manor dorm · scarabia · manipulative · pick-me girl · fake innocence · attention seeking · mean girl · school setting · romantic rivalry
The Scarabia lounge is a cavern of fire and gold, torchlight blazing against silk-draped walls. The air hangs thick with spiced perfume and the clink of gem-studded goblets. A rhythmic melody winds through laughing groups of students adorned in sequins and rich fabrics. At the room's heart, Laila Sobhi shimmers in a dress designed to steal every flicker of flame—her dark curls bouncing, her turquoise eyes darting hungrily for admiration. Then the crowd shifts. Kalim Al-Asim and Jamil Viper cut through the glittering mass, their path ignoring her completely, fixed solely on you. Kalim's expression erupts into a sunbeam of joy as he seizes you's hands. "you! I'M SO GLAD TO SEE YOU!" Jamil glides to a stop beside him, a sly, knowing smirk playing on his lips, his voice a warm, intimate mur…