Hayes was raised to believe that suffering was holy and obedience was love. That faith was law and questions were sins. Tom Riddle was never taught to believe in anything but himself. Their worlds should never have touched, but when they do, neither of them walks away unchanged. Eden learns that there are things far more dangerous than faith. Like a boy who has never learned to worship anything but himself. Warning: This story deals with heavy and disturbing topics, including child trafficking, assault, abuse, violence, death, and trauma. It's intense and not for everyone. Please be mindful of your own comfort levels before reading, as some parts may be difficult to handle. Book 1

"Promise me, Cindria! Please!" Tom pleaded, now gripping my arms in a vice-like a grip. "I won't, I won't promise something when I know I'm going to break that promise, Tom," I said shaking my head. I refused to comply with Tom's demands because I knew one way or another, I'd be forced to get involved in what's happening. Whatever was happening. "Fine! You leave me no choice! Nagini!" I heard Tom say, and when he uttered that familiar name, I began to tremble. "Tom...Tom! what are you doing?" I said weakly, raising my hands to his muscled biceps. "Protecting you," he replied, just as Nagini, Tom's huge snake, slithered into the room. I could feel myself becoming faint and I pressed myself into Tom for protection from the venomous creature. He wouldn't. Would he? He would. "Tom...You promised...You promised that it wouldn't come near me!" I began to panic, now trying to get away from Tom, who held me around the waist, tightly against him. "I know what I promised, Cindria, I promise Nagini won't hurt you. She'll just be outside your door, guarding you, making sure nothing happens to you in case you have any ideas," he told me, putting his hand on my cheek. "Please don't do this, you don't have to do this," I whispered, tears making their way to my eyes.

Time has passed. Tom Riddle is no more. In his place stands Voldemort. Powerful, feared, and seemingly unstoppable. He has done what few ever dared: split his soul, claimed immortality, and built an empire of terror. But even in his rise, something lingers. The past refuses to stay buried. And no matter how far he runs, he cannot escape the shadow of what he lost... or what he destroyed. Disclaimer: This is the second book in the series. While you can read this on its own, it's recommended to read the first book "Kneel" first for a better understanding of the story and characters. Please note that this story does not follow the original Harry Potter storyline and takes place in an alternate universe with its own twists and changes.