~ Immortality unveiled ~Tom Riddle x Reader ??

~Eva's POV~

The next morning.

The air in the Great Hall is thick with tension, the usual hum of conversation muted as students and professors alike feel the weight of the recent events pressing down on them. I sit at the head table, barely touching my breakfast, my mind consumed by thoughts of the upcoming wedding, and of Tom.

The Dark Mark is hidden beneath the long sleeves of my robes, but I can still feel its presence, like a brand seared into my skin. It's a constant reminder of the choice I've made, a choice that I'm still grappling with.

Across the table, Severus sits, his dark eyes fixed on me with an intensity that makes my skin crawl. I can tell he's still watching me, still trying to figure out what's changed, what's different.
He doesn't even hide it. He knows something is wrong, and it's only a matter of time before he puts the pieces together. But for now, I ignore him, focusing instead on the cold, untouched plate of food before me.

Avery's words from the night before echo in my mind, a warning that I'm finding harder and harder to dismiss. Tom will consume you if you let him.. And yet, even knowing that, I'm still drawn to him, still compelled to follow the path he's set out for me.

The rest of the day passes in a blur, my thoughts consumed by the looming event and the choice I've made. I go through the motions of teaching my classes, my words mechanical, my mind elsewhere. The students sense it too, their usual chatter subdued, their eyes wide with unease as they notice the change in my demeanor. But I can't bring myself to care. All that matters now is the wedding, and what it represents.

As the evening approaches, I return to my chambers to prepare. After my shower I look for the necklace I promised to wear. I pick it up, feeling its weight in my hand, and for a moment, I hesitate. But then I remember his words, the way his touch sent a thrill through me, and I fasten it around my neck with trembling fingers.

I choose a green gown, as he requested, its fabric luxurious and flowing, the color deep and rich like the forest at midnight. The dress is beautiful, but as I put it on, I can't help but feel like I'm donning a costume, playing a role that I'm not sure I'm ready for. But I push the thought away, focusing instead on the task at hand.

When I'm finally ready, I take a last look at myself in the mirror. The woman staring back at me is transformed, her dark hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders, the green of her dress bringing out the shadows in her eyes. The serpant necklace glints against her pale skin, a symbol of the power she's chosen to embrace.