The Dawn of Darkness || T. Riddle

Chapter 23: Back to Business

Twisting herself round to face him, she looked up into those cruelly handsome features; the soft ripples of the pool alighting one side of his face in the green glow, and the other in shadow.

She closed her eyes as Tom let himself wrap his arms around her waist, pulling her towards him almost possessively, and she couldn't help but smile. It was a miracle, she thought, for him to be doing all this. Everything that had happened this evening was a miracle. And when Tom had pulled her so close that their bodies were pressed against each other, she could feel that strong bond they shared – burning and blazing brightly between them - stronger than ever. That dark and delightful pull towards one another that she never wanted to let go of.

His expression turned firm as he gazed down at her. "I think it's time we leave now, Estela."

"Can't we just stay here? Away from all the Death Eaters and Dark Lords."

He let go of her. "I have to go back. I've been gone far too long and I have important things-"

"Forget about them," Estela interrupted, running her hands up his back. "Just for a while longer."

His stare hardened. "I can't."

"You're the Dark Lord," she said sarcastically. "Your followers wouldn't dare bat an eyelash if you return a little later than expected."

He took a step backwards. "It's not that simple. We have to go back."

Estela nodded but then hesitated. "So what happens now?"

"What do you mean?"

"What happens when we get back to the Manor? Will everything go back to the way it was?"

Tom didn't need Estela to elaborate. He knew what she meant.

"Of course not." He said, and even though his tone was delicate, Estela couldn't help but notice the way his jaw muscles clenched as though he had to force himself to speak the words.

She narrowed her eyes and watched him sceptically, unwinding herself from his firm grip before walking away towards the edge of the vast pool and looked down into the clear water. She could see every little detail of the surface of the lake – every little pebble and stone.

"I'm not leaving until we set everything straight. If you think you can return to the Manor and act as though last night never happened, then I really don't think I'll be returning at all."

He came and stood by her side, his mere presence enough to make her heart flutter a bit in her chest. "That's not what I'm going to do, Estela."

She didn't look at him, but instead watched his reflection in the water before her. "Promise me."

"Why? To protect your delicate emotions?" The mockery was evident in his voice.

She pushed him, and his mouth curved upwards ever so slightly as she turned to look at him. "Promise me or I'm not coming back with you."

"Well, I'm not really a man of promises-"

"Say it," she demanded, an appealing grin etching her lips.

"What makes you think I'll do that?"

She smiled. "You'll find I can be very... persuasive."

Tom's eyes gleamed with something foreign but captivating in its splendor. "And I wonder where you learnt that?"

"Say it, Tom Riddle, or you'll lose the best thing that ever happened to you."

He let out a low laugh that echoed through Estela's body, and she knew he was teasing her, leaving it until the last possible moment.