Nova was now at the station, watching her dad mark out Tracy's picture on the board. "Chimeras." Noah murmured. Nova had been surprised her, she didn't know that Tracy was a chimera. 

"Two dead chimeras." Stiles chimed in.

"And eight new ones." Malia added.

Stiles nods. "So, that's ten in all."

"I'm thinking maybe eleven." Noah speaks, putting up a picture of Donovan on the board, gaining Nova's and Stiles' attention. "Our station tech guys confirmed something for me...They said both the holding cell lock and cameras could have malfunctioned because of something electromagnetic. You said that, uh, these guys..." He picked up a book about Dread Doctors Malia brought with her.

"Dread Doctors." Malia nodded.

"Are we really calling them that?" Noah tilted his head, furrowing his eyebrows.

"Well, what else would we call them?" Nova shrugs. "I mean, that's what the author called them who wrote about them." She voices, pointing at the book. "Though that is a really weird name." She added.  

"So they broke Donovan out?" Malia inquired.

"It's how they got into Eichen, isn't it?" Noah asked.

"Donovan's a chimera." Malia said in realization, walking over to look closely at the photo. Nova's eyes widen at that, realizing Malia was right. It made a lot of sense. 

"Yeah." Noah replies, setting the book down on the desk. "But is he a failure like Lucas and Tracy?" Nova turned her attention back to her brother when she noticed he had turned away. She knew he was anxious and nervous. He looked tired and stressed and it was making her worry about him more.

"If he is, he's probably dead." Malia's voice brought Nova out of her thoughts. She glanced at the werecoyote, watching as she started to cross out Donovan's photo, but her dad stopped her.

"Not until I've seen a body." Noah tells her. "You're uncharacteristically quiet." Noah noticed, glancing back at his son with concern.

Stiles turns around to face everyone with an apologetic look. "Yeah...Sorry, I'm, uh...I'm just trying to think about it. Uh...These are all teenagers, right? So, now shouldn't we be trying to figure out why these teenagers? If the Dread Doctors, if they went through all that...Burying them, killing them, breaking one of them out of jail...They couldn't have been chosen at random."

Nova realizes he was right now that she thought about it like that. She nods. "Stiles has a point. There must be a reason why these specific teenagers were targeted. The Dread Doctors aren't just picking names out of a hat."

Malia nods in agreement. "They had to have something in common."

"Something that made them right for this experiment." Noah voiced.

"Something that made them special." Stiles said, staring at Donovan's photo.

****

Nova stood by her brother and friends at a coffee table full of copies of the book about the Dread Doctors. Liam wasn't with them. He went back to the Sinema since he explained that he owed Hayden money after he accidentally bumped into her and made her drop some of the drinks. Theo was with them though which she found odd. She was still trying to get used to the fact that he was somewhat hanging out with them.

"My mom's book club usually has more wine." Lydia commented.

"Well, they also probably didn't read books that caused violent hallucinations." Stiles retorted.

"That's why Malia's here." Scott spoke.

"So none of us go running into traffic?" Lydia guessed. 

"Or worse." Scott nodded.

"Like what happened to Judy." Malia chimed in.

Everyone stares at her with confusion. "Who's Judy?" Nova mumbled, furrowing her eyebrows.

"Chapter fourteen." Malia replied. Nova flipped through the book, quickly scanning Chapter 14 as the others continued their discussion. She found the page on Judy, who was described as a victim of one of the Dread Doctors' experiments.

Nova grimaces after she found out what happened to Judy. "Poor Judy."

"Maybe I should have my mother read it." Lydia suggests, picking the book up. "She might remember a girl with a tail leaping off the celling and attacking everyone."

"Yeah, if it works." Stiles shrugged.

"It has to." Lydia said firmly.

"What does that mean?" Scott asked, staring at the strawberry blonde with confusion.

"I think I saw them during my surgery." This caught everyone's attention. They stare at her either with concern or confusion. "When I look at the cover of the book...It's almost like..."

"A memory trying to surface." Theo finished her sentence and Lydia nodded.

"Yeah."

"Isn't that what Valack wanted when he wrote it?" Kira asked, glancing at Malia since she was the one of the group who knew the most about the book.

Malia nods in response to Kira. "If they did something to me, I want to know what it is." And with that, everyone picked up a copy of the book and sat down to read it.

*****

"Anyone feel anything yet?" Scott questioned after awhile. Nova doesn't even know how long she had read the copy she held, but it was hard staying awake. She kept yawning and was struggling to keep her eyes open.

"Tired." Kira replied.

"Same." Nova yawns. "Very tired."

"Hungry." Lydia chimed in.

"I think he meant the book." Theo spoke.

"Then no to that. Nothing." Nova murmured, staring at the copy of the book she held.

Stiles offered to go make some coffee and Malia went with him. With her enhanced hearing, Nova could hear their conversation. She didn't mean to listen in, but when she heard Malia ask what Stiles did to his shoulder she was curious. She had been wanting to know the answer to that as well, but he hadn't told her yet. She knew he would tell her when he was ready, but after hearing Malia saying she could smell blood, she was more concerned and worried than ever.

Stiles said the jeep died on him again and the hood fell when he had to check the engine. Nova listened to his heartbeat, it was steady, but she knew her brother and she knew he learned how to keep it steady so no one could tell when he was lying. But she wasn't convinced and she was pretty sure Malia wasn't either. Nova tuned out the rest of their conversation and kept reading the book. Her gaze went to Scott and Kira when she heard him speak to Kira.

"You're not giving up, are you?"

She notices Kira had leaned over, leaning her head on a nearby pillow. "Just resting my eyes."

"Okay, if she gets to do that, then I'm gonna rest my eyes too." Nova admitted, leaning back against the chair she sat on. She propped her feet up on the table and closed her eyes, trying to stave off the overwhelming fatigue that seemed to have hit her and the others all at once.

"No, Novi. Don't go to sleep." Stiles places the cup gently on the table next to Nova's hand and nudged her shoulder lightly. "Come on, stay with us."

Nova blinks her heavy eyelids open, feeling the warmth of the coffee cup against her hand. She gave Stiles a weak smile, grateful for his concern. "I'm trying, Stiles," She murmurs, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand. "Just...So tired."

Stiles crouches down next to her, his expression softening with understanding. "I know, it's been a long day," He says gently, his voice barely above a whisper. "But we need you here with us, sis. So, stay awake, okay?"

"I'll try." Nova whispered, bringing the cup up to her lips. The coffee was warm and soothing, and it helped wake her up a little. She took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on the book, determined to help her brother and her friends find out the answers they were searching for.

Stiles squeezes her shoulder lightly before moving to his spot beside her, and she can see the exhaustion on his face as well. She knew he was doing everything he could to stay awake and focused, but the fatigue was weighing down on all of them, making it hard to think clearly or focus on anything other than sleep. She knew they were all worried and concerned about each other, and that worry was only making the exhaustion worse. But she was determined to stay strong, for Stiles, and for the pack. She took another sip of her coffee and continued reading, hoping they would find the answers they needed soon.

****

Everyone ended up falling asleep at one point last night when reading the book. Nova only had a couple chapters of the book left to read that she finished the next morning. She still didn't understand anything about the book. She just knew the Dread Doctors were awful and now she was tired. The next day at school she had been walking down the hallway during her free period to the library when she heard Scott wheezing. She paused, eyes widening slightly. Was he having an asthma attack? He never had those anymore ever since he became a werewolf. What changed? She quickly went to the classroom she knew he was in, unzipping her backpack along the way and grabbing the inhaler in it.

She always kept an inhaler just in case for moments like this. She knew Scott wouldn't have his own with him, but she kept one in her backpack for emergencies. Plus she used to have asthma herself when she was little, she had to take her inhaler everywhere with her. She didn't have asthma anymore, but she always carried it with her just in case. When she finally reached the classroom, she walked in, noticing the students were surrounding the door. She noticed Scott wheezing on the floor, leaning against the desk and Mrs. Finch trying to get his attention.

"Scott!" Nova said worriedly, kneeling beside him. She was knelt by him where the other students at the door couldn't really see. She knew if she was Scott she wouldn't want people to watch her have an asthma attack. "Here's an inhaler, it's gonna be okay, Scotty." She handed the inhaler, but he seemed out of it. He seemed like he wasn't really there which confused her even more.

She put a comforting hand on his arm, calling his name but he kept wheezing and staring forward. "What's going on?" Liam questioned, pushing his way over to them. She noticed he was in his gym clothes and knew he had been out on the field. Why did he have to be so good looking? She tried to push those thoughts away and focus on Scott.

"Asthma attack. Which is so weird since he never has them anymore." Nova replied. She was worried and confused, her mind racing to figure out what could be causing this sudden attack.

Liam kneels beside Scott across from Nova, putting his hand on Scott's shoulder. "Scott." He tried to get his attention, his eyes full of concern but still Scott kept wheezing.

Then she did something that she hoped would work. "Scott." She tried again, making her eyes glow yellow. That seemed to snap him out of whatever trance he was in, and he took a deep breath. He grabbed the inhaler and inhaled deeply. Nova let out a sigh of relief and smiled softly at him, her eyes turning back to normal.

"Thanks." Scott breathed out.

"You're welcome." Nova replies. "Are you okay?" She asked in concern.

Scott nods, glancing at her. "Yeah, I'm fine."

****

Nova doesn't understand what went wrong with Scott. It wasn't normal for him to have an asthma attack. She planned to check on him when she could find the chance and ask him what happened. She caught him leaving the locker room after the asthma attack.

"Scott." She calls out, getting his attention. "What was that back there?" She asked in concern, frowning at him.

Scott sighs, hesitating on whether or not he should tell her. "Not out here." He guides her back to the empty locker room. "It was like a psychosomatic thing. I remembered something. Something that happened when I was little. When I got attacked by another dog and my dog, Roxy, tried to stop it, but I was having an asthma attack."

Nova frowns, sympathy shining in her eyes. "I'm sorry that happened. I wonder why you went through that...You said Lydia had the same experience earlier this morning right?"

"At least that's what I think. She didn't say what it was. Theo and I found her on the floor." Scott admitted.

"Weird." She mumbles. "Hopefully nothing like this happens again."

"If you do go through something like that, let me know and you know I'll come help you." Scott reassures her and she appreciates it. "I know I already said this, but thank you. For earlier."

"You don't need to thank me. Of course I'll be there to help you when you need me. I mean, what kind of beta would I be to leave my alpha like that?" Nova chuckled, grinning at him.

"Not the best." Scott teased. They shared a smile and left the locker room, continuing on with their day.

****

The rest of the day continued on as normal as it could be for the McCall Pack. It wasn't until the end of the day when things started to be weird for Nova. She blinked a few times before turning around 360. Then she stopped in her tracks at seeing a familiar gate that read 'Oak Creek'. She knew where she was. Camp Oak Creek and it was an internment camp. It was where she and her brother and the rest of the pack fought against the Oni to save Lydia. It was where Allison died and where she almost died. It was where she became a werewolf.

When she heard fighting and swords hitting against each other, she hesitated to follow it. She knew what was happening and she didn't want to relive it but she felt like she was drawn to it. She followed the sounds, coming to a clearing and she froze at seeing the Oni surrounding her and the rest of the pack. It felt so weird, being in an out of body and mind experience. She could see herself there fighting the Oni alongside her friends. She heard her own voice yell Allison's name, throwing a silver knife at the Oni fighting with her and somehow getting the perfect aim. The Oni disappeared and the two girls didn't have any time to even share a smile before another Oni appeared by stabbing her in the stomach. She could feel her heart dropped as she watched the death happen again. She heard Lydia's loud banshee scream of Allison's name, she watched Allison fall in Scott's arms.

She saw Isaac watching with tears in his eyes and Kira watching with sadness with her mom. Lydia was sobbing next to an exhausted Stiles. Then she heard Isaac calling her name, sounding worried. She didn't even realize she was crying until she felt a tear roll down her cheek and she wiped her tears away. She turned to Isaac, watching as he quickly went over to herself. She was kneeling on the ground, holding her side where blood was seeping out of the wound. She had gotten stabbed by an Oni she managed to kill just after Allison was stabbed. Before she could stab the Oni who killed Allison, the Oni stabbed her.

"Nova." Isaac croaks, quickly moving over to her and ignoring the pain he felt from the wound he had. His voice got the other's attentions. Even Scott who had been crying and holding onto a dead Allison. "Nova, you can't die too." Isaac continues, pulling the young girl in his arms. Nova had been only 13 at the time, her 14th birthday was only a few months away. Even though she was only 13, she still was skilled with throwing knives, hand to hand combat, and was a great archer (taught by Allison of course). "Please, you can't."

Isaac had been like an older brother figure to her, just like Scott. He was always there for her and was always looking out for her. He always made sure she was safe and she would do the same. Now that she was dying in his arms and her brother didn't even know it he didn't know what to do.

"I-Isaac, I don't wanna die." Her younger self mumbled, her eyes watery and blood covered her hand as she tried to stop her wound. Isaac's hand covered hers, putting more pressure on the wound.

"Y-You won't." Isaac assures her. "Everything's gonna be okay, Nov. Just please don't close your eyes." He holds her tightly, pressing his lips to her temple. "Scott, you have to give her the bite. She can't...You know she can't die." He stammers, looking over at a sad Scott who was still holding onto a dead Allison. "Scott." Isaac's voice cracked, staring at Scott with a pleading look. He looked back down at Nova, black veins forming on his hand and arm as he took her pain.

After letting out a shaky breath, Scott carefully let's go of Allison, placing her on the ground gently despite her being dead. Nova watched with a heavy heart and teary eyes as he walked over to her and Isaac. Scott kneels down by them and sniffles, wiping his tears away. "Isaac, you know that this might not work. She might not survive the bite."

"But it could." Isaac argues. "You heard her, Scott, she doesn't want to die. She's just a kid, we can't let her die. It's not fair."

Scott didn't know what else to do, but he knew Isaac was right, he couldn't let Nova die. Not her too. He couldn't lose her like he lost Allison. He wouldn't know what he would even do, what would he say to Stiles if Nova died. She was his sister. His family. But if Nova didn't survive the bite...

"It's okay." Her younger self finally speaks up as if she could tell he was contemplating on what to do. She's turning pale and the blood won't stop. "You can do it. I want it." She speaks weakly. At this time, she was still learning about the supernatural and everything with it, but Nova remembered that all she wanted was to not die and not be in pain anymore and if that meant getting turned into a werewolf then she would do it. "But it's also okay if it doesn't work, not your fault. I love all of you." She breathed out. She remembered not knowing if she would be able to say that before dying, so she said it while she could.

This brought more tears from Isaac and Scott. The weight of Nova's words and the gravity of the situation crushed the group with an almost unbearable sadness. Isaac's tears fell freely as he held Nova close, feeling every ounce of her pain and vulnerability. He had been taking her pain the best he could, but he couldn't take all of it. The bite would hopefully save her. It had to. Scott, who had been trying to stay strong, could no longer contain his grief. His face was streaked with tears, his eyes red and puffy as he looked down at Nova, who was barely clinging to consciousness. The room seemed to hold its breath as Scott struggled with the decision, his heart heavy with the knowledge that he had to act quickly. He knew the risks, but the determination in Isaac's eyes and Nova's own fragile resolve made it clear that they had to try.

Scott takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Okay, I'm gonna give you the bite, okay? I really hope it does...If it doesn't work, then I'm so sorry, Nov." Scott's voice broke as he spoke. Isaac had to look away, unable to watch the bite, the fear of not knowing if it would work. His tears continued to fall, leaving wet tracks down his cheeks. Nova nodded, giving him permission. Scott leaned down, gently taking hold of her arm. 

"Nova? Nova!"

Nova is snapped out of her trance like state when she faintly heard someone calling her name. Then she realized she was still at the school. Theo, Malia, and Scott stood in front of her and she was having a panic attack. Her vision is blurry as her breathing quickens. Her eyes flicker around the hall, her brain struggling to comprehend what was going on. She was confused, she thought she was just at Camp Oak Creek with everyone else. But she was here at school. How? Did it even really happen or was it just her imagination?

"Hey, hey. It's okay. It's just us. You're safe." Theo's voice was soothing and it helped calm her down a little bit. Her heart was pounding in her chest and her breathing was erratic. She didn't expect him to be the first one to speak to try and calm her down and she was surprised at how he even looked to be genuinely concerned for her.

"Nova," Scott speaks next, kneeling by her where she sat on the floor in the empty hallway of the school. She must have ended up here while having her panic attack. "Hey, I know it's scary but you gotta breathe. Remember your exercises, take a deep breath."

Nova tried, breathing deeply in and out, trying to control her breathing and her rapid heartbeat. Malia was standing there awkwardly for a moment, not really sure what to do. But then she moves closer to her so she's kneeling by her, holding her hand tightly and sending her a reassuring smile. Nova doesn't understand why or how the panic attack was triggered. She didn't have those a lot, but every time she did have a panic attack, it was hard to stop them. They always scared her, and made her feel like she was going to die. It felt like the walls were closing in and she felt trapped. 

Her breathing would become uneven and sometimes her lungs would hurt, making it harder for her to breathe. Her chest would feel tight, and her head would start pounding. The panic attacks used to be worse when she was younger. Especially after her mom died. But now they weren't as bad and she had gotten better at handling them. She hadn't had a panic attack since before Allison died and that was a year ago. She doesn't understand why she had one today, but she's just thankful her friends were there for her. Even Theo surprisingly.

"I-I can't." She managed to stutter. She had tried taking deep breaths, but the tightness in her chest was too much and it made her feel like she was suffocating. She was so close to crying but she held her tears back.

"You're doing good." Malia reassures her. "Keep breathing, focus on us, Nova."

"What brought this on?" Scott questioned softly, keeping his eyes on her and his hand on her shoulder. He could tell she was still shaken up and he could still hear her fast heartbeat.

"I, um...I think I had a psycho whatever thing like you said earlier..." She stammered, closing her eyes as she tried to focus on deep breathing.

"Psychosomatic." Scott corrected her.

Nova nods. "Right, that. I, uh, saw...I-I was back there. O-On the field. W-Where Allison died." She admits, feeling tears threatening to spill. "Where I almost died. I-It was so real." She said with uneven and shaky breaths. She opens her eyes, her eyes were watery and her bottom lip quivered slightly. "I, um...I don't know why or how it happened...But it just did." She closes her eyes. "I-I feel like-like I can't breathe." Her breathing now was quick and uneven, her heart still pounding.

"Yes, you can." Scott reminds her gently, his hand squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. "Just focus on your breathing. I'm right here, we're all right here. We're not gonna leave you. Do you remember your breathing exercises? The ones Stiles suggested."

Nova slowly nods, opening her eyes and staring at Scott with her watery eyes. "Y-Yeah, I can't remember how to do it though. I'm trying to, I'm really trying. It's like, um, my mind is jumbled up and I can't focus on anything." She admits. "It was like I was actually there again. B-Back at Camp Oak Creek. With Allison and everyone else." She rambles. "W-When I almost died. I-It felt so real. Like I was there again." She was beginning to panic even more because she couldn't remember her exercise and that made her panic attack even worse. She needed to focus. She was trying so hard, but it wasn't working. Everything was blurry and her mind was going a mile a minute.

"Hey, it's okay." Theo speaks up, kneeling beside Scott. Nova's eyes snap to him and her eyebrows furrow slightly, not expecting him to help her. "Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathe in for four seconds, hold the breath for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds. Do it with me." Nova watched him carefully, taking note at how his eyes seem to soften and his expression seems more concerned and sincere. Scott and Malia are both surprise at seeing this side of him with Nova. They were used to seeing his smirk and manipulative and cunning attitude, not this.

Nova does as he tells her, following his lead and breathing deeply. In for four seconds, hold for seven, out for eight. She was slowly starting to relax and she was able to breathe easier, but the tightness was still there. She could tell her friends noticed, but they didn't say anything. They just sat there with her. Theo's thumb was rubbing circles on the back of her hand, sending a warmth through her body that helped calm her even more. It was comforting. It was strange how he could be so kind and caring and how he could be cruel and evil. He was a mystery to her, and it seemed like there was more to him. He was a complicated person, and it made her wonder why. He had done so many bad things and yet suddenly he acted so gentle with her. It was as if he had a soft spot for her and no one else. But she wondered what his motives were and what his intentions were.

"Good, keep doing that." Theo encouraged, his voice still gentle. She was surprised he was still here and comforting her. She's surprised at how genuine it is. She's never seen this side of him before, but it's a welcome change. It's a nice change.

"You're doing great, Nova." Scott chimes in, squeezing her shoulder gently. "Just focus on us, okay?"

Nova nods, her breathing getting steadier. "O-Okay, I'm...I'm fine. I'm fine." She breathed, her voice shaky but it sounded better than before.

"Are you sure?" Malia asked, staring at her with concern, her hand still in her left hand while Theo's was still in her right.

"Yeah, I think I'm okay. Just...just give me a minute." Nova stammered, continuing to do the breathing exercise Theo helped her with. After a minute of silence and her continuing the breathing exercises, her heartbeat was slowing down and she wasn't so worked up anymore.

"Feeling better?" Scott questioned, studying her carefully. Nova was calmer, but he could see that she was still a little shaken up and he could tell that she was a bit embarrassed. He could hear her heartbeat picking up again and it was slowly returning to normal.

Nova takes a deep breath, nodding. "Y-Yeah, a lot better. Thank you." She looks at the three of them. "All of you. I don't know what I would've done without you guys."

"You're welcome." Theo said softly, still holding onto her hand and giving her a reassuring smile.

"You wouldn't have been stuck in a panic attack." Malia replied bluntly.

Scott gives her a look before glancing at Nova, who let out a small chuckle at Malia's comment. "Well, thank you. Again." She spoke.

Scott helps her stand up as they all stood. "What caused the panic attack? You haven't had one in a long time."

Nova sighs, rubbing her face with her hands. "I was walking out of class and then suddenly I was back at Camp Oak Creek, where...Where everything happened. When I saw myself dying and Allison dying and you giving me the bite, Isaac holding me...I think it was just all too much..." She trails off, her voice trembling slightly at the memories. "It felt so real, like I was reliving it all over again."

"And you don't know why it happened?" Scott asked softly. He hated seeing her like this, so scared and sad. And he hated that she was having a panic attack because of what happened to Allison and her near death experience.

"No." She answers with a sigh, leaning against the lockers. She was now exhausted, but she felt a little better than before. Her heartbeat was beating normally and her breathing was fine. But her hands were still shaking. "I haven't had a panic attack in over a year, Scott." She mumbles, her eyes on the ground. She felt embarrassed and vulnerable and she didn't know how to explain how she felt or why it happened. "I-I don't understand why it happened or what caused it..."

"Hey, it's gonna be okay. This probably was a one time thing." Malia tries to reassure her, sending her a smile. She may not have been good at comforting people but she was trying and that was what counted. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. You just have to relax."

Nova gave her a half smile and nodded. She still felt uneasy and unsure, but she wasn't gonna tell them that. She wanted to go home and take a nap. She had a headache and her stomach was still in knots. She wasn't feeling the greatest, but she figured it would pass.

"Are you sure?" Scott questions again, studying her carefully. He could see the uneasiness in her eyes and could see the way her shoulders were tense and her jaw was clenched. She was trying to act fine, but he could see right through her. "You don't have to lie to us, Nova. We're just worried about you."

Nova lets out a breath, nodding. "I know, and I'm sorry. I guess I'm still shaken up and I'm just tired and stressed. I haven't slept a lot lately." She confesses, knowing her brother would tell them the truth anyways. "I've just been having a lot on my mind lately and a lot of nightmares, but it's not a big deal, Scott." She added quickly. She didn't want them to worry or make a big deal out of it.

"It is a big deal, Nov." Scott argued, frowning. He could tell something was wrong with her, she wasn't telling him the whole truth. He knew she was stressed, especially with all the stuff with the Dread Doctors. She's been helping him a lot lately and she's been trying to do more to help with the whole Dread Doctors situation, but he could tell something was going on with her. It seemed like something was bothering her and it was getting worse.

"I'm fine, Scott. Just stressed." She lied. She wasn't fine, she knew that, but she didn't want them all to worry about her. She pushed herself up and away from the lockers, letting go of Malia's hand. She stumbled a little as she tried to stand up, Theo's grip tightened on her hand as he steadied her.

"Whoa, easy there, Nova." Theo said softly, his concern evident.

Nova gave him a grateful nod, trying to muster a reassuring smile for the others. "I'm okay, really. Just a little dizzy. Probably just from the panic attack." She trailed off, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her. Her legs felt like jelly, and she was barely holding herself together.

Scott exchanged a worried glance with Malia, who, despite her usual bluntness, was clearly concerned. "Nova," Scott began gently, "I think you need to take it easy for a while. You've been through a lot lately, and it sounds like your body is telling you to slow down."

"He's right," Theo adds, still holding her hand as if to keep her grounded. "Pushing yourself too hard isn't going to help. You need to rest and take care of yourself."

Nova's eyes widen in surprise. Was Theo Raeken, the same Theo Raeken who has been a pain in the a** since he returned, actually being...Nice? To her? She could feel her heart rate picking up again, and she wasn't sure if it was due to her panic attack or something else. She quickly pushes those thoughts aside and focuses on her friends. They were right, she needed to take it easy for a while and relax. "Alright, I'll try to relax and take it easy." She assured the group and pulled away while she turned to leave. 

"Wait, Nova." Scott calls after her, running after her. Malia and Theo following him. "Let me take you home. We're heading to the hospital, but I can take you home first."

Nova stops walking, looking at him with confusion. "Why are you guys going to the hospital?"

"Lydia and Stiles are there." Malia replied.

"Oh," Nova said in realization. She was still confused why they were there, but decided not to ask. She honestly was tired and hungry and would rather not have to get involved in any fights. "I'll just go home, I can take the bus. I'll be fine." She assures her friends. "Or I can walk. Might help clear my head."

"Are you sure?" Scott asked with concern. He didn't want her to go off alone, not after what happened. He wanted her to be safe and to be protected. He knew she, of course, could take care of herself and protect herself, but he was just concerned for her.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks." Nova nodded, sending him a reassuring smile.

"Text us when you get home, okay?" Malia adds. "And if you need anything, call us."

"I will." Nova agrees. She looks over at Theo, who was still standing there and staring at her with that same gentle and sincere look on his face. "Um, thank you. For, um, for helping me." She stammered, her cheeks warming up and her heart pounding.

"Of course." He answered softly, sending her a small smile.

"Well, um, I-I should go." She speaks. "Thanks again." She then turned and started walking home. Scott, Malia, and Theo all share a look before heading off to the hospital.