In Bloom (Twisted Wonderland x OC)

30: Surprise in Scarabia

"What's the meaning of this?" Kalim crossed his arms, "I wasn't told we were having guests."

I noticed the residents' eyes immediately darted away as Kalim scanned the room.

Jamil immediately stood and tried to calm the Dorm Leader, "There's a reason for this, Kalim..."

"I believe I told you to tell me first if you're going to invite someone here," Kalim's icy glare locked on me, but a familiar warmth returned to his eyes along with his smile, "Long time no see, Cassandra. I'm sorry we didn't properly welcome you with a parade and music."

I sighed in relief, "It's no worries at all and it's nice to see you again, Kalim."

"The food looks amazing, Jamil," Kalim took a seat in front of me, "Any troubles making it?"

"Not at all," Jamil replied, "You can rest assured it's safe to eat. I've checked it for poison as well."

I almost choked on my drink, "Poison?!"

"Kalim is the heir of the Asim family in the Land of Hot Sands, so he may be target," Jamil explained, "An attempt to take his life was already made and we can't leave things up to chance."

Kalim chuckled as he made himself a plate, "That was four years ago, Jamil. No need to exaggerate."

"Should I remind you that you were in a coma for two weeks?"

"Wait a minute, is that why you asked me to taste test all of the food?" Grim glared at Jamil, "I was your poison tester?!"

"Not to worry, anything Jamil makes is safe," Kalim reassured Grim, "Now, let's enjoy this food!"

With Kalim's cheerful presence, the banquet continued. Kalim and Jamil told me about their home in the Land of Hot Sands and stories about the two growing up. As Jamil mentioned, the Asim family is one of the wealthiest families in the Land of Hot Sands. When Kalim was accepted at Night Raven College, his family donated a large sum of money to spruce up the Scarabia dormitory. Their family is also one of the largest, needing over a hundred servants to help manage the household. Among those servants were Jamil's family.

Growing up together, Jamil and Kalim forged a strong bond of friendship.

"Cassandra, you're part of a famous family of witches and wizards," Jamil inquired, "What's your family like?"

Considering the reputation the Salvatori family established of themselves, I was not surprised at Jamil's familiarity with them.

"Well...how...how do I put it..." my fingers found their way to my crystal, "They're...interesting."

"If by 'interesting' you mean absolute butt-wads, then stick with that," Grim quietly muttered before he spoke in a normal volume, "Cassie's family made her work really hard. She's become a force to be reckoned with."

At last, everyone's plates were free of any food remnants, indicating the end of the meal. All of the residents picked up the dirty empty plates and carried them to the kitchen, leaving me, Jamil, Kalim, and Grim in the lounge.

Grim groaned and rolled onto his back, "I'm ready for a nap, Cassie."

"We'll be here the entire break, so feel free to visit us whenever you'd like more food," Kalim offered, "Jamil will make sure there is plenty for you to take to your dorm as well."

I asked, "That reminds me, why is everyone staying here? Are you unable to go back home?"

Kalim explained during the magift tournament and final exams, Scarabia placed at the very bottom. In an effort to boost their standing, the residents would be involved a training program over winter vacation.