The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 116

Chapter 116

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“Long time no see, Boss. If you’re reading this, Falcon and I are probably already dead and gone,

“But there’s something I need to come clean about.

“I’m truly sorry. I know how much you despise betrayal, but Falcon and I… we still lied to you.

“Kassano managed to blend in with the rebels–he actually sent us a message.

“It was Falcon and I who chose to hide the truth from you. We never told you what was really happening out

there.

“Kassano told us that tomorrow, at the Millinger battlefield in Arion, the rebels have suddenly changed their plans. They’re shifting the main fight up north–to Corsica.

“The spot you, Ghost–Hammer, and Snowfang are going to–Oxys–has now become just a secondary battlefield.

“Falcon and I agonized over it for ages before we finally decided not to tell you.

“Because if you found out, you’d definitely push us to head for Oxys instead.

“You always shoulder all the danger yourself, just to make sure we get the safest place.”

“But the Bloodblade Mercenary Corps needs you more than ever. Still, we just want the chance to do something for you for once…

“And you always told us we’re family. Family’s allowed to mess up and get forgiven, right?

“If we actually survive the Millinger battlefield, I’ll drag Falcon with me and we’ll come apologize to you in

person!

“Falcon’s literally standing right next to me as I write this. He insisted I put in here, ‘Boss, don’t worry–I swear I’ll keep Marlie safe. This big dummy…”

“Still…

“If the worst happens and we fall, please don’t grieve for us.

“Standing by your side in battle all these years–that’s a once–in–a–lifetime honor, the kind we’d gladly trade our entire lives for.

“Out there on the battlefield, it was only you who ever said that besides being comrades, we could truly be family.

“I guess my only regret is not getting to witness the day our Bloodblade Mercenary Corps takes its place on the world stage.

“And you… I just wish I could see the day you become the top dog in the mercenary world. I know you can do

13:15 Mon, Nov 17 M…

Chapter 116

it, Boss. I truly believe you’ll make it!

-by Marlie”

Sadly, harsh reality always wins, and war never shows any mercy.

In the end, Marlie and Falcon couldn’t outrun the deadly fate awaiting them.

Nova held the letter in one hand, her grip gentle but unyielding.

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From the outside, she didn’t let a flicker of emotion show–like nothing in the world could reach her.

But the way her crimson eyes lowered, even if just for a second, betrayed everything she was really feeling deep down.

Nova wouldn’t cry. Not ever.

As the commander of the Bloodblade Mercenary Corps, the moment she first set foot on the battlefield, she’d given up the right to her own feelings.

Because even the slightest flicker of emotion could give her away, forcing those she cared about to suffer loss all over again.

Her clear eyes closed for a heartbeat.

Nova’s voice was barely a whisper, lost on the wind.

She spoke to the envelope, using the gentlest tone of her life, as if she were talking directly to the two who’d sent this letter from heaven.

“Why would I ever blame you…not in a million years.”

She’d never let Marlie and Falcon die for nothing. And as long as she lived, she’d make damn sure the Bloodblade Mercenary Corps–the Corps they gave everything to take back—would never have to suffer that kind of loss ever again.

‘As for the real traitors out there–go ahead and wash your necks clean. The day I return to the international stage will be the day I send every last one of you down to hell myself,” she swore to herself.

“Hey, Nova, whatcha looking at?”

Casey turned, catching sight of Nova with an envelope. She tilted her head, flashing a curious grin. “Something interesting?”

“It’s nothing,” Nova said, keeping her voice cool–like always.

With practiced ease, Nova tucked the envelope back into her pocket, like it had never even existed.

This was the only thing Marlie left her, and Nova would keep it safe–like it meant the world to her.

Just like her most cherished comrades: those weapons she’d trusted with her life.

Chapter 116

“Hey, look! Nova’s actually reading the love letter I wrote for her!” Natasha said.

Casey’s eyes were full of curiosity–she looked about ready to sneak a peek herself.

But before she could make a move, Natasha folded her arms like some big bad wolf and shot Casey a fierce glare that screamed ‘back off“.

Casey instantly clammed up, dropping her curiosity like a hot potato.

“Geez, meeting your online pals in real life sure is something–love letters already flying around, and at this rate, kids aren’t far off…” Holden joked, giving a dramatic shiver before striding ahead.

After leaving Rena University, the group headed straight for a barbecue joint.

They stopped in front of a bright red signboard, where the bold, golden characters gleamed in the sunlight: ‘Bull’s Barbecue.

It was just a humble little shop on the street, but the food they served was anything but ordinary.

The moment they stepped inside, the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat hit them, making their stomachs growl.

Bull’s Barbecue was hands–down the favorite hangout for all the students at Rena University.

The shop might’ve been tiny, but they had every type of barbecue imaginable stuffed onto their menu.

“Hey, Boss, usual deal!” Casey called out the moment she stepped inside, sounding like she ran the joint.

She reeled off the order like she’d done it a hundred times before.

Then she glanced at Nova and Natasha. “Anything you two wanna eat?”

Nova just shrugged. “Anything goes for me.”

Natasha chuckled. “I’m good with whatever Nova wants.”

Meanwhile, Holden, Zack, Cassian joined Casey, crowding around the display fridge and arguing over which barbecue snacks to grab–none of them willing to miss out on the tastiest picks.

Nova and Natasha headed straight for a table, leaving the others to their food frenzy.

Natasha dropped the clingy act she’d put on earlier. After all, she’d spent years in the international underground circle–no way could she keep up that whole sweet, porcelain–doll persona forever.

Natasha looked at Nova and asked softly, “Nova, I only ended up here because I came to Satury City, Zoria on a mission.

“I’ve been in Satury City, Morales for a whole year now, and during this time I haven’t heard a single thing about you in the international circle.

“Just saw you again a couple days ago, and seriously–you haven’t changed at all since back then!

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Chapter 116

“So, what actually brought you to this place?”

Really, the fact they ran into each other was nothing but a stroke of luck.

s souther

Aria had been searching everywhere for Nova, wanting to pay her back for all she’d done, but no matter how hard she tried, she could never find her.

Nova paused for a moment, then said softly, “For family. That’s why I’m here.”

Natasha blinked in sudden realization. “Oh… so that’s what brought you here.”

Natasha let out a quiet sigh, her voice tinged with bittersweet longing. ‘I never really had a family myself, so… I guess I can’t quite relate to that feeling.

“You two.” Before Nova and Natasha could get another word in, a precise, no–nonsense male voice broke in.

It was Rhys.

Rhys, known as the heartthrob of the research department, always had that solemn, all–business vibe going for him.

No way did he buy Holden’s claim that Nova and Natasha were just random online gamer pals.

Compared to Holden, Casey, and the other regular students, Rhys’s superpower was simple: sharp logic, crystal–clear thinking, zero room for flights of fancy.

While Casey and the rest were busy wrestling over barbecue choices, Rhys spoke up, his voice clear and heavy with certainty.

“I just looked it up online—the international slave market in Castille, Kylentia. Turns out, it actually exists.

“And it’s set up right there in Kylentia.

“So the truth is, Nova, you rescued Natasha from that slave market in Castille.”

“You two…”

Rhys fixed them with a serious stare, his tone low and sharp. “So you really do have killing skills—and you’ve actually taken lives before, haven’t you? If I’m right, your backgrounds are tied to the black market, aren’t they?”

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