The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

As Maxwell observed Nova expertly wrapping the bandage around Sophia’s arm, a sudden sharp pang gripped his heart. It was a familiar ache—one rooted deep in the complicated bond they shared. After all, Nova was his sister, their mother’s daughter, though life had pulled them apart long ago.

He thought back to the day she vanished as a child, wandering away from the family’s watchful eyes. The years she spent alone must have been filled with hardships they couldn’t even fathom. The tragic car accident that took their mother and grandmother wasn’t directly her fault, but the consequences were devastating.

Maxwell’s mind wandered. “She must have missed us terribly after all that time by herself,” he mused quietly. Yet, when he and Hannah had reunited with her that first day, Nova’s distant gaze had seemed impenetrable, as if she carried a world of thoughts locked away. What had been running through her mind then?

Without a word, Maxwell moved to the back of the line, giving her space.

Once Nova finished tending to Sophia’s wound, Maxwell couldn’t resist the urge to reach out. His hand ruffled her hair gently, an unspoken gesture of affection and connection. “Where did you learn to do that?” he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Nova could have easily pulled away, but she didn’t. That simple touch was the first time in her life she had ever felt a brother’s presence in such a tangible way. A shiver ran down her spine, as if some long-buried part of her had been awakened—a dormant sense of family she had never allowed herself to acknowledge.

Quickly regaining her composure, she answered coolly, “I’ve picked up a thing or two.” Her tone was casual, but her face gave away nothing—not even the faintest flicker of emotion.

Maxwell, however, saw through the facade. The way she had handled Sophia’s injury—so swift, steady, and precise—was clearly the result of years of experience, not a casual lesson or two. Yet he chose not to press her further. If she ever wanted to share her story, she would do so when she was ready.

Just then, Hannah’s voice broke the silence. “You two—” she stammered, having witnessed the quiet exchange from start to finish.

It wasn’t jealousy that made her voice tremble; Hannah wasn’t petty. Her coldness toward Nova had never stemmed from fear of losing their parents’ or Maxwell’s affection. After years of martial arts training, Hannah had no patience for childish grudges.

Her refusal to forgive Nova was simple: Nova’s careless wandering had set off the chain of events that led to their mother and grandmother’s fatal accident. Yet, years later, Nova had returned—unscathed, dressed in designer clothes, carrying herself as if above them all, with no hint of remorse.

Hannah sneered and looked away, disgust clear in her expression.

The other students noticed the tension but kept their silence, exchanging awkward glances. This was a family matter, not something for outsiders to intervene in.

Maxwell called out as he moved back to the front of the group, “The brush here is thick. Some leaves are sharp, so watch your step and don’t stray.”

The team pressed onward.

It was already noon when they left campus, and the drive from Ravenport to Wodisen had taken over two hours. Trekking through the dense forest, with frequent stops and detours, consumed even more time. Now, dusk was settling rapidly, and they still hadn’t found a suitable cave to spend the night.

Knowing that setting up tents and shelters would take precious time, Maxwell led the group to a clearing that seemed relatively safe. Everyone immediately began pitching tents, gathering firewood, and building a campfire.

Some toasted sandwiches, others warmed up their packed meals. Amid the bustling activity and chatter, Nova lay stretched out on a sturdy tree branch nearby, eyes closed, resting. One hand rested lightly on the hilt of the military knife strapped to her waist, never straying far from its grip.

“Nova, do you want some? You sure you’re not hungry?” Sophia’s gentle voice cut through the crackling fire.

By the time the camp was fully set and everyone had settled down for dinner, the sun had already slipped below the horizon. A cold breeze whispered through the trees, chilling their thin layers of clothing. Many silently cursed themselves for not bringing extra blankets.

Sophia stood beneath the tree, holding out a sandwich with concern etched across her face.

“Why bother with her?” Hannah snapped suddenly. “She didn’t bring any food. If she wants to starve, that’s her problem.”

Claire giggled nearby, adding with mockery, “Exactly. Who comes on a survival trip without food? She probably thinks she’s some kind of wilderness expert.”

“Let’s be real,” Claire continued, rolling her eyes. “We all know our limits, which is why we packed enough to last.”

She snorted. “It’s not like this forest is dangerous. If there were wild beasts, the school wouldn’t have sent us.”

“Besides,” she grinned, “she brought two knives. What’s she going to do, eat them?”

Their laughter grew louder, each barb sharper than the last.

Claire laughed again, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. The mental image of Nova gnawing on a knife out of hunger was too much for her to handle.

A few boys who followed Claire and Hannah like loyal pups joined in, their laughter echoing through the trees.

Their harsh, mocking jeers rang so loudly it felt as though even the forest itself shuddered in embarrassment.

High up on the tree branch, Nova, who had kept her eyes closed and ignored their taunts all along, suddenly opened them.

In less than three seconds, over twenty wolves emerged from the dense foliage.

Their eyes gleamed red in the dim light as they slinked forward, blocking the group’s path.

More than twenty of them.

Everyone’s heads went numb at the terrifying sight.

No one knew where that first wolf had come from.

Even if Nova hadn’t killed it, Maxwell and Hannah together could probably have managed one.

But twenty? There was no way.

Most of the students lacked the strength to face even a single wolf, let alone a whole pack.

Maxwell might be able to fight several at once, but against twenty-one or more wolves? No chance.

Unlike tame wolves in captivity, these wild beasts were vicious and brutal, capable of tearing flesh with razor-sharp teeth.

If Maxwell couldn’t handle them alone, no one here stood a chance against the entire pack.

“We’re done for.”

That thought echoed in every student’s mind.

Yet, at that moment, all eyes fixed on Nova as she curled her lips into a bloodthirsty smile.

She flipped both knives expertly into her hands and strode forward toward the wolves.

Then she said something that sent the entire group into near hysteria: “They’re my prey. Leave these useless beasts to me.”