iv. bridges to burn

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Aurora's eyes flicked over the group, taking in the tense energy that radiated off them. "So, what is it you need from me?" she asked, her tone sharp as she addressed the vet. He stood beside a cluster of boys, their expressions a mix of confusion and apprehension.

The room fell into an uneasy silence. Scott, Stiles, and Isaac stared at her with wide eyes, while Derek's gaze narrowed suspiciously.

"Hello?" Aurora's voice cut through the quiet like a blade. She waved her hand dismissively at the boys. "I broke, like, three laws getting here. The least you could do is tell me why I'm here," she added, her eyes rolling in exasperation.

"Yeah, why is she here?" Stiles, the spastic one of the group, echoed her question. His eyes darted to the vet before he turned his attention back to Aurora. "And how did you break any laws getting here?" he asked, moving closer, curiosity overriding caution.

Aurora smirked, leaning slightly toward him. "You know, ran a few red lights, blew past some stop signs," she paused for effect, "and I'm not technically a licensed driver, so there's that." Her tone was nonchalant, almost daring them to react, while she ignored the disapproving looks that passed between the others.

"Right," the vet interjected, clapping his hands together to recapture the room's focus. "Personally, I've never done this before, but I know you have." He nodded toward the metal tub the boys were filling with ice.

Aurora's eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief as she stepped closer to the tub. 

"Who do I get to drown?" she asked, a wicked smile curving her lips.

Isaac, the blond Beta, blanched at her words, his eyes widening even further. Aurora ignored his reaction, casually perching herself on a stray chair near the tub, her posture relaxed and unbothered.

The vet sighed, his gaze moving back to Isaac. "Obviously, this isn't going to be comfortable. But if we can slow your heart rate down enough, you'll slip into a trance-like state," he explained, his tone calm and reassuring.

"Like being hypnotized?" Isaac asked, his voice trembling slightly as he stared at the tub.

"Exactly," the vet confirmed. "You'll be half-transformed. It will let us access your subconscious mind."

Scott, who had been silent until now, glanced at Aurora before turning back to the vet. "How slow does his heart rate need to be?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Aurora's smirk deepened as she answered, "Very slow."

Scott's brow furrowed, his worry evident. "Okay, well, how slow is 'very slow'?" he pressed, directing his question to the vet this time, deliberately avoiding Aurora's gaze.

"Nearly dead," the vet responded, tilting his head slightly as he spoke.

Isaac hesitated, dipping his hand into the tub of icy water. He yanked it back almost immediately, a look of fear crossing his face. "It's safe though, right?" he asked, his voice a mix of hope and desperation as he looked between the vet and Aurora.

          

"I've done it twice," Aurora said, her tone matter-of-fact. "And I'm proud to say that I have a 50% survival rate." Her smile turned dark, the wickedness in her expression intensifying.

The room's atmosphere grew thick with tension as all eyes snapped to her. The mixture of worry and fear on their faces made Aurora roll her eyes. 

"Don't worry, it was the first time I did it that the guy died. I know what not to do now," she added with a dismissive wave of her hand.

The vet frowned at her. "Thank you for that vote of confidence, Aurora."

"Anytime," she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

A sudden, loud snap echoed through the room, drawing everyone's attention to Stiles. He stood a few feet away, proudly staring at the long latex glove he'd just pulled onto his arm. His eyes darted around the room, registering the unimpressed stares he was receiving. With a sheepish grin, he quickly peeled off the glove, tossing it aside before rejoining the group near the tub.

Isaac stood up slowly from his crouched position, exhaling deeply as he did. Aurora's gaze remained fixed on him, studying his every move.

"If it feels too risky, you don't have to do this," Scott said, his concern for his Beta evident as he tried to offer him an out.

Isaac let out another deep breath, steeling himself before he reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it off. Aurora's lips twitched in a mock salute as he stepped into the tub, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps.

Positioning herself at the head of the tub, Aurora placed her hands on Isaac's shoulders, nodding at the two werewolves to help her. Without a word, she gave them a look, and together, they pushed him under the water. Isaac struggled, his movements frantic, but Aurora's expression remained cold and detached.

When Isaac broke the surface of the water, half-transformed, Aurora's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "You have to keep him under," she snapped, rolling her eyes at their lack of resolve.

The trio, now joined by Stiles, who attempted to hold Isaac's legs, pushed him back under. Isaac thrashed violently, his panic evident as he fought for air.

"Holy shit!" Aurora exclaimed, her frustration boiling over. "Hold him under!"

"We're trying!" Scott shouted back, his own desperation creeping into his voice.

"Not hard enough," Aurora retorted, her grip tightening on Isaac's shoulders as she forced him back under the water.

Finally, Isaac's struggles ceased, his body going limp. They released him, allowing him to float to the top of the tub, his eyes closed, and his breathing shallow.

"Now, remember," the vet began, his voice cutting through the tension as he looked around at the group. "Only I talk to him. Too many voices will confuse him and draw him out."

"Isaac? Can you hear me?" Deaton asked, leaning closer to the boy.

"Yes. I can hear you," Isaac replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

"This is Dr. Deaton. I'd like to ask you a few questions. Is that all right?" Deaton's tone was gentle, almost soothing.

"Yes," Isaac answered quietly, his voice carrying a note of hesitation.

"I want to ask you about the night you found Erica and Boyd. I want you to remember it for me in as vivid detail as possible, like you're actually there again," Deaton instructed, his words slow and deliberate.

Isaac's body tensed, his breathing growing more erratic. "I-I don't wanna do that. I don't—I don't wanna do that," he stammered, his fear palpable.

"Isaac, it's all right. Just relax. They're just memories. You can't be hurt by a memory," Deaton reassured him, trying to calm the growing panic.

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