The Mercenary Queen Strikes Back (Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 115

As they walked toward the spectator stands. Nova and Natasha continued their conversation.

No one could overhear them.

Even Casey and her team were standing far away, separated from them.

When people talked about ‘selling life,” it could mean Not of things.

The nice way to put it was being part of Nova’s crew, doing whatever she asked.

The ugly truth? It was just staking your own life to line Nova’s pockets.

ust like…

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Her most loyal friends–Marlie and Falcony. They gave everything for Nova, selling their lives for her on the battlefield at Millinger in Arion, never to return.

t was a wound she’d have to carry for the rest of her life.

Nova lowered her gaze.

Seeing Nova stay silent, Natasha’s voice grew heavier with disappointment.

She asked, “Nova, can’t !?

Is my strength… still not enough for you?”

At sixteen, Natasha already carried herself with the poise of a grown woman.

Raised in the international underworld, she’d been forced to grow up fast, hiding behind a mask of maturity just to survive

But when it came down to it, she was still just a teenager.

You don’t have to risk your life for me,” Nova said, pausing in her steps.

It had been five years since that day.

But the images of Marlie and Falcony’s brutal deaths were still as vivid as if they’d happened yesterday

Marlie had been so young, so full of life and beauty–just like Natasha standing before hes now

Girls like her were always radiant with youth and energy

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“Boss, Falcony and I both held our ows for ten rounds against you,” Marhe boasted, hands behind her back a proud gris on

her face.

“So, does that mean we can officially be your crew now

be your ride–or–die?

It was during that very first meeting with Marlie and Falcony that Mar he had said those unforgettable words to Nova

In the end, Marlie–who always made sure she looked impeccable and stunning, no matter how grimy the battlefield—gave

her life for Nova.

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The trailors ripped her head clean off, her blood splattering wildly across that pristine dress.

The skirt she treasured so much–never letting it even catch a speck of dust–ended up drenched in a blinding shade of red

When Nova found their bodies, Falcony’s severed hand was still protectively resting atop Marlie’s head

Just like every time the five of them made it back from a battle.

Falcony, towering above them all, would always give Marlie–the youngest–a rough yet affectionate rub on the head.

‘Don’t worry, Marlie. None of us are going to die. I’ll give my all to protect you and the boss!” he’d always say

They gave their lives for her, willingly throwing everything away just to stand by her side.

And it all began with a simple pledge–to risk it all for her.

Why? Why does it have to be like this… Natasha wondered, confusion swirling in her heart.

Maybe Nova just doesn’t like me, she thought, not understanding any of the reasons behind it all.

Or is it because I messed up before and did something wrong? the doubi gnawed at her.

Natasha lowered her head, feeling a wave of disappointment wash over her.

Beside her, Nova’s voice came through–clear and gentle, tinged with nostalgia yet absolutely resolute.

Nova said softly, “Because I don’t want you to die for me.”

As Nova’s words hung in the air, a subtle heaviness settled between them.

Nova’s gaze shifted, uncertain emotion flashing through her eyes. She stayed silent for a moment, steadying herself, then her voice came out soft but firm.

You can stand by my side, work for me, but you don’t need to throw your life away for my sake,” Nova said

That single sentence from Nova changed everything.

Downcast and unsure, Natasha snapped her gaze up, eyes round with shock–like she couldn’t believe what she’d just beard

For real? Nova?” She asked, voice quivering with hope.

Nova gave a small, reassuring smile.

Have I ever lied to you?” she asked.

Never! Natasha thought, feeling her heart grow warin.

In all the years she’d known Nova, she’d never once gone back on her word

Back then, when Nova promised to get her out of the international slave market in Castille, she really did it—no hesitation.

no excuses.

“Nova!”

Before Natasha could say another word, a voice cut through the crowd, coming straight at them

Chapres

they to wowa Casey, braging Zark and the rest of her crew as they hearded their way

“Nova, you were incredible Casey card, her eyes sparkling with surprise as she came night up to Nova

tot,

Within thinking, she tear for about to hook Novas arm like she always dad

But before she could grab hold, Nova leaned left at the last moment, ducking out of the way

Casey’s hand just swiped through empty air

Natasha was faster, looping her arm through Nova’s before Casey could even react, smoothly edging Nova away so Casey‘ hand caught nothing but air

Her usually soft, cute gaze flipped in an instant–suddenly Natasha’s eyes were all wolfish heat, pinning Casey with a glare hat promised trouble

Natasha was staring Casey down, like she’d just spotted fresh prey.

Casey instantly got the feeling she’d just become Natasha’s number one target.

Uh.. Casey was speechless for a second. In her eyes. Natasha wasn’t just crazy skilled–she was like the ace queen of the quad

After all, Natasha was last year’s champ at the Morales Youth Self–Defense competition.

But now, seeing Natasha staring her down like she was about to steal Nova away, Casey couldn’t help but wonder what was going on.

What’s with that look? Does she really think I’m trying to snatch Nova away? Casey thought, a little thrown off

Nova, Natasha…” Casey called out, hoping to ease the vibe.

Just now on the field–what was going on between you two? think I heard Natasha say something to you.

Wait–Nova, what’s this about a slave market?”

Casey quickly switched gears to break the awkward tension. Truth was, she hadn’t really caught most of what Natasha hat aid to Nova from where she’d been standing.

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Right then, the resident game addict Holden swaggered over, grinning like he’d just hit a jackpot

de butted right in, vibes loud and proud.

Five years ago, the International Slave Market at kylentia’s Castille, right

You two met as online game buddies, didn’t you? Natasha got to know Nova i game, and then Nova swooped in for a

heroic rescue

Ever since. Natasha’s been carrying that epic gratitude

“You two are something else!

“You actually took your online friendship offline? That’s wild!

Nova hadn’t even come up with a good excuse yet, but Holden just blurted out an explanation like i was nothing

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Chapter 115-

Sonichow, despite his story being full of holes, Casey and the others totally bought it.

“Oh, so that’s how it is.. Casey said, her surprise giving way to understanding.

“Guess I should give gaming shot–maybe I’ll meet a legendary girl like Natasha too!” Griffin teased.

And just like that, everyone went along with the story

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The self–defense competition dragged on for another long hour, the tension barely letting up until the very end.

Nova didn’t bother challenging anyone.

And none of the exchange students had the guts to test her.

she just chilled on the sidelines, completely unbothered, for the entire hour!

The showdowns kept coming, and the exchange students were eliminated one after another.

Finally, only two were left standing in the arena.

His last opponent was a tall, skinny guy.

Seeing there were no more exchange students to choose, he shot a panicked look at Nova, who was giving him that cold. azor–sharp stare.

I–uh, I forfeit!” he blurted out, nerves clearly shot.

He didn’t stick around–just grabbed his head and bolted like his life depended on it.

And with zero suspense, the self–defense champ title went straight to Nova.

After the competition, afternoon had already rolled around.

Casey and her crew didn’t get any top spots, but Nova totally swept both the science and self–defense championships

Honestly, they were all really happy for her.

The whole crew was jostling and cracking jokes, pulling Nova along as they made plans to hit a barbecue joue that afternoon o throw her a proper victory party.

Natasha fell in with the group, quietly sticking close.

But Nova and Natasha drifted to the back, Natasha’s arm hooked around Nova’s–like she couldn’t stand to let Nova out of her sight.

The others were too busy with their own chatter to notice the pair lagging behind

After finally reuniting, Nova and Natasha found a rare chance to break away for a private talk

Natasha leaned in close to Nova’s ear, her voice barely above a whisper

“Nova. I’ve been with you for so long, how come Ive never met Marlie or Falcony?

And what about Chost–Hammer and Snowfang? Where are they?”

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Work then, Hunted by a thousand of her subordinates and the local armed forces for ten days and nights. Nova found herself stranded at the international slave market in Castille.

That’s where she saved Natasha At that time. Marlie, Falcony, Ghost–Hammer and Snowfang were all by her side

Natasha knew every single one of them.

She even got to spend a few days hanging out with the crew.

Back then, Marlie was just a teenage girl and Natasha jua kid, but the two of them hit it off right away–always chatting and laughing like they’d known each other forever.

But now, everything was different.

“Marlie and Falcony are gone.” Nova kept quiet about Snowfang’s betrayal–Natasha didn’t need to know.

Nova’s voice was icy, almost robotic, with zero warmth.

But who could ever really glimpse what she was hiding inside?

Natasha fell silent all of a sudden.

She wasn’t just some clueless little girl–she understood instantly why Nova didn’t want her throwing her life away for her. Natasha hesitated for a couple seconds, then slipped her hand into her pocket, fingers curling and fidgeting inside.

Finally, she pulled out a beat–up old envelope–caked with dried mud and flecked with blood stains–and offered it to Nova ‘Actually,” Natasha began, “before Marlie left, she secretly gave me this letter.

‘She made me promise not to tell you back then. She said if fate ever let us meet again, that’s when I should give it to you ‘Back then… I just had this weird feeling about Marlie…” Natasha started, but her words tangled up in emotion, the rest dving in her throat.

With trembling hands, she shoved the battered envelope into Nova’s palm.

‘I never peeked. I’ve kept it safe for you all this time…” Natasha whispered, eyes shining with remembered loyalty

Nova’s hand hesitated ever so slightly as she accepted the envelope.

At last, she opened the weathered old envelope and drew out the letter within.

It was from Marlie.

She recognized the handwriting in an instant

After Nova finished scanning the letter, her usual composure wavered for the first time

Even she, always the picture of cool control, felt her beautiful eyes tighten–sharply, more than ever before–because what was written inside hs harder than anything she’d ever seen