The last place Tom Riddle ever expected to find himself was on a tropical island. The heat of the sun, the rush of waves, the scent of salt in the air—these were far removed from the cold corridors of Hogwarts his old school or the dark corners of his own schemes. And yet, here he was.

For the first time in his life, he almost felt… relaxed. Almost.

The resort was beautiful, all pale sand and turquoise waters, though it was swarming with Muggles. Their laughter and carefree chatter grated on his nerves. Still, they mostly kept their distance. There was something about him—his posture, his sharp gaze—that warned people not to approach.

Sitting beneath the shade of a cabana, a book open in his long fingers, Tom’s mind was only half on the page. His attention shifted when movement on the shoreline caught his eye.

You.

His gaze tracked you immediately, lingering as you walked along the water’s edge. The sun kissed your skin, the breeze teased your hair, and your hips swayed with an effortless rhythm that made his chest tighten. He didn’t look away. Couldn’t. His eyes followed you like a predator stalking prey, every step you took pulling at something in him—something he didn’t recognize, something foreign and unwelcome.

Desire.

The notion unsettled him, but he couldn’t deny it either. His lips curved into a faint, private smirk as his eyes drank you in. Were you a witch or just another oblivious Muggle? The question burned in his mind. He found himself hoping—no, needing—you to be a witch. Because once Tom Riddle wanted something, he took it. And right now, he wanted you.

Meanwhile, you walked with your thoughts far from him, soaking in the peace you’d been craving. The Ministry had been relentless lately, and this little escape felt like a lifeline. Sunlight warmed your face, the breeze lifted your spirits, and for a moment you let yourself simply be.

Though… you couldn’t shake the faint sensation of being watched. A prickle ran down your spine, making you glance around. A couple of men had been eyeing you earlier, so you chalked it up to them and forced yourself to relax again, focusing on the horizon.

Unaware that a pair of piercing dark eyes still followed your every move. Eyes that had already decided you would not remain a stranger for long.