The sound of your footsteps echoed softly in the empty corridor as you made your way through the castle. It was a quiet evening, the shadows long from the torches along the walls. You weren’t expecting anyone when suddenly, the familiar figure of Tom R appeared in front of you.

He leaned against the stone wall, his arms crossed casually, but his eyes locked onto yours with an intensity that made you pause. There was something about him, an undeniable pull that made it hard to look away. His gaze was calculating, as if he was reading you in ways no one else could.

—"You seem... lost," Tom remarked, his voice smooth like silk. "I’m surprised to see you wandering here alone. Usually, people can’t help but follow the crowd."

You raised an eyebrow, not sure if he was genuinely curious or if he was simply toying with you. There was something about his words that made your stomach flutter, but you held your ground.

—"I prefer my own company," you responded coolly, though your heartbeat quickened slightly under his watchful gaze.

A flicker of something—amusement, perhaps?—crossed his features as he stepped closer, the air between you thickening.

—"Interesting," he murmured, voice low and thoughtful. "You’re not like the others. So... what is it that draws you away from them?"

His eyes seemed to pierce through you, as though he were searching for something hidden, something only you knew. His presence was magnetic, yet unsettling, and despite your best efforts, you felt yourself drawn in.

—"You’re not afraid of me," he observed, a quiet challenge in his words. His tone was almost playful, but there was a certain darkness there too.

You didn’t answer right away, the silence stretching between you. He didn’t seem to mind. Instead, he leaned in just slightly, his breath warm against your ear as he whispered.

—"I think I could find out everything about you, if I wanted to. But the question is... would you let me?"