The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 117

Chapter 117

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In this world, not every student was like Zane, Maxwell, Hannah, Casey, or Holden

Most students didn’t dare to dig too deep into Nova’s background.

But for Rhys, the top student, things were different–he was the exception.

Still, even he couldn’t truly grasp how high Nova’s status might be,

As soon as Rhys dropped that line, the whole room froze–an uncomfortable chill swept over everyone.

The air crackled with an eerie, unsettling silence.

Nova and Natasha’s eyes both went cold–sharp, distant, almost hostile.

For people in the underground world, unless they decided to speak up themselves, the last thing they wanted was someone else spilling their real identity,

No way Rhys doesn’t know this, Nova thought, catching the way he weighed his words–he was way too smart to miss something like that.

Rhys spoke up right away, “Hey, don’t worry, I’m not trying to get involved. Whatever’s going on with you— it’s none of my business.

“I promise on my future and my degree–you have my word.

“You have my guarantee–nothing you say here gets out.”

For Rhys, his future and his degree were everything.

Swearing by his future and degree was enough to show where Rhys stood.

Nova’s eyes darkened slightly.

“But… there’s one thing you have to promise me first,” Rhys added, voice steady. “You can’t harm any students or teachers at this school.

“Don’t get them mixed up in any of your business.”

That was reasonable enough.

Nova arched an eyebrow and tilted her head, her lips curling into a sly, teasing smile.

“Anything else?” she asked.

Rhys let out a sigh of relief. “That’s it.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Casey chimed in, curiosity all over her face,

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“Rhys, you always roast Nova with that savage tongue of yours, and now you’re cozying up to her?”

“Careful, or she’s gonna mess up your face so bad you won’t recognize yourself!” Casey laughed, her eyes dancing mischievously.

When Casey grinned, her playful smile showed off her cute snaggletooth, making her look even more adorable.

As soon as Casey and her crew walked back in, Nova and the other two instantly switched topics.

They settled into their seats, and before they knew it, the boss hustled over with a steaming hot platter.

The owner set down a plate piled high with fresh–off–the–grill food, the aroma alone could make anyone’s stomach growl.

Nova joined in with the group, munching away without a second thought.

Years spent surviving on the battlefield had turned her appetite into something legendary.

By the time they left the BBQ place, evening had already settled in.

After competing in two events all day, everyone was exhausted–ready to crash in their dorms and finally get some real sleep.

“Nova, since there’s no contest tomorrow, wanna come shopping with me?” Casey asked with a grin as she turned to leave.

“Sure,” Nova agreed.

“I’m coming too!” Natasha declared, latching onto Nova’s arm like she wasn’t about to let go anytime soon.

It was like she was terrified that if she didn’t tag along, Casey would snatch Nova away from her for good.

Casey saw this and couldn’t help but stifle a giggle at Natasha’s sudden possessiveness.

‘Wow, I never thought Natasha could be this clingy before we actually got close,‘ Casey thought, amused as she held back her laughter.

“Alright, alright, then we’ll all go together!” Casey cheered, her eyes shining with excitement.

Once Casey’s crew had disappeared, Natasha slipped right back into her usual self, confident and self–assured.

She stood a little taller, sending Nova a flirty, mischievous wink that was pure Natasha.

“Nova, you know I’m staying off–campus,” she purred, her tone dripping with charm. “I’ll be here for a whole month, and there’s no way I’m dealing with those cramped dorms, so I picked up a villa nearby.

“Why don’t you stay over tonight? It’ll be way more fun than the school dorms.,

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Chapter 117

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“Rhys, you always roast Nova with that savage tongue of yours, and now you’re cozying up to her?”

“Careful, or she’s gonna mess up your face so bad you won’t recognize yourself!” Casey laughed, her eyes dancing mischievously.

When Casey grinned, her playful smile showed off her cute snaggletooth, making her look even more adorable.

As soon as Casey and her crew walked back in, Nova and the other two instantly switched topics.

They settled into their seats, and before they knew it, the boss hustled over with a steaming hot platter.

The owner set down a plate piled high with fresh–off–the–grill food, the aroma alone could make anyone’s stomach growl.

Nova joined in with the group, munching away without a second thought.

Years spent surviving on the battlefield had turned her appetite into something legendary.

By the time they left the BBQ place, evening had already settled in.

After competing in two events all day, everyone was exhausted–ready to crash in their dorms and finally get some real sleep.

“Nova, since there’s no contest tomorrow, wanna come shopping with me?” Casey asked with a grin as she turned to leave.

“Sure,” Nova agreed.

“I’m coming too!” Natasha declared, latching onto Nova’s arm like she wasn’t about to let go anytime soon.

It was like she was terrified that if she didn’t tag along, Casey would snatch Nova away from her for good.

Casey saw this and couldn’t help but stifle a giggle at Natasha’s sudden possessiveness.

‘Wow, I never thought Natasha could be this clingy before we actually got close,‘ Casey thought, amused as she held back her laughter.

“Alright, alright, then we’ll all go together!” Casey cheered, her eyes shining with excitement.

Once Casey’s crew had disappeared, Natasha slipped right back into her usual self, confident and self–assured.

She stood a little taller, sending Nova a flirty, mischievous wink that was pure Natasha.

“Nova, you know I’m staying off–campus,” she purred, her tone dripping with charm. “I’ll be here for a whole month, and there’s no way I’m dealing with those cramped dorms, so I picked up a yilla nearby.

“Why don’t you stay over tonight? It’ll be way more fun than the school dorms.

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Chapter 117

Nova just stuffed one hand into her pocket and nodded, cool and unbothered.

“Yeah, sure.” Nova said, cool as ever.

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After locking in the plan with Natasha, Nova swung by the dorm to grab her stuff and pack up the things she’d need for the night at Natasha’s place.

But just as she got to the staircase, someone popped right up in her way.

It was Zane, the same guy who’d run off with his tail between his legs that morning.

He’d been waiting for her all afternoon.

“Where have you been?” Zane demanded, after waiting all afternoon to see her.

“Why do you care?” Nova shot back, her voice icy.

Zane forced a bitter smile. ‘Yeah… It’s none of my business anymore, is it?‘ he thought to himself.

Right now, he was nowhere near her level.

“I’m leaving Zoria tonight to study abroad,” Zane said quietly while Nova ignored him completely.

“You’ve pretty much got the rest of the competition in the bag, even without me,” Zane said, his tone quietly resigned.

He wasn’t planning on coming back to Saint Laurel Royal Academy.

One of Saint Laurel’s top three heartthrobs, Zane was destined to bow out.

Zane watched as Nova listened to him, her face unreadable.

Even after hearing he was leaving, she didn’t slow down for a second—just kept walking, like he was already out of her story.

Zane felt like someone had torn his heart right out of his chest–the pain was almost too much to bear.

“But that doesn’t mean I’m letting you go,” he said, stubbornness burning in his voice.

“Nova, you’re the only girl who’s ever truly mattered to me.

“I’ll rise higher than ever–wait for me! We’ll stand face to face at the very top!”

With those words, Zane spun around and walked away, every step heavy but resolute.

Just like a lone warrior from the old days, Zane walked away with a quiet pride–shoulders straight, not glancing back once.

If this were a tearjerker romance flick, one could practically hear the sorrowful ballad playing, highlighting the anguish as the hero and heroine parted ways for reasons out of their control.

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The sad melody would rise, painting their farewell with heartbreak and emotion, every tear and farewell etched into the scene.

Too bad.

This wasn’t Zane’s movie, and Nova would never become the starry–eyed romantic he wished she was.

The very top? Give me a break, Nova sneered inwardly, her eyes glinting with icy disdain.

As Zane’s footsteps faded, Nova made her way upstairs, a cold, contemptuous smile flickering across her lips. -like none of this even mattered.

Before she wiped out every last traitor from the Bloodblade Mercenary Corps, before she finished off Devil’s Isle and Ray Hale…

Nova would never waste her heart on any man. At best, they were tools or playthings–never anything more.

‘The peak?‘ Nova scoffed to herself. ‘Does Zane even have a clue what the real summit looks like?‘

Up there, it isn’t some paradise for the strong–it’s just endless torment. The so–called kings at the top? They’re all just desperate to claw their way out of hell and taste life again.

Meanwhile, everyone living their ordinary lives is busy fantasizing about reaching the summit, never realizing they’re racing straight into the fire.

‘Ridiculous. And kind of sad,‘ Nova mused, her smile mocking.

‘All that for love? Please. What a joke,‘ she scoffed inwardly.

If Zane ever saw just how brutal things really get at the top and still managed to spout some nonsense about love, Nova might’ve actually given him some credit–hell, she might’ve even been impressed.

But let’s be real–the way this world works, people who can do that are basically unicorns. One could count them on one hand…hell, maybe they don’t even exist.

Nova cast her eyes down and started up the stairs.

*****

Natasha’s villa was right next to Rena University.

Though technically located in the suburbs, its proximity to the area’s most popular hiking spot meant these villas commanded jaw–dropping prices.

Each one cost a jaw–dropping 15 million dollars.

With Natasha’s invitation, Nova just rolled with it and settled in–no hesitation at all.

“Nova! I’m so happy you actually came!” Natasha practically leaped out of the door, her curves on full display as she threw her arms around Nova in a tight hug.

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Natasha might’ve been younger, but when it came to curves, she was definitely giving Nova a run for her money–especially up top.

Nova’s lips curled into a sly, knowing smile..

Wow, she’s really soft and supple, Nova mused, a trace of amusement flickering in her eyes.

But before she could even process it, Nova’s eyes suddenly sharpened.

Out of nowhere, a shadow shot out from behind, lunging straight at Natasha.

Startled, Natasha darted to the side, just barely avoiding the attack–only to end up a few steps away from where she’d been hugging Nova.

Nova immediately recognized the two approaching auras; they were familiar, and neither held even a hint of killing intent.

She crossed her arms, shooting a teasing smirk.

Then-

Out of the shadows at the villa’s front door stepped a tall, lean, and strikingly handsome man.

Damien’s face was too perfect for words–not a single flaw anywhere. The moment he walked in, even the 15- million–dollar villa couldn’t compete–everything else just faded into the background.

No question–the one who charged at Natasha just now was Aiden.

His whole point was to put some distance between Natasha and Nova.

With a few long strides, Damien was suddenly at Nova’s side, casually pulling her into his arms with one hand wrapped around her waist.

His towering presence practically swallowed her up, making Nova’s tough vibe seem unexpectedly soft and delicate next to him.

They looked stupidly perfect together–like the universe itself had shipped them.

Natasha’s eyes flared with jealousy, and she couldn’t help but shout, “Who do you think you are? Back off! Nova’s mine!”

She bared her hands like she was ready to claw someone’s face off, swerving forward to snatch Nova back for herself.

At her possessive outburst, Damien’s brows furrowed, and a cold, dangerous energy crackled in his eyes–one that promised trouble.

Damien’s voice was cold and deep as he issued Aiden a quiet, commanding order.

“Aiden, toss that clingy mess out,” he said, his words laced with disdain.

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Needless to say, “that clingy mess” referred to Natasha.

“Yes, sir!” Aiden replied crisply.

2

Earlier, when Aiden went at Natasha, he’d been holding back–he just wanted her to back off from Nova, not actually hurt her.

Right then, after Damien barked his order, Aiden went full no–nonsense mode.

Without a second thought, he strode up and–no more Mr. Nice Guy–swooped right in.

Just as Natasha was about to fight back, he snatched her up like picking up a kitten, and hustled her out the door

“Let go of me! Let go! This is my house!” Natasha shrieked, her voice pitching up in panic.

“You bullies! You’re picking on a kid! How could you treat me like this?!

“I’m just a kid! How can you bully me like this?!

“Let go of me!”

Natasha struggled with everything she had, but it was pointless. She was way too young and nowhere near a match for Aiden, who’d been in the assassin game for over a decade and was already in his twenties.

With a single, effortless grip, Aiden dragged her right out of the villa like she was weightless.

All that squirming just made it worse–Aiden’s hand, which had started out holding her by the neck, ended up sliding way down to her chest…

…and yeah, thanks to the wrestling, his grip landed a little too low for comfort.

Aiden’s iron–hard arm, corded with muscle, ended up pressed flush against Natasha’s soft chest–the contrast between his raw power and her tender curves made for an unexpectedly charged moment.

When he felt the sudden warmth of her body right there against his arm, Aiden paused, momentarily stunned by how close they’d gotten.

While Natasha kept protesting, “You’re bullying a kid!“—cold and emotionless as ever, Aiden, the assassin who never showed a hint of softness, suddenly let slip an uncharacteristically warm smile.

“Bullied a kid? From where I’m standing,” he murmured, voice teasing and low, “there’s nothing about you that says ‘kid‘ to me.”