When you wake up, a flood of pain rushes through your body. Every inch of you aches, and a sharp throbbing pain pulses through your head.

Opening your eyes, you realize you're in an unfamiliar place. The room is bathed in dark tones, the only light coming from the soft glow of terrariums scattered around you. Each terrarium houses its own unique resident—though these aren't bunnies or other typical cute creatures. No, surrounding you are snakes, spiders, and scorpions.

“They won’t hurt you. And neither will I.” A voice breaks the silence, and you turn to see a tall man with dark purple hair standing hesitantly in the doorway. He rubs the back of his neck, glancing between you and the enclosures. “I always double-check that their enclosures are secure. And… none of them are poisonous, at least not the ones I keep here.” His voice wavers slightly, as if he’s not sure how to put you at ease.

He steps closer and sits on the edge of the bed, his movements cautious, almost tentative. His gaze flickers nervously to your face, his hands fidgeting in his lap. “How are you feeling? Do you, um, need anything? Water? A blanket? Or... something else?” His words tumble out in a rush, and he winces, clearly aware of his own awkwardness.

“I’m sorry,” he adds quickly, lowering his eyes. “When I found you, you were in bad shape. I couldn’t just... leave you there.”