The deer trail they followed grew wider as they drew nearer the Headmaster’s mysterious destination. Pine trees dominated the forest, oaks and junipers sprinkled throughout. Eloise didn’t recognize the other trees quite so readily, except for sassafras simply because of the abnormal leaves. The hoof-worn trail passed under her ragged slippers as she followed the giant of a man. Her eyes trained on the Headmaster’s back, mind wandering to what sort of abode he could be running. A cabin in the woods? A dusty motel? A shady den? Eloise wasn’t prepared for any of the above, least of all the sight the trail opened up onto.

The woods parted, the Headmaster and Eloise stepping into an open yard. In the center of that yard stood a perfectly symmetrical gothic manor. Each side had a tower of equal height, a pointed arch marking the center of the two-story building. Eloise’s eyes trailed over the eaves and gables, gaze latching onto the tall, narrow windows whose panes she couldn’t see into. The Headmaster led her up broad, stone steps, gripping the handle of a giant, paneled door. It creaked as it opened up into a grand foyer, a twin staircase curving up against the walls into the shape of an upside-down U. The Headmaster made no move to take her coat, instead gesturing up the stairs and explaining, “All rooms are up there. Do you want to rest, or get to know your surroundings?”

Eloise considered the question for only a moment. “The second.”

The Headmaster nodded curtly, starting off on the right. He led her to the arch, inviting her to peer into the room. “This wing is the common room. We don’t often all gather here, but sometimes when we’re feeling social we might.” She eyed the massive room with an equally massive fireplace, warm colors and cozy furniture organized around the currently unlit hearth. Eloise then followed him across the foyer to the other wing, where he introduced her to the largest kitchen she’d ever seen. Rows of pots and pans hung over an island with a built-in sink and cutting board, grills and stovetops of varied settings lined the walls. Light poured in from the outside as one individual, a curly-haired brunette, juggled ingredients and utensils in preparation for some great meal. “That’s Elliot, he’s in the zone at the moment,” the Headmaster explained.

“We should probably leave him to it then,” Eloise said, nostrils flaring at the invasion of freshly chopped herbs and vegetables. The smell made her stomach turn, but she wasn’t ready to acknowledge its emptiness.

The Headmaster agreed, then led her to the large archway beneath the twin staircases. Creaking open another large door, Eloise’s eyes widened as she beheld, “The library.”

“What is this, the Beast’s castle?” she asked, breathless at the sight of so many stacks. Stacks stretched as far as the eye can see, covered top to bottom in books.

“If I’m understanding the reference, no. I should hope not,” the Headmaster said. She glanced to his face, taking in the attempt at a smile on his lips. He pointed to the back of the stacks, where an out of place stainless sight could just barely be seen. “Elevator to the basement level. That’s where the nocturnal creatures live.”

Nocturnal. Vampires? Eloise blinked. “I think I’m good on tours for now.”

“Alright.”

They turned away, departing through the library doors just as someone came into the foyer from the outside. “Headmaster!” The voice echoed from the vaulted ceiling, the tall, dark, and handsome individual who’d spoken grinning his way over to them. Eloise stepped behind the Headmaster, peering around him at the man with brown skin and curly hair cut short against his head. He had a well-trimmed beard and eyes the color of the amber paleontologists pulled fossils from. “Got a good haul waiting outside for you.”

“That’s wonderful, I just need to show Miss Eloise Cook to her room,” the Headmaster replied.

“Just Eloise,” she corrected. “Thank you.” The Headmaster acknowledged.

The man, who was only a few inches shorter than the Headmaster, looked around him to catch Eloise’s eyes. A dazzling, white grin spread across a dimpled face. “Hi! I’m Harper, of Drammas.”

“Harper,” Eloise nodded once, acknowledging the tall man’s name. Though, if the Headmaster’s words were any indication, he likely wasn’t a man at all. Her brow furrowed. “Drammas?”

“Coastal city in my world. Born and raised there, till I came here.” His smile never faded, and his amber eyes held a certain sparkle to them that might have been infectious were Eloise not so bone tired.

“How long have you been here?” she asked, bemused.

Harper squinted as he looked to the Headmaster, plump limps pursed in thought. “Hundred years give or take?”

“Oh.” Eloise’s eyes widened. “Looking . . . good for a hundred or so.”

Harper mock bowed. “Thank you.”

The door creaked open. “Harper darling,” in walked a being who made Eloise look tall, “I know you did not leave me to carry the groceries in by myself.” The individual had long, pointed ears and dark, gray skin that stretched over sharp cheekbones. Thick, snow-white hair fell over their shoulder in a long ponytail, a matching white soul patch on their chin. The being looked unearthly, especially with eyes as orange as Halloween lights. “Oh,” the creature declared. “A new compatriot?”

Harper, who looked like a model and moved like one also, seemed an odd companion to this being who stood with their chin up and their hands raised as though they were royalty. Eloise started to speak, but the Headmaster cleared his throat and declared, “This is Eloise. Eloise, this is Angharad.”

“Of the Zaltanian Mountains.” They offered their hand palm down, as though Eloise were prepared to kiss it.

“Same plane as mine,” Harper explained. He turned to the other. “Did you just leave the groceries out on the steps?”

Angharad retracted their hand, appalled. “So you DID expect me to bring them in alone.”

“Oh my gods,” Harper laughed.

“Stop laughing. Dishonor!” Angharad smacked Harper’s forearm playfully.

“I’ll join the two of you outside momentarily,” the Headmaster interrupted. “For now, Eloise needs a room.”

“See you in a bit,” Harper declared, the pair turning about and heading for the door bickering. Their whispers echoed lightly, but Eloise couldn’t focus on the words as the Headmaster led her up the stairs.

She followed him down a long hallway, then turned left. They headed for a doorway at the end, the Headmaster reaching into his pocket and procuring a key. Handing it to Eloise, he said, “Make yourself at home. I’ll send for some clothes and food for you.”

The key fell into her hand and somehow it felt like she’d been hit by a truck. The numbness which had held fast to her body shook, and her bottom lip trembled. “Why are you helping me?” Eloise asked, staring up at the Headmaster as her chest threatened to splinter.

The Headmaster considered her words for a moment. His answer was careful and quiet, “Because you’re lost. It’s my job to help you find your way.” He shifted from one foot to another. “Whether that means you stay here or go, that’s up to you.” Eloise thought about his words, then looked down at her feet. Dirt still clung to her legs and clothes. “For now, you should just feel comfortable in your own skin again.”

Eloise nodded, shaken by his almost too appropriate words. “Thank you.”

“I’ll leave you to it, then,” the Headmaster said, stepping away awkwardly. Eloise watched him leave, turning the key over in her hand. She swallowed hard, then opened the door.