The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Zoey’s announcement exploded through the classroom like a thunderclap, instantly shattering the usual quiet. Within moments, the room erupted into a whirlwind of voices and laughter.

“No way—are you serious? We don’t have to do formation drills this time?” one student exclaimed, disbelief clear in her tone.

Another groaned, “All that standing at attention, marching, and saluting last year was torture enough. I’m never signing up for that again.”

The mood quickly shifted as others began to express their enthusiasm. “Wilderness survival? That sounds incredible,” someone said, eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Wait, wilderness survival? Like those hardcore survivalists who live off the land—eating bugs, mice, and tree bark for days on end? That actually sounds kind of fun. I’m already counting down the days!” another chimed in, grinning widely.

The once-staid classroom was now alive with laughter, chatter, and the buzz of youthful energy.

Voices overlapped as everyone shared their thoughts at once. Some of the girls began daydreaming aloud, their eyes glazed with hopeful fantasies. “Does this mean the three campus heartthrobs are going too?” one whispered, her voice filled with longing.

“Oh, imagine if I had a little romantic moment with one of them out there in the wild,” another sighed dreamily.

Her seatmate, a boy with a blunt demeanor, immediately crushed the mood. “Romantic moment? More like a disaster waiting to happen.”

“Are you asking for trouble?” the girl snapped back, grabbing his textbook and tossing it at him in playful anger.

The classroom overflowed with the untamed spirit of youth—loud, messy, and vibrant.

Amidst the chaos, only Nova sat still and composed at the back row, her expression calm as she observed the lively scene. Internally, she sighed softly, thinking, ‘Ah, the carefree days of student life. How precious.’

Zoey waited patiently until the noise subsided before clapping her hands sharply. “Alright, that’s enough, everyone. Remember, it’s still class time, and your noise is disturbing the other classrooms.”

She continued, “The wilderness survival training kicks off in ten days. Getting overly excited now won’t help—it’s still a little way off.”

“Now, settle down, take out your textbooks. Last class, we covered—”

But despite Zoey’s efforts, the idea of wilderness survival had already ignited a spark of anticipation in every student’s mind.

To them, it felt less like a rigorous training exercise and more like an adventurous field trip.

Even though this was a prestigious academy, beneath it all, they were still teenagers—restless, curious, and eager for some excitement.

No matter how hard Zoey tried to focus the class, not a single student could fully settle. Their chatter and excitement carried on well into the afternoon.

By the time the final bell rang at five o’clock, the room was still buzzing with energy.

—

As they made their way from the classroom to the school gate, Sophia clung to Nova’s arm, her words tumbling out in a nonstop stream. “Can you believe it? Real wilderness survival training! Who knows what kind of crazy adventures we’ll get into? I swear, our batch is the luckiest ever.”

She smiled brightly. “Like, seriously, every other year had those boring, routine drills. But us? We’re getting a legit outdoor survival adventure.”

“Just thinking about it makes me so hyped—I bet I won’t be able to sleep tonight,” Sophia admitted, her excitement palpable.

Nova, however, didn’t share her enthusiasm. To her, wilderness survival was nothing new. Having endured far harsher conditions during her mercenary days, this felt routine—almost mundane.

Still, the idea of doing it alongside a group of sheltered students was somewhat refreshing, even a little amusing.

When they reached the school gate, Sophia waved goodbye, skipping ahead, while Nova continued on alone toward Blake Villa as usual.

But about three hundred feet from the gate, a rough-looking group suddenly stepped out, blocking her path.

The leader was a young man, probably in his late twenties, with a naturally fierce and intimidating face.

Nova recognized him immediately—Yannick Lowell, Victor’s trusted right-hand man. She had seen him twice before at the Frostwave Bar.

“Our boss wants to see you,” Yannick said politely but firmly, his crew standing silently behind him. “Would you mind coming with us?”

Nova shrugged, shifting her backpack onto one shoulder with a lazy air. “Lead the way.”

—

Since that unforgettable birthday party—when Ethan had been completely flustered by Nova’s presence and ended up sweeping the classroom for her—he hadn’t seen her again.

Not for lack of wanting. In fact, he’d been itching to challenge that infuriating woman to a proper fight ever since.

She had ordered him to clean the floor, handed him a piece of candy, and treated him like a child. The memory still made his blood boil.

He’d wanted to tell her he wasn’t some kid, but being a member of the Taekwondo Club and one of Zane’s closest friends, picking a fight with her wasn’t so simple.

When she lied, she didn’t even flinch.

Victor immediately waved his men aside. “Let him through.”

Ethan reached Nova’s side, still tense and ready for a fight, his eyes scanning the room warily.

“You okay? They didn’t hurt you, did they?” he asked, his protective glare sweeping over everyone present.

Anyone could guess what was going through Ethan’s mind.

He probably assumed Nova owed Frostwave Bar money or had gotten herself into some kind of trouble.

For all he knew, she could have been in real danger.

After all, in Ravenport, everyone knew about Victor and his crew.

Victor was basically the kingpin of the city’s underground.

They were dangerous people—the kind who didn’t stop at broken bones.

Even the wealthy kids from powerful families kept their distance.

So, for Nova—a lone girl—to be dragged here, Ethan’s mind could only jump to one conclusion: something bad was happening.

“Do I look like I’m in trouble?” Nova raised an eyebrow, amused.

Ethan gave her a quick once-over. She looked perfectly fine, which only deepened his confusion.

‘Then why is she here?’ he wondered silently.

Before he could voice the question, Victor—the man who could command every thug in the bar with a single glance—stepped forward and bowed his head respectfully.

“Nova,” Victor said, his voice steady but cautious, “now that you’re here, may I finally explain my situation?”