The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

“War correspondent, cleaner, sanitation worker…” Nova said with a steady calmness that belied the weight of her words. “I’ve held so many jobs, I’ve lost count.”

She wasn’t exaggerating. Before carving out a name for herself in the mercenary world, Nova had endured countless grueling and grim tasks—hauling bodies off battlefields was just one of the many horrors she’d faced.

The reason she kept her true identity—the infamous Bloodforge—a secret from Maxwell and Hannah was straightforward.

First, she feared scaring her family. She couldn’t bear to imagine their reaction if they discovered she was a killer. Would they look at her with dread, suspicion, or cold avoidance?

Second, Nova wasn’t heartless, but years surviving in the shadows had taught her not to trust easily—not even with the family she had just reunited with.

She hadn’t known Maxwell and Hannah for long. If they couldn’t accept her and reported her to the authorities…

Nova refused to risk being sent back to Devil’s Isle. The thought alone made her blood run cold.

Maxwell and Hannah, on the other hand, had no such fears. They were ordinary people—just a little more exceptional than your average college students—and hadn’t yet been exposed to the harsh, unforgiving realities of the world.

A bead of sweat slid down Maxwell’s temple, which he quickly wiped away. His heart ached anew. “War correspondent… no wonder you’re covered in scars.”

He thought to himself, No wonder she carries those marks. No wonder her strength is so unpredictable and her field bandaging so skilled.

She was once just a normal girl, thrust into the horrors of war. Her survival skills were rough, learned in the crucible of conflict.

Silently, Maxwell made a vow: From now on, I will protect Nova.

Hannah’s heart pounded as she listened to Nova’s confession. She had feared Nova might say something like, “I was a prostitute.” After all, Hannah had once slandered her, accusing her of being kept by some old man and possibly carrying diseases.

Relief flooded Hannah’s thoughts. Thank goodness she didn’t say that… she thought.

Nova caught the flicker of relief in Hannah’s eyes and met her gaze with a sharper, almost teasing look—like a blade slicing through Hannah’s hidden thoughts.

Startled, Hannah snapped back with a bitter retort, “What a pity! I thought your story would be worse. Humph!” With that, she stomped away.

“You know, Hannah’s proud. You two were really close as kids. Back then, she was fiercely protective of you, always making sure you got the best treats first,” Maxwell said, stepping closer to Nova.

Nova understood he was reminiscing. But she had left home before she was five, and those early memories had long since faded into the mist.

Maxwell softened his tone. “Don’t hold it against Hannah. She means well.”

Nova, lost in thought, felt his hand brush gently through her hair—a warm, comforting touch that made her chest tighten. “I never blamed her,” she said quietly.

It wasn’t about grudges. To Nova, Hannah’s childish antics were just that—childish pranks not worth dwelling on.

“You and Hannah are so different. You’re more mature,” Maxwell smiled, then asked thoughtfully, “Were you taken abroad as a child?”

Slums, war correspondent… none of that existed in Zoria. There were no poverty-stricken areas or wars here. The only explanation was that Nova had been taken to another country to grow up.

“Yes,” Nova answered without hesitation this time. “After we got separated, I was kidnapped and smuggled overseas. Later, I managed to escape.”

It was true—her childhood had been spent in the slums of a foreign land.

Maxwell ruffled her hair again, his gaze softer than she’d ever seen. “Don’t worry. That won’t happen again.”

After that swimming class, Hannah’s attitude toward Nova softened noticeably. Though she still put on a dismissive front in public, the open hostility faded.

Days slipped by, and finally, the SLRA’s signature duel tournament arrived, stirring excitement among everyone.

It was a perfect day—clear skies dotted with fluffy, cotton-like clouds.

The campus was alive with festive decorations: balloons, banners, and colorful arches all emblazoned with duel slogans.

Much like a traditional sports meet, the duel tournament stretched over three days. Students not competing wandered freely, grabbing snacks or eating early meals.

Both sounds—cheers and thuds—came one after the other.

The screen showed the lean boy, who had unleashed a sudden surge of pent-up power, grabbing his opponent by the waist and slamming him down to claim victory.

Claire’s face darkened as if she had swallowed something bitter. The Free Combat Club members glanced her way with mocking grins.

“No way, Nova! You actually called it? Like you can see the future!” Sophia nudged Nova affectionately, shooting a fierce glare at Claire.

The glare hit hard. Claire’s expression grew even darker.

“Nova!” Ethan’s voice rang out from the crowd.

Nova turned to see Ethan shouting from the center of the crowd, drawing the attention of those nearby. Beside him stood Zane and Jessica—the Taekwondo Club’s group.

The Free Combat Club members around Nova tensed, casting wary glances at the Taekwondo Club’s crew.

“Nova, even as opponents, I won’t let you down!” Ethan’s eyes shone with pure determination, innocent yet fierce.

To his surprise, Nova replied calmly, “Give it your all.”

Instantly, Ethan’s fighting spirit flared.

Just then, Zane stepped about fifteen feet away, scanning the wary faces of Maxwell and the Free Combat Club members before calling out to Nova.

“Hey, you!”

The abrupt address irritated Nova. She fought the urge to snap at him right then and there.

Zane’s next words were more of a one-sided challenge than a question, aimed at both Nova and Maxwell.

He lifted his chin with a cocky smirk. “Girl, I respect you now. If your brother’s Free Combat Club loses to the Taekwondo Club this time, I’ll go to Blake Villa on behalf of my family and propose a marriage alliance with you.”