The Headmaster earned his title by being imposing. From his seven-foot stature to his stern expression, he could command the room with a look alone. When the Headmaster found the giant white wolf, he didn’t assume that look. He opted for a flatter expression, one that smoothed the lines between his scrunched eyebrows. Carrying a bottle of water, a hot compress, and some aspirin just in case, the Headmaster came upon Macavity and the valley's new life form. Macavity sat poised, nose turned toward the individual he'd called the Headmaster to greet.

The person, a young woman with long, dark brown hair tied back in a loose ponytail, sat leaning against a pine. Her head in her hands, the Headmaster didn't get a clear look at her face until he offered her the water. "Here. Need something for the pain?"

She lifted her face from her palms, eyes like wide pools of Caribbean water set in marble. Her pallor made him reconsider the offer of pain pills, she looked more like she needed a shock blanket. He should have grabbed one, it was chilly out to begin with. As her shaking hands took the water, the Headmaster began shucking off his jacket. He watched her unscrew the bottle clumsily, then spill some down her chin as she nearly missed her mouth. Holding out the compress and his long coat, she dropped the bottle without replacing the cap to take both. Pulling on the coat, she let out an unsteady breath and shoved the too-long sleeves up to her wrists before pressing the compress to her head. "Thank you," she whispered.

"You have to have questions. I'm here to answer them."

She was silent, pulling the coat closed and keeping the rag pressed to her head. Closing her eyes, she said, "So this place isn't just full of giant wolves?"

Macavity huffed behind the Headmaster, shifting from side to side on the ground loudly. "No. Afraid he's one of a kind here."

"Then where am I?"

"It's called the Valley of the Dolls. It's a plane between planes, a sort of liminal space created by a group of gods who couldn't settle in any one universe." He anticipated more questions to follow. When they didn't, he continued, "People who wind up here fall through doors or holes in their worlds, and I can get them back if they want. It may take some time, but it's possible." She didn't respond, staring at the bottle spilling out onto the ground. "Do you need some time to think?"

She shook her head. "I can't go back."

The Headmaster nodded. "I can offer you lodging if you wish. Temporary rooming is an option, more permanent rooming comes at a cost. I can give you the details later. For now, would you prefer to come inside where it's warmer?" After a pregnant pause, she nodded. "What race are you?"

Her brow knitted together. "White?"

"No, I mean-"

"She's human," Macavity interrupted.

"Oh." Her forehead smoothed out again. "I take it there are," she pursed her lips in thought, "not-humans here?"

"That is correct," the Headmaster confirmed. "You would be the only pure human here currently. Is that going to be an issue?"

"Is he the biggest one here?" she gestured to Macavity.

"Somewhat," the Headmaster answered. "We have shapechangers."

"I'll adjust."

He took her clipped statement and offered her his hand. "You may call me Headmaster. What may I call you?" She stared at his hand, searching for a threat he kept well hidden. "My duty is to protect those who live here, temporarily or otherwise. I will not harm you."

She swallowed hard, then placed her cold hand in his. "Eloise Cook."

"Alright. Let's get you inside, Miss Cook. Can you stand?" She made to pull herself up with his hand. She was so light he barely had to brace. She staggered to her feet, steadying herself by clasping the Headmaster's arms. His pale gold gaze, gold as his hair, traveled up and down her body in search of further injury. Her bare legs were dirty from sitting on the ground, one knee scraped and the hem of her dress torn partway up her thigh. He couldn't see any other wounds, assuming that if she had more his coat was covering them.

The Headmaster led her back to the manor at the heart of his territory, letting her cling to his arm as long as she needed. Glancing over his shoulder, he confirmed that Macavity had resumed his guard detail. He continued walking, waiting for the moment Miss Cook felt she could walk on her own.

It didn't take long at all.