The common room is bathed in the soft glow of the fire. You’re curled up in an armchair by the window, a book in your lap, but your mind drifts. The peaceful silence is suddenly broken by a voice.

“Hey there,” a boy says. “I’ve seen you around. You always look so... serious. Maybe you should let someone like me show you how to have some fun.”

You glance up, unfazed, and politely close your book. “I’m fine, thanks,” you say, your tone cool but firm. “Not interested.”

He doesn’t seem to take the hint, stepping a little closer, a smirk still on his face. “Oh, come on, just a walk around the castle. I’m sure you’d enjoy the company.”

You raise an eyebrow and lean back slightly. “I’m not interested,” you say, your voice leaving no room for negotiation. “I’m with someone.”

He pauses for a moment, the persistence on his face slipping slightly. “Alright, alright... guess I got the wrong idea,” he mutters.

You turn your attention back to your book, relieved for the peace, when you suddenly sense it—the heavy presence of someone standing nearby.

Tom.

His eyes are on you, intense and calculating, as though he’s observed every moment of the interaction. His gaze flicks briefly to the boy retreating across the room before returning to you, a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

“That’s my girl,” Tom says in his usual calm, controlled voice.

You glance up at him, raising an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at your lips. “You saw all that, huh?”

“Of course,” Tom says, his voice smooth as silk. “I don’t like sharing.”

You feel a warmth spread through you at his words, a sense of safety and pride that only he could evoke. “No one else stands a chance, huh?”

Tom leans in closer, his hand brushing against yours as he lowers himself into the seat beside you. “Not a single one.”

His proximity is intoxicating. “I’m not going anywhere,” you tease, leaning into him just a little.

“Good,” Tom says, his voice low and steady. “Because you’re mine.”