The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Nova felt Damien’s body stiffen instantly, his muscles tightening like a coiled spring. His chest became rigid, as solid as stone beneath her touch.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Nova launched herself directly into Damien’s arms—swift, precise, and unflinching. Years of relying on her own lethal skills as a top mercenary had taught her never to depend on anyone else. She crushed her enemies solo, with ruthless efficiency.

Unlike those women who traded their bodies for survival or advantage, Nova had always refused to stoop to such depths. Her strength was her weapon, and she wielded it with pride.

This was the first time she’d ever been this close to a man—this personal, this vulnerable. She’d never pulled a move like this before, and the unfamiliar sensation sent a jolt through her.

But she kept reminding herself: this was purely tactical. Nothing more. Just a desperate way out.

Though Damien’s body remained stiff and unyielding, Nova seized the moment. She jerked her knee upward and slammed it hard into his gut, channeling every ounce of her power. The impact was muffled, but the strike connected.

To Damien, it was like an egg hitting a granite wall—barely registering. Yet, it was enough to loosen his iron grip on her.

Seizing the chance, Nova slipped free without a hitch.

She didn’t waste a second. With a few swift, agile moves, she created a solid ten-meter gap between them.

In the blink of an eye, she disappeared into the thick, shadowy forest.

This time, Damien didn’t give chase.

His eyes, deep and inscrutable, tracked Nova’s fading silhouette with a cold, unreadable expression. No one could guess what thoughts churned behind those icy orbs.

“Sir, she’s gone. Should we pursue her?” Aiden Cross asked, stepping forward. He was the one who had stayed behind to handle Scarlet’s body and had just arrived in time to see Nova’s escape unfold.

Aiden sought Damien’s orders.

“No. Let’s move out,” Damien replied, his voice sharp and commanding.

The chill in his tone left no room for debate—it was an order, not a suggestion.

Aiden’s mind reeled. Watching Nova throw herself into Damien’s arms had stunned him so much, he thought he must be hallucinating. It was the last thing he’d ever expected.

Now, seeing her vanish cleanly while Damien calmly forbade pursuit, his heart pounded fiercely in his chest.

Everyone in the underworld knew Damien’s brutal reputation.

He wasn’t obsessed with cleanliness or order, but from early on, the carnage he left in his wake sent shockwaves worldwide.

At one point, he was crowned the most terrifying, ruthless monster alive.

Damien was the undisputed ruler of the Shadow Sanctum—the kind of man no one could outrun or outsmart, no matter how slick their moves. Even if someone managed a surprise attack, he closed the distance in an instant.

The truth was, the only reason Nova got away unharmed was because Damien chose to let her go.

Now, her mind was consumed by one thought.

Damien, once crowned the most savage man alive, was more than her enemy. She was his deadliest weakness—the one person most likely to bring him down someday.

If she survived this encounter, next time it could be his life hanging by a thread.

In the deadly game they were playing, Nova was the biggest threat to Damien’s existence—and he knew it better than anyone.

She had stumbled right into his kill zone, completely exposed. Taking her out on the spot would have been the logical move—even a rookie assassin wouldn’t hesitate.

Damien wasn’t oblivious. Yet, in the end, instead of killing her, he simply let her walk away.

Nova didn’t understand why he made that choice.