The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Any seasoned mercenary or assassin who caught even a glimpse of Nova’s deadly glare would have immediately sensed the threat and gone on high alert. Yet Zane paid no mind to the danger radiating from her; instead, he laughed with a sharp, mocking edge.

This was only the second time Nova had managed to entertain him like this, and it was precisely her audacity and outrageous remarks that pulled him in, making him strangely captivated by her.

At first, when Zane heard Nova speak with such boldness and defiance, he had been taken aback. But now, after hearing it multiple times, the shock had faded, replaced by a casual acceptance. Her fearless tone no longer surprised him.

After his laughter died down, Zane swiftly slipped back into his usual cold, detached expression. He cast a downward glance at Nova and said with a sneer, “You’re quite the bold one, aren’t you? So eager to marry me, is that it?”

In Zane’s world, aside from a handful of secretive masters hidden within the school’s walls, his only true competitor was Maxwell.

Though Zane had already declared his intention to propose to Nova, the very idea that she could best him in combat seemed utterly ridiculous to him.

So when Nova insisted on stepping in to fight Zane instead of Maxwell, Zane interpreted it as a deliberate act—to lose on purpose and pave the way for the marriage proposal.

A smug smile curled on his lips as he thought, *What else could it be, if not desperation to secure a marriage with me?*

Some of the girls nearby whispered among themselves, their voices dripping with judgment. “So that’s the real reason. I was wondering why Nova insisted on facing Zane herself.”

“Turns out she just wants to throw the fight to get that proposal,” another said with a sneer.

“How cheap! I almost thought she had some backbone,” a third added, their voices buzzing with scandalous delight.

The gossip spread quickly, branding Nova as the villain in their eyes.

This sudden wave of accusations only deepened the icy fire burning in Nova’s eyes.

She wasn’t one to waste time on long explanations or to argue with Zane and his followers. Just like on the battlefield, she trusted only her fists to settle disputes.

“The result will speak for itself after the match,” Nova said coldly, refusing to grant Zane even a second glance before turning on her heel and walking away.

Her unwavering resolve startled Zane. A flicker of doubt gnawed at him. *Does she truly not care about me at all? Not even a trace of attachment?*

But years of being chased by countless girls quickly chased away that doubt. A smirk tugged at his lips as he reassured himself, *No girl can resist me. Nova’s just playing hard to get.*

As Nova strode away, Sophia hesitated briefly before rushing to catch up with her.

Soon after, Hannah, Maxwell, Claire, and the other members of the Free Combat Club appeared, closing the distance from behind.

“Nova, stop right there!” Hannah’s voice rang out sharply, her tone laced with frustration.

She fixed Nova with a fierce gaze, urgency evident in her voice as if she struggled to accept what had just transpired. “What were you thinking back there? Didn’t I warn you about talking big? If you face Zane instead of Maxwell, he’ll crush you!”

Beneath Hannah’s harsh words lay an unspoken worry she barely acknowledged herself.

Nova listened silently as Hannah finished.

Julian stepped forward, his voice calm and measured. “Nova, we all know you’re worried about Max. Yes, he got injured during the recent youth free combat tournament, but at least he has experience and knows how to counter Zane’s attacks.”

“Zane isn’t someone to underestimate. We admit, you’re impressive—staying composed during that bar shootout, fighting off wolves alone in the wild…”

“But we’ve heard Zane’s been training with some secret masters at school lately. His skills have improved a lot.”

“Hannah’s right. If you go up against him, you could really get hurt.”

Caleb clapped Julian on the shoulder with a knowing smile. “This guy isn’t always reliable, but we all mean well.”

The Free Combat Club members genuinely cared about Nova’s safety. They weren’t doubting her abilities, just aware that Zane’s strength was formidable and that Nova’s slender frame might not be enough to match him.

“I believe in Nova!” Sophia spoke up firmly. “She’s not reckless. From what I’ve seen since we’ve been together, if she says she can handle it, there’s a reason. I’m not even in the Free Combat Club, but please, just trust her this once.”

“Don’t be ridiculous! This isn’t a game. One mistake and it could be disastrous,” Hannah retorted sharply.

As the group debated, Nova remained silent, prepared to prove herself in her own way. She had anticipated this kind of reaction.

Nova stepping in for Maxwell directly affected the Free Combat Club’s chances at the championship, drawing intense attention from the entire school.

On the tournament’s first afternoon, the whole school gathered to witness the much-anticipated clash between the Free Combat Club and the Taekwondo Club.

By one o’clock, the main sports field was packed, buzzing with excitement.

Nova followed the Free Combat Club members to their waiting area—a large, temporary tent set up on the left side of the stage.

The Taekwondo Club’s waiting area was positioned on the right.

From where she stood, Nova could see the ongoing matches on the stage.

Another Free Combat Club member was just knocked off the high platform by his opponent, crying out in pain.

“Jack!” Hannah’s eyes widened in alarm as she and others rushed to help the fallen boy back to their tent.

Jack Allen curled up, clutching his stomach, gasping for breath. “It hurts… so much…” he groaned before finally managing to say, “The Taekwondo Club members… they’re stronger than last year. We… we might not win.”

As Jack was carried away to the infirmary, Hannah’s shoulders trembled, on the verge of tears. “How is this even possible? Why is everything falling apart like this?”

“We’ve only had ten matches, and we’ve lost nine! This can’t be real. Last year, it was so close. What’s changed?”

Though Maxwell had stepped down from the fight against Zane, he still had to face Logan from the Taekwondo Club—the same boy whose teeth Nova had shattered in the cafeteria.

Frowning deeply, Maxwell pondered the sudden surge in their opponents’ strength.

The waiting area was thick with frustration and despair.

Only Nova remained composed, even a little excited, leaning casually against the doorframe with her arms crossed, silently watching the matches unfold.

Suddenly, Caleb burst into the tent, panic written all over his face as he shouted, throwing the club into chaos, “It’s over! We’re finished!”