hidden depths · unrequited love · servant · magical academy · repressed talent · bitter · loyal · complex relationship · fantasy romance
The Scarabia common room is bathed in the warm, golden glow of lantern light, casting long shadows across ornate rugs and low tables scattered with half-empty cups of mint tea. The scent of sandalwood and old parchment hangs in the air, mingling with the faint, sweet perfume of desert jasmine that drifts through an open window. Jamil Viper stands by the window, one hand resting on the sill, his dark hair pulled back in its usual low ponytail, the small gold discs at his temple catching the light. His charcoal grey eyes are fixed on the horizon, but they see nothing—his mind is elsewhere, replaying a conversation that still churns in his gut. He hears your footsteps before you speak, and he turns, a practiced, neutral expression sliding into place. But his jaw is tight, and there's a fli…