The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 182

**A Symphony of Shadows by Evelyn Hart**
**Chapter 182**

“N-Nova… Nova… little sis… you…” Yoro stuttered, her voice quaking with disbelief and fear.

Every detail of the horrifying scene replayed in her mind like a relentless tide, washing over her in waves of confusion and dread.

It felt as if a sharp fishbone had lodged itself in her throat, choking her with unexpressed emotions that refused to surface.

The salty sea breeze whipped against her face, a cold reminder of the reality she was grappling with, tightening around her heart like a vice.

A mercenary… Yoro’s thoughts raced chaotically, struggling to comprehend the transformation before her.

Living a seemingly ordinary life in Zoria…

And yet, in mere seconds, she had taken a life without a flicker of hesitation, discarding the body like it was nothing more than refuse tossed into the ocean’s depths.

Her expression remained eerily composed, as if the act of violence had never transpired at all.

Is this cold and unfeeling Nova standing before me really that innocent little girl everyone used to tease about her dreams of becoming a doctor, saving lives? Yoro pondered, her heart sinking deeper into despair.

Yet now, the person in front of her was no angel—she had morphed into something monstrous, a chilling thought that sent shivers racing down Yoro’s spine.

Unbeknownst to her, tears began to pool in Yoro’s eyes, distorting her view of the world around her.

“S-she… she killed someone! Murder! She actually killed someone!” Chloe’s voice trembled, each word laced with a horror that was almost infectious.

Just moments ago, Chloe had seemed so composed, but now her facade shattered, her face contorted in terror, eyes wide as if she had encountered a ghost.

She stumbled backward, arms wrapped tightly around her chest as if trying to shield herself from the nightmare that unfurled before them.

They were all privileged kids, raised in the sheltered embrace of the elite—how could they possibly witness something so vile and horrifying?

Finn, Kael, and the rest of their group were as pale as sheets, frozen in shock by the gruesome spectacle they had just witnessed.

Yet, despite the fear gripping them, some of the boys showed a flicker of bravery; Finn, Kael, and a few others dared to step forward into the fray.

“Nova, what happened here?” Finn’s voice quivered as he questioned her, desperation lacing his tone.

“Were you forced into this? Did someone threaten you?”

“Or is there something else going on?” Finn pressed, unwilling to relent, his heart clinging to a fragile thread of hope that this was all a terrible misunderstanding.

‘How could someone so sweet and naive have ended up like this?’ Finn’s mind spun with disbelief and confusion.

“Nova, if this is just some wild misunderstanding,” Finn implored, his voice wavering, “please, just talk to us, okay? Was someone threatening you? Did someone make you do this?”

“Honestly, if there’s something wrong, don’t be afraid—just tell us! We’re all here for you; we’ll figure it out together…”

Yoro’s expression was as pale as a ghost, her heart racing as she tried to muster a smile while stepping forward to speak.

But before she could utter a single word, Nova shot her a cold, sidelong glance that silenced her, the seriousness in her gaze cutting through the air like ice.

“Don’t come any closer,” Nova warned, her voice chillingly detached.

“Unless you want to end up dead.”

Her features were devoid of warmth, a mask of icy indifference that sent a wave of dread through the group.

There was a stark detachment in her eyes, a serene indifference that suggested life and death were mere trifles to her.

In that moment, with her unfeeling gaze, Allison and the others could find not a single trace of the Nova they had known as children.

They stood frozen, unable to move, their hearts pounding as they watched Nova turn away, her long, straight black hair billowing in the wind.

With the sea breeze catching her hair like a dark banner, she vanished around the corner of the staircase, descending without casting a backward glance.

“Did we hear that right? Someone just said she’s a mercenary…” Chloe stood there, utterly bewildered, her voice barely a whisper.

“She’s actually a mercenary… no way… how can this even be real…” Yoro staggered back a couple of steps, her limbs feeling suddenly weak and unsteady.

Yoro was lost in a fog of confusion, unsure of how to process what had just unfolded.

“A mercenary who kills people like it’s nothing? Seriously?”

“To think, we all believed she was the sweet, gentle girl destined to become a doctor and save lives!” Finn felt his heart twist painfully, the shock rendering him almost breathless.

“Should we call the police?” Chloe suggested, her voice quaking with panic.

“Maybe we should just stay out of this. Didn’t you hear what she said? Nova’s probably tangled up in something really dangerous.”

“Let’s just act like we never saw anything,” Kael chimed in, his voice steady but filled with concern.

“If she ever needs us, maybe we should help her out. She looked really lonely back there…”

*****

The grand hall of the cruise ship buzzed with energy, illuminated as if it were still daytime. All the bars, karaoke lounges, and entertainment spots were strategically arranged around the hall, making it the epicenter of excitement.

Charles, typically a model of sobriety, found himself indulging a bit more than usual, buoyed by the presence of old friends.

Fiona and Theresa were engrossed in lively conversation, their laughter mingling with the jubilant atmosphere.

The mood was electric, a perfect blend of nostalgia and celebration.

“Let go of me! Just let me go!”

“You’ve been blocking me for two hours already! I can say whatever I want—it’s none of your damn business!”

A raucous crowd burst in from outside, creating a commotion that drew everyone’s attention.

It was Yoro’s group.

To be precise, the one leading the charge was a woman named Mya Sharma—a name that once held fond memories, now twisted into a symbol of outrage.

Mya had been one of those privileged kids who shared childhood adventures with Yoro, roasting grasshoppers in their carefree days, but now she was a tempest of righteous fury.

Once quiet and reserved, she had transformed into a force of justice, and upon learning of Nova’s actions, she was determined to confront the truth head-on.

There was no way she would let it slide—she wouldn’t heed Kael’s pleas to forget it.

Instead, she became even more fervent, vowing to expose the entire situation.

“She made her own mess—why should we all be the ones to cover it up for her?” Mya declared, her indignation palpable.

“My boyfriend always says that being a decent person means standing up for what’s right, being kind, and showing mercy. That’s what makes us human!”

“And her? Just look at what she’s done—how could anyone defend that?” Mya’s eyes blazed with unwavering conviction, a fire that could be felt by all who stood near her.

She broke free from Yoro and the others, charging straight toward Charles and Fiona, uncaring that over a thousand guests were now riveted on her.

Without missing a beat, she raised her voice, letting it echo through the hall.

“Hey! Do you two even know what your precious daughter did the moment we boarded this ship?

“We all thought she was still that sweet little angel, but she’s no innocent—she’s a freaking demon!

“She killed someone—right out there on the deck! And her victim called her a merc…”