Was Atia hunting for her? Did Aiyana not guard Nova as he instructed?
Even if he was not their guardian, Yoa trusted Aiyana to push aside her dislike for Nova and do this for him. He'd been there for her when she pursued another beast, even when he could tell the Apatka was trouble. Yoa shook his head, disregarding that negative thought process. Aiyana may have been opposed to Nova from the moment she laid eyes on her, but she wasn't spiteful or cruel.
It wasn't the way of the warrior.
Yoa stopped pacing. He took a deep, steadying breath, slowly retracting his claws from the earth. He focused on Nova's scent again and followed it to a tree, leaping onto a branch. His nose dropped to the bark, eyes closing as he inhaled deeply, letting her scent wind through his senses like smoke, calming the wild edge of his thoughts momentarily.
Nova had rested here. Gone was the warmth her body had provided the wood. Then he caught it. Another scent. Twisted into hers like a stain.
