The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Nova had never really taken Zane seriously—the so-called Taekwondo prodigy who seemed to dominate the entire campus. In her long and brutal career as a mercenary, spanning over three thousand six hundred days, only those who posed a genuine threat to her life deserved to be considered opponents. Zane, to her, was just another ordinary college student. He didn’t even come close to stirring the instinct that told her when to fight or flee.

“Seriously?” Maxwell and the others froze in place, their expressions shifting dramatically. But none of the Free Combat Club members had any clue about what was truly going on inside Nova’s mind.

“What are you talking about? Haven’t you already caused enough chaos?” Hannah snapped, unable to hold back. “How can you say something so ridiculous?”

She went on with a sharp edge in her voice, “The annual duel tournament used to be just a fun event—no one really cared who won or lost. But after what happened yesterday—Max standing up to Zane because of you—the whole school’s gone nuts. Everyone’s buzzing about the two most popular guys on campus facing off over you. The Taekwondo Club and the Free Combat Club? They’re officially at war now.”

Hannah’s words cut deeper as she added, “The entire school is watching. Max didn’t want me to tell you because he thought you might overthink it, but I can’t keep it inside anymore. Nova, all of this is because of you. Ever since you came back, nothing good has happened. You’re such a bitch—why didn’t you just die out there and never come back?”

Hannah, who had been quiet until then, finally exploded. She turned sharply toward Nova, her words like daggers aimed to wound.

“Hannie, that’s enough,” Maxwell’s voice sliced through the tension, sharp and commanding. This time, he didn’t lose control like the first time he’d met Nova. After venting her anger, Hannah let out a frustrated huff, turning her face away and falling silent.

Maxwell’s mind was racing. Nova’s calm, quiet defense earlier had shaken him more than he let on. He thought, *No matter what happens, she’s still my sister. Just like Hannie. We share the same mother.*

Taking a deep breath, Maxwell fixed his gaze on Nova, knowing full well she had only stepped in to protect him. His voice softened, “Zane’s opponent is me. Unless it’s absolutely unavoidable, I won’t let you face him alone. That’s final. Don’t bring it up again.”

Julian, who had been stunned silent by Nova’s earlier words, finally found his voice. Adjusting his black-rimmed glasses, he said cautiously, “Nova, Zane isn’t as simple as you think. Don’t underestimate him.”

Caleb draped an arm casually over Julian’s shoulder and flashed Nova a friendly grin. “Julian’s right. Zane’s skills are seriously no joke. A girl like you shouldn’t be going up against him.”

They didn’t mean to doubt her. After all, at the bar, they had all seen how fearless she could be. But Nova was still young. Despite her recent impressive performances, she was clearly less trained than Zane—the one everyone called a combat genius. Maybe with time, her talent could reach their level, but not yet. They didn’t believe she was ready.

Nova, however, brushed off their concerns. She didn’t care what Julian or Caleb thought, and since it was Maxwell’s decision, she saw no reason to interfere.

“Alright, everyone, break it up and get back to practice,” Maxwell commanded. “A month will fly by. The duel tournament’s coming, and your results will affect your final grades. Don’t slack off.”

Maxwell’s leadership was undeniable. With just a few words, the group dispersed and returned to training. Julian, Caleb, and the others headed toward the punching bags, their fists flying again. Nova caught Hannah shooting her a sharp glare before she turned to face a sandbag taller than herself.

To be fair, Hannah wasn’t all talk—her punches were solid, powerful, and precise.

“Hey, Nova,” a cheerful voice called out. “I’m your senior and a friend of Maxwell’s. I’m Laura Justice. Max asked me to show you around the Free Combat Club’s training area. You up for it?”

A girl with a neat, short haircut and an easy confidence stepped forward. Her appearance was striking—cool, sharp, almost boyish, but still undeniably feminine. The short hair only added to her charm.

Nova turned slightly and caught Maxwell giving her a small nod from across the room.

“Let’s go,” she said, sliding her hands into her pockets and pivoting smoothly toward the door. Laura, already liking the calm, unbothered girl, hurried to catch up.

“Yeah, something came up.” Maxwell nodded slightly, then turned to Nova.

Nova stood there with her arms crossed, her eyes fixed on the projection screen, specifically on the news report playing.

The broadcast read: “We interrupt for breaking news. Devil’s Isle, the world’s most notorious maximum-security prison, known for housing the most dangerous criminals alive, has never had a single escape in its history. However, sources confirm that recently, one unidentified inmate managed to break out, marking the first successful escape ever recorded at the facility. The fugitive’s identity, age, and gender remain unknown. Officials from Devil’s Isle have vowed to spare no expense in recapturing the escapee, calling the incident a disgrace to their institution.”

The strange, sensational story captured everyone’s attention. Even Maxwell and the others found themselves watching a few seconds longer than usual.

“Devil’s Isle, huh? I think I’ve heard of that place before,” Caleb said with a thoughtful frown. “Can’t believe someone actually escaped from there.”

“Yeah,” Julian agreed, nodding. “Whoever did it must be seriously impressive.”

“It’s just some random news. What does it have to do with us?” Hannah muttered coldly. “You’d be better off spending your time training.”

To Maxwell, Hannah, Julian, and Caleb, it was just another headline—nothing more.

They were about to leave when Nova’s low, mocking voice cut through the quiet. Calm, almost amused, but with a darker edge beneath her words, she murmured, “They say they’ll spare no expense to capture the escapee, huh? Those bastards sure do love to talk big.”