The new Aurora

As we ordered something at the cafe, I felt more people observing me. A few of the men here, including the waiter, were checking me and Dahlia out. I still felt somewhat uncomfortable, but Dahlia's presence helped me relax.

She giggled, noticing my discomfort. "That's the only drawback I can really find to womanhood. But you get used to it after a while, and it can even be a pretty enjoyable feeling at times."

"It always annoyed Aurora, and I share her opinion there." I quietly replied, looking down.

It was still a surreal sight to see my body being so feminine, to see my black-polished nails, my legs encased in these fishnet pantyhose, my visible chest covered by this band shirt I was wearing... but an increasingly growing part of me was loving it so much. My determination to not wear a woman again after Laura completely crumbled since last night, especially after what I did with this body... This part of me desperately wanted to keep this skin, to continue to feel this bliss, to keep being a stunning and strong goth girl. My prideful side was quickly losing grounds...

"Aurora." Dahlia whispered. "I can see it in your eyes, you are still feeling conflicted. But believe me, you don't want to repress your desires like this. Nothing good will come out of it."

I sighed. "I know... You're probably speaking from experience, I imagine?"

It was Dahlia's turn to avoid my gaze. "Yes... I told you how much I hated what I became at first... The more you try to fight the curse and repress your desires, the stronger they become. But you can embrace them while holding on to your values at the same time. Both aren't necessarily incompatible." She looked back at me. "From what I've seen, Aurora's life is perfect for you. You can be a strong and beautiful woman and still help people like you wanted. Your nature as a skinwalker and your evolution would even be an advantage, making you more resilient and ressourceful than the original Aurora. And it's not like you really had any plans for the future before that anyway, right? Claire and I spoke a lot about you, you know?"

I couldn't deny her claim, it was true that I've been fine going with the flow these last few years, ever since I was kicked out of my parents' home and had to give up my hopes of becoming a lawyer. I took job after job and simply survived, without any real prospects for the future. Apart from Claire, who accepted me for what I became and even encouraged me, I also didn't have any ties preventing me from simply giving up my current life. Even my ex-girlfriend with whom I broke up on cordial terms, I haven't seen her in a while...

Aurora wasn't an evil person deep down, but she had a very narrow mindset when it came to nonhuman beings, one that I most likely wouldn't be able to change even if I tried to explain my goals. Restoring her would be too dangerous. Not necessarily for Claire, as Aurora disliked harming humans, but for me and potentially Dahlia. It was true that with her skills and my own abilities as a skinwalker, the two of us combined would probably be able to work more efficiently.

At least, I know that I'm safe from skinwalkers...

I let out a loud sigh before drinking the cappuccino I ordered. No matter how I looked at it, staying as Aurora was indeed the safest and most beneficial option...

I'm sorry, Aurora, but I have to take your place from now on...

A strange feeling washed over me as I took the decision to steal Aurora's life. A feeling of satisfaction and belonging, my skinwalker side being greatly pleased with my decision.

I stared at Dahlia, who was quietly observing me and drinking her own coffee.

"You're right. From now on, I am a new Aurora. I'll do whatever I can to protect humans and help those neglected by this corrupt society."

Dahlia gave me a warm smile as she held my hand. "I wish you luck, Aurora."

Every time I was called this name before, it felt nice, but now that I decided to embrace this identity, it also felt so right. Aurora was my name now.

I smiled at Dahlia, my body and mind relaxing. "Thank you. I am really grateful for what you did for me. You've stayed by my side since that day even when I was being a bitch to you."

"I told you I'd help you the best I can. Although, I probably won't be of much help for your new job. All I can do is stay with Claire and watch over her while you'll be away."

"I'm not asking for more. Knowing that she'll be safe with you is enough to put my mind at ease. I'll be able to properly focus on my tasks and play my role well."

She seemed happy as she finished her cup. I did the same and, after paying for our coffees, we left for my now former flat. I unlocked the door and saw Claire eating her breakfast.

She still had to do a double take when she saw me, but then smiled. "Good morning, Ed, Dahlia."

"Good morning, how are you feeling?"

"My stomach still hurts, but it's a bit better than last night."

Dahlia quickly approached Claire and took the balm from her purse. "Let me see your bruise, Claire."

Claire blushed slightly as she lifted her shirt, revealing a fairly bad and large bruise indeed. I didn't realise before just how much strength Aurora had in her legs, but she did study kickboxing for a while, alongside other martial arts.

"There. Don't **** too much for a few days and you'll be good as new." Dahlia said with a smile as she finished applying her balm.

"T-thank you, Dahlia." Claire timidly replied before looking back at me. "Are you alright, Ed?"

I leaned against the wall and crossed my arms, thinking of how to formulate my decision. Being with Claire made me slightly nervous.

"I am, yes." I started. "There's something I wanted to tell you. Well, two things, but the first one is something I decided earlier while I was with Dahlia."

Claire tilted her head. "Hmm? What is it?"

"I... huh... decided to stay as Aurora. To keep her identity for myself. After talking about it with Dahlia, I believe that it's the best decision, as restoring her would be too dangerous."

"It... makes sense. She seemed... very determined to kill you..." Claire commented before smiling at me. "But I told you, I don't mind if you decide to stay as her, as long as you are happy."

I smiled back, relieved by her answer. "Thank you. And it now leads to the second thing I wanted to talk about with you and Dahlia. Due to my job, I will most likely be away pretty often. One of Aurora's colleagues contacted her last night for a contract in a town three hours away from here, but some contracts might make me move all around the state, and maybe even to other nearby states as well. Aurora's actual flat is pretty far, too."

Claire seemed a bit saddened, but nodded. "I'll... probably miss you, but I hope you'll still visit from time to time."

I came closer and hugged her. "Of course I will visit. I won't abandon you two. Our bonds are too strong for that, right? And even if I can't visit often, I'll make sure to call every day."

Claire giggled softly. "I'd miss you nagging me to go to sleep if you don't."

"I could always ask Dahlia to do it in my stead, hmm?" I asked teasingly.

"With pleasure, Aurora~ I'll make sure that Claire keeps a healthy sleep schedule." Dahlia added, grinning.

Claire pouted. "Oh, come on, I'm an adult now, stop treating me like a baby. I can take care of myself."

I chuckled and patted her head. "I know, but you'll always be my dear little sister."

The three of us stayed in the flat for the rest of the morning, playing games and relaxing. Since I had to see the bishop during the afternoon to confirm my 'elimination', I would have to leave the city soon, so I wanted to enjoy the time I had left with Claire and Dahlia. I'd probably leave the city during the evening after replying to Yahana. I no longer had any reason to refuse to help her. I was Aurora now, after all.