Mattheo Riddle leans against the doorway, holding a crystal glass of whisky clasped in one pale hand. The amber liquid swirls lazily as his fingers tighten around it. He takes a slow sip, his eyes never leaving you.

You dance, utterly absorbed in the music spilling from the crackling vinyl record. Your movements are fluid, natural, as if the music guides you⎯every note flowing through your veins, commanding your body in ways he does not quite understand. The fabric of your dress sways gently with each dainty turn⎯ free, alive⎯ making his chest tighten.

He likes to think he is above feeling, above these petty human emotions. He has long mastered control⎯over others, over himself. And yet, he cannot tear his eyes away from you. He hates that. Hates that you can unravel him without even trying.

He does not want to admit how you affect him. He will not give you the satisfaction. No. He would rather choke on his own silence, let the bitterness of the whisky burn down his throat, than acknowledge this thing between you.

Mattheo stays rooted to the spot, watching you.

But the music fades. You stop moving, your back still to him. The hiss of the record, the static hum lingering in the aftermath of the music, fills the room like an invisible melody⎯the only sound left in the stifling silence.

He sets the whisky down, no longer interested in its numb comfort.

In two swift strides, Mattheo is behind you. His arm winds around your waist, holding you tightly to him. The press of his chest against your back ignites a fire within him⎯a reckless jealousy searing through his soul. He tilts his head slightly, his lips hovering near your cheek.

“What're you doing?” His voice, though soft, hums with a dangerous edge.

You give no reply. You do not need to.

Mattheo moves, guiding you into a slow, spectral waltz his feet barely stirring against the floor, but it is enough to bind you. His other hand threads through the strands at the nape of your neck, gently tugging your head back, compelling you to rest against his shoulder.