Chapter 7- Aurora

  Forcing her legs to obey, Taya gently lifted herself from the cold ground. “Sorry to bother you guys,” she said quietly, her voice thin with exhaustion. “Is there… a place where I could rest... for a while? I'm feeling really tired. And hungry.”

  The girls exchanged a glance before breaking into wide synchronous smiled.

  “Well, I guess you met us at the perfect time,” Lucy said brightly. " You're coming with us to the orphanage. Mother Tera will be so excited to have a guest. It’s where we live, and we’re just returning from our afternoon shift now".

  “We can eat together, and then if you’re up for it, you can come with us for the evening shift. I’ll introduce you to the owner of the diner. I’ll tell you all about it on the way. I’m a total chatterbox,” she added with a laugh, “so I’ll do my best not to irritate you.”

  Taya nodded, a wry tired smile forming. In her mind, the plan was simple, she just wanted to go somewhere where Dorton couldn’t find her, so this seemed to be the best thing to do for now.

  Being surrounded by girls her own age made her feel something strange in her stomach. Their smiles looked so innocent and jovial, and Taya couldn't put a finger on it… yet the feeling was something she was too familiar with.

  They navigated the winding streets, one turn blurring into the next, until a white building emerged, under the zenith of the sun.

  It was a two-story structure with a wide balcony at the front. Though the paint and decorations had been dulled by time, the building was notably fine. Between the entrance and the building was an open courtyard, where the children were playing.

  Perched high atop the building, a faded flex board announced the name of the structure.

  It read: Aurora Orphanage.

  Taya hesitated for only a second before stepping inside through the gate following others. For a brief moment, the children stopped what they were doing. Curious eyes turned toward the sudden distraction at the entrance. Then, just as quickly, they lost interest and returned to their games, their laughter filling the open space once more.

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  Taya let out a quiet breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Seeing all this, she felt a gentle warmth in her heart that she couldn’t explain.

  Her own normal childhood had ended at age five; after that, her world had shrunk to the four walls of her house and the crushing weight of isolation. So, in a way, she really missed the opportunity to play, to communicate with children her own age.

  Near the entrance stood a frail-looking woman. Her posture was relaxed but her eyes were sharp, watching over the courtyard with a quite intensity.

  As the group approached, her gaze settled on Taya. For a second, she simply studied her. Then, her expression softened into something maternal.

  “Oh?” the woman said gently, stepping closer.

  “And who might this be?”

  Lucy beamed.

  “This is Taya. We found her on our way back. She was alone and lost, Mother, so we decided to bring her home

  Mother Tera’s curiosity instantly shifted to concern. “Oh, you poor child,” she said, stepping forward. She rested a hand lightly on Taya’s shoulder. The touch was steady and reassuring. “I know how frightening it feels to be lost.”

  She smiled, the warmth reaching the corners of her eyes. “Come. You must be starving. Girls, help her get refreshed. We’ll have lunch together.” She chuckled softly. “Now hurry. You don’t want to keep your guest waiting.”

  They quickly led her to the restroom. After washing the dust and sweat of the city from her face, Taya entered the dining hall.

  The room was already lively. A long, communal table was crowded with children swinging their legs and chatting excitedly. Lucy and the others took their places, joined by a few boys their age. Taya joined the table, sitting beside Lucy.

  At the head of the table, Mother Tera moved, ladling generous portions onto every plate. When she reached Taya, she offered an extra scoop and a wink.

  “These four made the dishes today,” she said fondly. “So be sure to tell them if it’s tasty. The owner of the diner is a kind soul; he provides the food in return for their culinary skills. We are grateful for people who still choose to help in times like these.”

  Once every plate was filled, Mother Tera took her seat beside the younger children.

  “Alright,” she said gently. “Let us say grace.”

  The children joined hands, forming a chain around the table, and then Mother Tera prayed.

  Taya gazed upon all present, not closing her eyes. There was a spark of curiosity, that her face betrayed. Though it was foreign, but it felt nice.

  When the prayer ended, smiles broke out, into a chorus of clinking noise. The hum of laughter and joy spreading out as everyone digged in.

  After having a good interaction with all, the girls returned to their dorms to rest and get ready for their next shift.

  "Taya, you can go and spend time with the girls, we'll talk in the evening", and then mother Tera was gone.

  Taya climbed into an empty bunk and lay down, staring at the slats of the bed above her. She wanted to sleep, but her mind refused to rest and found herself drowning in thoughts

  It drifted back to the morning— when she accidentally— or to lay it out better —her serpents intentionally went rogue and consumed the Tourres core. Though the act itself was against her will, the feeling that followed was the most pleasurable thing that she ever felt, a kind of dark joy. As if that moment had given her a piece of warmth she had never experienced before. She somehow felt that her senses had sharpened, and her body getting stronger.

  Endless thoughts started forming in her mind like a whirlpool, stealing her focus.

  What if I consumed more of it?

  What would happen if I stopped fighting the hunger of these… whatever snakes that live on my head? What if I let it loose?

  Then a sudden painful memory from her distant past flared in her mind—cold, dark, and violent. The very thing that stole everything. She squeezed her eyes shut, shoving the image away.

  "I don't want to remember that", she muttered.

  Her heart beating faster on her ribs.

  "I… I don't want to be a monster", she whispered.