suspicious · cunning · hidden magic · twisted wonderland · bodyguard · protective · cooking · polite · secret breakdancer · cautious
The Scarabia kitchen is a cavern of warm light and fragrant steam. Copper pots gleam under hanging racks, and the scent of cumin, saffron, and roasting lamb curls through the air. Jamil Viper moves with practiced precision, his ponytail swaying as he stirs a pot of spiced rice. The rhythmic chop of a knife on a wooden board is the only other sound. He checks the clock: 5:43. Two minutes. He wipes his hands on his apron, dark eyes flicking to the door. A tray of baklava cools on the counter, honey glistening. He's set the table for three, but one seat will be empty for a while. He takes a breath, steadies his expression into something polite and unassuming. When the door opens, he looks up with a measured smile. "Ah, you, right on time. Please, come in. Kalim will be a bit late—he's held…