CHAPTER IV

Dahlia didn't have time to process what Crowley said. For as long as she remembers, she loves her Abuela. She cared for her and Dina. Then one day, she just disappeared without anyone seeing her. That was the worst day she had. She was forced to take care of Dina since no one cared if they died.

Now she stands in front of a three-story building that looks like it came out straight from Colombia. She wanted to know if she was high or was she seeing right. The doors, windows, and tiles of the building were moving. Like it was greeting her.

"Well, Miss Takahashi. Welcome to your new dorm. Your Grandmother calls it the Casita. A miracle that was given to you and your sister," Crowley explained before hearing a gasp when the path tiles leading to the building started moving Dahlia and himself inside.

Inside was a ceilingless courtyard that was surrounded by the building. There were recreational rooms on the ground floor such as the kitchen and the dining room. Dahlia looked around seeing the one long balcony on the second floor that overlooks the courtyard. While the third floor shows her a window and a tower. The whole building gave her a whisk of her home. She can't deny that she missed it.

"As you can see, the Casita is alive and sentient. It reflects the feelings of the host and people who house in the place, that's what your grandmother explained," Crowley told her. The window clapped like it was agreeing with him.

Looking at the doorway, Dahlia can't help but feel a sense of familiarity. She continued her way to the second floor seeing a door glowing gold with something on it. The more she walks towards it, the more her markings glow, vice versa with the glow of the door.

Looking at the design of the door, there on the top of the door was her name in cursive etched on it and a simple drawing of her on the door. The door handle also has her first name initial etched on it, when she touched the knob the glow on both the markings and the door softened before she opened it.

Inside was a big spaced room with a hanging bed. She couldn't see the ceiling but, there were shelves of books, art supplies, and different kinds of plants. There was a veil made of roses around her hanging bed and with every step she took, there were still changes in the room. There was only one word she could describe it.

It was magical

Dahlia and Crowley settled in the kitchen where the Casita served them tea. "As you can see, you'll be the dorm leader of this dorm and you might be receiving new dorm members next year," Crowley explained. Dahlia hummed, understanding what he meant.

"Now, you'll be heading to Professor Crewel for your uniforms. Here is your schedule," he took something out of his coat and gave her the paper. "Have a safe evening, Dorm Leader Takahashi," he spoke cheekily before walking out of the building leaving Dahlia all alone in the kitchen.

Looking at the side, she noticed the tiles of the kitchen bringing her pre-baked pastries to cheer her up. She smiled softly before grabbing one to eat. "I've been here before, haven't I?" she asked the house. The drawers in front of her swing, mimicking a 'yes' answer making her chuckle.

The silence was destroyed by a distressed scream out in the courtyard. Pushing a chair to Dahlia, it made her sit before the tiles of the house moved to bring her to the courtyard, where the tiles of the house were messing with a certain monster.