The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 175

**A Symphony of Shadows by Evelyn Hart**

**Chapter 175**

“Is that Snowfang? What on earth is he doing here?”

Perched silently on the rooftop, Yellowcat’s gaze narrowed as she peered down at the figure standing at the base of the building. The sight of Snowfang sent a ripple of disbelief coursing through her veins. “This is unexpected,” she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible above the rustle of the wind.

In that fleeting moment, a surge of tension gripped Yellowcat’s body, as if a storm had brewed within her.

She had only managed to elude Bloodblade thanks to the warning from Snowfang. That fact weighed heavily on her mind, a debt she could not simply overlook.

But the implications were clear: Snowfang had set his sights on Nova, and that was indisputable.

Anyone who dared to threaten her boss was essentially signing their own death warrant, and Yellowcat was not about to let that slide.

“Snowfang? You actually know him? The legendary figure in the mercenary world?” Eric’s voice was filled with incredulity, his jaw dropping in disbelief.

“Why on earth would he want to meet me, of all people?”

While Yellowcat wrestled with her unease, Nova remained unfazed, her composed demeanor betraying the true professional she was.

Jonas broke the silence, “My buddy’s mercenary squad has been operating in the black market around here in Uria. They just happened to land in this area.”

“He caught wind of a prodigy from Zoria’s special ops who managed to pull off a 5S-level mission all on her own.”

“Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s after the same prize I am.”

Mavis interjected, her eyes widening with realization, “Wait, is he trying to recruit Nova for his mercenary crew?”

Jonas scratched his head, a gesture that spoke volumes—his silence was as good as a confirmation.

It seemed that Snowfang’s arrival had little to do with Nova personally.

“I will not meet him,” Nova declared, her tone resolute and unwavering.

Her response was as sharp as a blade, leaving no room for negotiation.

Mavis, Eric, and the rest of the crew exchanged glances, their expressions filled with understanding. It was clear to them that Nova had a deep-seated disdain for mercenary teams.

“Alright then, I’ll have my guys deliver the message,” Jonas said, waving off one of his crew members to take care of it.

*****

At the armory entrance on the first floor, Snowfang stood with an inscrutable expression, his eyes betraying nothing of his thoughts.

When he learned that the Zorian prodigy who had just completed the 5S mission had outright refused to meet him, he simply nodded at the soldier, maintaining his stoic demeanor.

Without another word, he turned away.

Beneath his signature wolf-like intensity and chiseled features, there was more than just raw ferocity—there was a flicker of something deeper, something that hinted at a more vulnerable side.

For a brief moment, disappointment clouded his eyes before he regained his composure.

From her vantage point on the rooftop, Nova observed Snowfang’s retreat, a cold, lethal glint hardening her gaze. The intent to kill simmered just beneath the surface, impossible for her to conceal.

Why would she even consider meeting him? The thought flashed through her mind with alarming clarity.

The truth was painfully simple: she couldn’t trust herself to stay her hand if he came too close.

“Nova…” Yellowcat’s voice broke through her tumultuous thoughts, a note of concern lacing her tone as she noticed the barely restrained fury within Nova.

“Let’s go,” Nova replied, her voice low and steady, a calm before the storm.

The wind picked up, swirling around her, tossing her long, raven-black hair into the air. It danced and fluttered, never quite settling, mirroring the restlessness that dwelled within her.

Beneath her striking exterior, loneliness lurked, a shadow that no facade could mask.

Once, she had been surrounded by nothing but her four loyal brothers-in-arms, steadfast and true. In the heat of battle, she had never felt alone.

Now, she was a force to be reckoned with, yet the things that mattered most had slipped through her fingers like sand. On the battlefield, it was just her—hers alone, with no one to share the weight of her burdens.

‘There’s one thing I never admit—not even to myself,’ Nova thought, a chill creeping up her spine.

‘If I ever get close to Snowfang, I might just lose control and kill him with my own hands,’ she warned herself, the idea sending shivers through her core.

‘But the real nightmare?’ Nova’s heart twisted painfully. ‘If I become the one to destroy the only family I have left… I’m not sure I could ever forgive myself.’

With a gentle nudge, Eric urged Mavis, “Come on, go stand up for her.”

They had always sensed that Nova was no ordinary girl—she carried a weight that was palpable.

“Nova!” Mavis called out, her voice ringing with genuine concern as she stepped forward, determination etched on her features.

She remained the proud, dignified senior, resolute in her principles, never willing to compromise her integrity.

That was the code she lived by.

At that moment, a series of knocks echoed through the dorm room.

“Who is it?” Lillian called out, her curiosity piqued.

Still padding around in her slippers, she hurried over to the door, eager to see who had arrived.

“It’s me, your counselor. I’m here for Nova. Mind opening the door if you’re not busy?”

Standing at the threshold was Counselor Flynn, a familiar figure at Suntry Academy.

Male teachers and male students were permitted into the girls’ dorms, but only under the watchful eye of the dorm matron.

However, they always had to knock first.

As the door swung open, there stood Counselor Flynn, the one responsible for assigning missions from the Mission Chamber.

“Why are you looking for me?” Nova sidestepped Lillian, casually leaning against the wall with a raised eyebrow, her posture relaxed yet exuding an air of challenge.

Counselor Flynn had been the one to give Nova and her team that 5S-level mission previously.

It was clear he had something related to missions on his mind.

As she anticipated, Nova barely got the chance to speak before Counselor Flynn smoothly interjected.

“There’s a pretty enticing mission on the board right now. The payout is substantial, and honestly, it’s not as challenging as it sounds—it’s just been hyped up as a big risk, which is why the reward is so much higher than usual.

“Are you interested?”

“What’s the mission about?” Nova inquired, her voice cool and composed, giving nothing away.

Noticing her flicker of interest, Counselor Flynn quickly elaborated.

“It’s a fugitive tracking job—no need to capture them yourself, just identify their hiding spot, and you’re golden.

“This one comes straight from Interpol, so the honor points are through the roof.

“So… remember that wild headline from a while back?

“About the first guy who ever escaped from Devil’s Isle—the legendary fortress that everyone thought was impenetrable? Well, Interpol has just confirmed he’s made his way to Zoria.

“Here’s the mission: locate where this fugitive is hiding out, notify Interpol, and let them handle the rest. Shouldn’t be too much trouble for someone like you. So, what do you think? Ready to take it on?”