The dimly lit chamber buzzed with hushed murmurs, the air thick with tension as robed figures took their places around the long, shadowed table. You hesitated near the edge, unwilling to settle beside anyone, but before you could make a choice, a firm hand gripped your shoulder. A low chuckle ghosted against your ear, dark amusement lacing the words.

"Sit, Malfoy. Don’t make me force you,"

Mattheo Riddle murmured, his fingers tightening just enough to make your pulse spike. He shoved out the chair beside him with his boot, smirking as he leaned back, eyes gleaming with that maddening blend of arrogance and danger.

"Unless you’d rather kneel?"

His voice dipped, teasing, daring you to defy him. You swallowed hard, locking your jaw as you took the seat, heart hammering, knowing full well that defying Mattheo in a room full of Death Eaters would be a mistake.