The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 189

**A Symphony of Shadows by Evelyn Hart**
**Chapter 189**

Kevin leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his brow furrowed in thought. “So, after you finish your mission, if you’ve got some free time, you should really spend it with your family,” he suggested, his tone light but laced with concern.

In his mind, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Nova was the type to immerse herself so deeply in her work that she might forget the emotional toll it took on those who cared about her. *She probably cares too much about her work and forgets how her family might feel,* he mused, a hint of frustration creeping into his thoughts.

It was a common assumption among their circle—those in the action team often had to vanish for the sake of the mission, leaving behind a trail of worry and unanswered questions. Everyone understood the sacrifices, but that didn’t lessen the sting of absence.

“I’m too busy. I can’t go back,” Nova replied, her voice devoid of warmth, her gaze drifting away as if the conversation were nothing more than a passing breeze.

Her indifference struck Kevin like a cold wind. *It’s as if she’s become a soulless automaton,* he thought, feeling a chill run down his spine at how completely shut off she appeared.

*Maybe…* Nova pondered silently, her heart heavy with the weight of her choices. *Maybe, given enough time, they’d eventually learn to live without me.*

She steeled herself against the thought, convincing herself that she wouldn’t put her family in danger again for her own selfish reasons. The darkness was familiar; it beckoned her to return, to embrace it once more instead of yearning for the light that felt so far away.

With a resolute breath, Nova turned to rejoin the rest of the Blood Dolls mercenary crew.

“Go! Go!” someone shouted, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

“Fierce Python, teach that clueless woman a lesson!” another jeered.

“A filthy little insect like her thinks she can take on the boss of the Grasshopper Mercs? She’s just begging for a beating!”

The mercenaries surrounding the ring were growing rowdy, their shouts and jeers blending into a cacophony of bravado and bravado.

Inside the makeshift arena, Yellowcat stumbled from the force of a blow, her body twisting sideways as she scrambled to regain her balance, one hand pressed firmly against the ground. Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, her usually porcelain skin now glistening with exertion.

Across from her, Fierce Python stood unwavering, a picture of calm amidst the chaos, his bronzed skin a stark contrast to Yellowcat’s pale, creamy complexion.

His jaw tightened, annoyance flickering across his face as he overheard the crude remarks from the men around him. *This isn’t right,* he thought, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. The only reason he was even engaging with Yellowcat was because she kept pressing the attack, and all he had done so far was defend himself.

“Bring it on!” Yellowcat shouted defiantly, refusing to back down. Her delicate features were set in determination, a stubborn glint igniting her eyes.

Surrounded by the jeering mercenaries, it was practically unheard of for her to lose like this; she had never been one to back down from a challenge. With a fierce determination, she lunged at Fierce Python, her fist raised high, aiming a punch straight for his chest.

In a swift motion, Blaze snatched her fist out of the air as if it were nothing more than a feather.

“Knock her out! Send that shameless woman flying!” one of the crowd members hollered.

“Hahaha…” the laughter echoed, a cruel chorus of mocking.

“Fierce Python, show her what a real mercenary’s made of!”

The crowd continued to chant, their voices fueling the fire of competition.

Yellowcat yanked her hand free from Fierce Python’s grip, her eyes blazing with defiance—she was far from finished and ready to dive right back into the fray.

Suddenly, a thunderous impact split the air, slicing through the tension like a knife.

Out of nowhere, a kick whirled through the crowd with blinding speed.

It was Nova.

With fierce precision, she grabbed Yellowcat, and right in front of the stunned audience, unleashed a brutal kick aimed squarely at Blaze’s throat, intent on taking him down.

Every movement was executed with ruthless efficiency, sharp and deadly, as if she were a predator unleashed.

The mercenaries who had been jeering froze, their bravado evaporating in an instant, replaced by shock and awe.

Honestly, most of the men around probably couldn’t withstand a kick like that.

Fierce Python raised his arms in an X to block, but even he was sent staggering back, his feet sliding two steps from the force of her strike.

A sharp gasp erupted from the crowd—

As they witnessed this unexpected turn of events, every mercenary who had been trash-talking women snapped to attention, their sharp inhalations slicing through the air like a knife.

Fierce Python was a legend among rookie mercenaries—untouchable, unbeatable.

But when he faced off against Nova, even he was sent reeling. No one had seen that coming.

Eder and Sham exchanged glances, both struck dumb by the revelation of Nova’s true power.

The mercenaries who had fought tooth and nail against her, struggling to keep up, could only stare in stunned disbelief.

*Our boss…* The thought echoed in their minds, disbelief etched on their faces.

*She’s really that badass?*

“Pfft—”

“What, a chick takes down Fierce Python with who-knows-what tricks?”

“Show’s over, nothing to see here. Let’s move, people.”

“Talk about boring.”

As Sham’s words sank in, Nova’s expression darkened, the flicker of concern not for Yellowcat’s reckless pursuit but for something far more serious.

Fierce Python had been given the best room in the facility—clearly enjoying VIP treatment compared to the others.

Yellowcat slipped into Blaze’s room without so much as a greeting, her resolve unwavering as she challenged him the moment she entered.

“Fierce Python, if I beat you, you’ve got to promise me one thing—join Nova’s crew!” she declared, her voice ringing with bold confidence.

Without waiting for a response, she launched herself at him, fists flying with determination.

Inside the room, she executed a side kick aimed at Fierce Python, but he blocked her effortlessly with one hand.

“I didn’t say yes,” he interrupted, his tone icy and unyielding.

His voice, deep and magnetic, carried an undertone that made it all the more compelling. He stood tall, nearly six feet two inches, his bronzed skin amplifying his rugged masculinity, making him impossible to ignore.

Fierce Python remained unfazed by Yellowcat’s onslaught, treating her attacks as if they were mere warm-ups.

However, mid-fight, an inexplicable sensation washed over him, a strange unease creeping into his bones, as if something foreign were taking root within him.

*Did I eat something off tonight?* Fierce Python wondered, a chill running down his spine.

Suddenly, his vision blurred, everything slipping out of focus as if reality itself was distorting.

He instinctively released her hand, jerking back in surprise, shaken and caught off guard.

“What, backing off now? Think fast!” Yellowcat taunted, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she charged at him.

Seizing the moment, she brought her other leg crashing down toward Fierce Python in a vicious arc, not holding back.

In a flash, his powerful elbow shot up, blocking her attack just in time.

With a swift motion, he spun her around, trapping her firmly against his chest, their contrasting skin tones creating a striking visual—like night meeting day.

Blaze’s bronzed skin and Yellowcat’s creamy complexion formed a juxtaposition that was impossible to ignore.

“Wait—what are you doing?” Yellowcat gasped, panic flickering in her eyes as the intensity of the moment registered. Something about Fierce Python’s movements felt too close, too intimate, and entirely out of the ordinary.

But by then, it was far too late.

Driven by an urge he couldn’t comprehend, Fierce Python had already toppled her onto the bed…