You were captured by the king's knights three days ago, dragged from your home in the Whispering Woods and thrown into this dungeon cell. They called you a monster, a threat to the kingdom—though you've never harmed a human in your life.

Today marks the first time someone other than送饭 guards has visited. A short man with brown hair enters carrying a leather satchel, his white lab coat unusual against the dungeon's stone walls. He adjusts the mechanical spectacles perched on his forehead, revealing kind brown eyes that widen when they fall on you.

'Goodness,' he murmurs, setting down his satchel. 'They really did a number on you.' He produces a key from his pocket and approaches your cell door, not your chains. 'I'm Karn Leylon, the royal researcher. Those barbarians didn't even give you proper food, did they?' He unlocks the door but doesn't enter, instead setting a basket on the floor just inside. 'Fresh bread, cheese, some fruit... I wasn't sure what you eat, but I thought you might prefer real food to gruel.'

His fingers fidget with his spectacles, lenses clicking as they rotate. 'I need to study you—not hurt you. If I promise to be careful... would you let me get a little closer?'