The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Jordan had never imagined that the girl standing before him was not just any ordinary person, but an escaped fugitive herself—one who had managed to break free from the infamous Devil’s Isle, a prison known for being utterly inescapable. The sheer disbelief in his eyes made Nova’s lips twitch into a subtle, knowing smile.

She thought quietly to herself, *How ironic. Here he is, asking me—another escaped fugitive—to help him track down a group of other fugitives on the run.* Most people might have balked at such a request, but Nova was far from ordinary. Her gaze sharpened as she asked, “If I agree to help you, what exactly do I get out of it?”

Jordan, caught off guard, couldn’t have guessed that Nova was also an escapee. Yet, one thing he did understand correctly: mercenaries only worked for a price. They discarded morals and laws, answering solely to whoever paid them. Nova was no different. Her message was crystal clear—any cooperation required a fair reward.

“Benefits?” Jordan blinked in surprise. He hadn’t anticipated that Nova would demand something in return. After all, when he had sought help from the Taekwondo Club—whether from Zane or the other skilled students—they had all volunteered without hesitation.

Nova tilted her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips—sweet and innocent on the surface but with a cold edge beneath. “You didn’t really think I’d help for free, did you?”

Jordan stammered, “N-no. You can name your terms after we’re done. Anything within my power, I’ll agree to.”

The smile vanished from Nova’s face, replaced by a steely calm. Some might call her cold-blooded, and she wouldn’t deny it. She wasn’t a hero—just a survivor navigating the shadows, making a living through her skills. She had witnessed “good” mercenaries sent on deadly scouting missions, only to be blown apart in minefields. She had seen villains seize wealth and power, living lavishly while others suffered.

Every mission she undertook was a razor’s edge between life and death. In her world, risking everything demanded fair compensation—nothing less was just. So when Jordan asked for her help, she insisted on payment. It was her unbreakable survival code.

“Deal,” Nova said quietly, her voice steady. “Now, tell me the details.”

***

Meanwhile, at the Free Combat Club headquarters, located on the sixth floor of the laboratory building, Maxwell, Hannah, Julian, Caleb, and Laura were swamped with registration forms from a flood of new applicants. The atmosphere was hectic, papers scattered everywhere, pens moving rapidly.

Claire had already made an excuse to leave, leaving only the core members to manage the chaos.

“We finally cleared one batch,” Caleb said with a lazy stretch, rubbing his tired eyes. “But I have no clue how many more are still waiting.”

Julian chuckled, energized despite the workload. “Keep it up! This just shows how successful our recruitment drive has been.”

Suddenly, Maxwell noticed an unusual silence fall over the room. Looking up, he saw a tall figure standing at the doorway—it was Zane.

Everyone at SLRA knew Zane, the leader of the Taekwondo Club, had been at odds with Maxwell for some time, especially after Nova had kicked him off the stage in that high-profile duel. So why was he here now?

“Max, why is he—” Hannah began, clearly stunned.

“Keep working. I’ll take care of this,” Maxwell interrupted, frowning. He set down his papers and strode toward the entrance.

Later, in a quiet corner of the cafeteria on the second floor, after accepting Jordan’s request and understanding the gravity of the situation, Nova finally asked, “So, when do we move?”

Jordan replied, “Not yet. I’ll contact you when the time is right.”

Nova nodded once, her expression unreadable. “Fine.”

Their brief conversation ended there. One after the other, they left the secluded spot—Jordan walking ahead, with Nova following closely behind.

Nova was always straightforward. She never masked her words or intentions.

As they reached the entrance to the cafeteria, she suddenly turned to him with a teasing glint in her eye. “You didn’t even ask about my background before teaming up. Aren’t you worried I might let you down?”

Jordan, pleased yet curious to have her on board, raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Like what?”

He expected her to mention typical concerns like betrayal or leaking secrets, but her next words nearly made him falter.

Nova smiled faintly and said, “For example? What if I’m just like them—an international fugitive who escaped from prison?”