The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 90

Chapter 90

The soothing warmth of the hot spring water gently embraced Nova’s skin, while tendrils of steam lazily drifted upward, swirling into the cool air above. Thick mist wove its way through the rugged rocks and vibrant foliage surrounding the indoor pool, transforming the space into a hidden sanctuary tucked away from the world.

Within the steaming waters, Nova’s form shimmered in and out of view, her silhouette flickering through the haze like a delicate apparition. Damien found his eyes irresistibly drawn to her again and again, captivated by the ethereal dance of her presence. The water itself was crystal clear, leaving little to the imagination—every curve and contour of her flawless figure was laid bare, impossible to ignore.

The ease of her invitation, coupled with the vivid memory of the tender moment when she had first stumbled into his arms, stirred something deep within Damien’s chest. His heart, typically as cold and guarded as forged steel, felt as though the final barrier shielding it had been shattered. A strange, unfamiliar ache twisted inside him, tightening his breath and making his pulse quicken.

He quickly averted his gaze, unwilling to meet her eyes directly.

His voice emerged low and husky, laced with a tempting edge. “All this chaos with the Bloodblade betrayal—if you marry me, Nova, the Shadow Sanctum will erase it all. You won’t have to face any of it alone,” he vowed, his eyes shining with unwavering determination.

Once more, Damien reaffirmed his proposal, renewing the alliance he had mentioned earlier. Nova was unsurprised by how swiftly he had caught wind of the Bloodblade treachery; in her world, secrets rarely stayed hidden for long. The underground networks were tightly knit, and these days, only Bloodblade and Shadow Sanctum truly held power.

Snowfang—the traitor—had unleashed turmoil across the globe. Half a year ago, he had betrayed her location to Interpol, landing her in the dreaded Devil’s Isle prison. Then, he spread rumors within Bloodblade, whispering that she had met a grisly end. Anyone with even a shred of intelligence could sense a mole within the Bloodblade Mercenary Corps.

Given Damien’s skills, it was no surprise he had uncovered the truth.

Yet, since he was willing to lay everything bare…

Nova’s playful teasing vanished instantly. Her expression hardened, icy and resolute as she snapped, “No, thanks. I can handle my own mess.”

Though she knew that with Damien’s support, the path would be easier, her fierce pride refused to accept it. As a warrior through and through, Nova would sooner fall in battle than bow before any man.

“But marriage?” she added, her voice steady and unyielding. “That’s something I’d consider.”

For her, marriage was merely a strategic alliance—a calculated move devoid of personal sentiment. It meant merging the Bloodblade Mercenary Corps with the Shadow Sanctum, plain and simple.

There was nothing to lose and everything to gain. Partnering with Shadow Sanctum would bring a flood of lucrative contracts to her corps, greatly increasing their influence and wealth. Nova would never let such a golden opportunity slip away.

Moreover, this arrangement would be strictly business. No strings attached, no emotions involved.

She wasn’t sacrificing anything, was she?

Damien gave a respectful nod, standing tall and striking—a mysterious figure cloaked in shadow, ever the silent guardian at his queen’s side. His lips parted slightly, voice low and steady.

“Me and the Shadow Sanctum—we’re at your command. Anytime, anywhere.”

—

Ten minutes later, just outside the hot spring room, Aiden waited silently in the corridor, vigilant as always. The door slid open with a soft whoosh, but it wasn’t Damien who stepped out first—it was Nova. Wrapped in a towel with a jacket casually draped over her shoulders, she crossed the threshold with ease.

Her eyes immediately found Aiden standing guard in the hallway. A subtle smirk curved her lips as she ran her fingers through her damp, long hair, meeting his gaze for a brief, charged moment. Her beauty was impossible to overlook.

Without sparing him another glance, Nova strode past, her confident figure disappearing down the hall as if she owned the place.

Aiden had assumed his boss was alone inside the hot spring all along. Seeing Nova emerge unexpectedly, his face remained stoic, but inside, his mind erupted with a whirlwind of thoughts.

‘She…’ For a split second, Aiden was utterly stunned, his brain momentarily short-circuiting.

‘Wait, wasn’t this supposed to be my boss’s private hot spring? How did she end up in there with him?’ he wondered, struggling to comprehend the scene.

Before he could process it fully, the door slid open again with a quiet sound.

Damien emerged next, tall as ever, ducking slightly to clear the raised threshold. The two of them stepped out one after the other, making it clear they hadn’t bothered to hide their time spent together.

Even Aiden—the assassin known for his unshakeable poker face—almost lost his composure. His eyes widened in disbelief.

‘Wait… My boss and Nova? No way—they actually soaked together?’

‘Is my mind playing tricks on me?’ he questioned silently, still trying to absorb what he’d just witnessed.

As he watched Nova walk away, Aiden couldn’t help but let his gaze linger on her retreating form. She moved with effortless grace and a subtle sensuality that belied the tension of what had just transpired.

His thoughts raced. Hadn’t his boss gone in just twenty minutes ago?

‘Only twenty minutes? That was a quick exit…’ Aiden mused, disbelief creeping in.

“Honestly, with how amazing you’ve been lately, there’s no way you won’t be one of this year’s School Belles! You have to get up on that stage and let the whole school vote for you—everyone’s expecting it!”

“If you skip it, you’re out. No do-overs!” she added firmly.

Nova couldn’t have cared less about the title of School Belle.

In fact, today was the big selection day for Sector X18’s Task Force—and Nova already held a trump card: a recommendation letter from Commander Harrison Marshall himself.

Glancing up at the clock above the blackboard, Nova noted the time: 7:45.

Just as Sophia continued buzzing about the School Belle contest, Nova interrupted suddenly.

“So, what happens to students who skip class at Saint Laurel Royal Academy?” she asked, eyes sharp.

Sophia froze, caught completely off guard by the unexpected question on such a day. She had no idea where Nova was headed with this but answered seriously.

“If you skip class… first time, you’ll probably get a verbal warning. Second time, an official written warning goes on your record. Third time, and you’re out—expelled for good.”

Realizing what Nova was hinting at, Sophia gasped and covered her mouth.

“Nova… wait, don’t tell me you’re actually thinking about skipping class?” she blurted, eyes wide with disbelief.

Nova raised an eyebrow, tapping her finger lightly against her lips, a playful, almost cocky smirk curling her mouth.

“After I leave, just tell the teacher I skipped out,” she teased.

Sophia had seen plenty of kids sneak out before, but someone openly admitting they were ditching and wanting her to snitch? That completely baffled her.

“Nova…” Sophia barely got the word out before she could only stare, dumbfounded, as Nova took two quick steps toward the window.

Without hesitation, Nova planted one foot on the windowsill and leapt out of their third-floor classroom window, disappearing from sight.