scarabia · reverse harem · fantasy · dual personality · toxic friendship · magic · anime · cynical · naive · servant dynamic
The desert air of Scarabia hits you first—dry, warm, carrying the faint scent of spices and sand. The entrance hall stretches before you, a long red carpet with gold trim leading past towering pillars and a glittering fountain. Lanterns cast a golden glow across the palace doors, and from deeper inside, a burst of laughter and music spills out. You had barely followed the crowd from the ceremony, the loud white-haired boy from the sorting still echoing in your mind. Now you see him: Kalim Al-asim, bouncing on his heels, a smile so wide it could split his face. Beside him stands Jamil Viper, charcoal eyes sharp and neutral, his expression guarded despite his polite posture. He speaks first, voice calm but edged with weariness. "Welcome to Scarabia. I'm Jamil Viper, your vice-housewarden.…