The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Back in her room, Noella logged into the Polaris Star network. She initiated an internal video conference.

Rubbing his eyes, Alioth asked, “Boss, what's the occasion? Why are we doing a video call?”

Megrez chimed in, “Hard to say. Last time we had a big meeting was when we blew up a bunch of those rival gang hideouts.”

Ivan quipped, “What's the target this time? My dynamite's itching for some action!”

Noella replied sternly, “Keep it up, and you might be looking for a new boss soon.”

Silence fell among the group.

With a grave tone, Yasbel ventured, “Boss, so you’re… pregnant?” Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Nolan let out a sharp gasp.

“No way! Are we about to have a mini boss?”

To Polaris Star, their loyalty was to Noella alone. The only thing that might change leadership was if Noella had a child. They'd have another boss to follow!

Mizar muttered, “Didn’t see that coming. Mr. Pollack’s got some moves.”

Noella had enough. “You all bored? I’m doubling the quota for this year’s operations!”

A chorus of groans and complaints filled the call.

Their boss was inhumane! Was this what pregnancy mood swings were like?

Noella frowned. “It’s about Garrick. He wants to take back the leadership of Polaris Star. He’s weighing whether to lead me or to have me eliminated.”

Garrick, the original leader of Polaris Star and the founder of the Polaris Star Project, wanted his position back?

On the video call, twenty-four members listened in, Noella included. This generation of Polaris Star was missing four members from the start.

Deacon, usually the quiet one, said softly, “How old is Garrick now? Besides, he left Polaris Star. We don’t acknowledge him.”

Enoch added, “Think about it. In Garrick’s eyes, he’d probably want to eliminate us too!”

A chilling silence took over as everyone pondered Enoch’s words.

Garrick, who even disdained their leader Noella, probably wouldn't spare the rest of them either.

Noella nodded. “When he left, he took some people with him, probably looking to replace us. His version of Polaris Star is history. Now, it's us who call the shots!”

Warm smiles spread across their faces.

Following Noella was what gave their lives meaning!

Noella stated, “The purpose of this meeting is to inform you that I won’t let Garrick go easily. We’re in for some tough times ahead. Overtime is on the horizon.”

Mizar wiped away a tear.

No words were spoken, but it was clear. The battle against Garrick was for them!

Garrick, as the founder of the Polaris Star project, was responsible for their plight. Because of him, they became orphans enduring countless tortures and experiments.

Yasbel and Nolan, the twins, had been taken by illegal means, only to return home to find their family gone!

Many within the Obelisk Organization were failed Polaris Star experiments. Just the thought of the daily electrocutions and the barrage of drugs used to forcibly enhance their intellect and physical abilities was enough to send shivers down any Polaris Star member’s spine!

Garrick believed in the innate evil of humanity, wanting to create an emotionless, thoughtless army. It was Noella who showed them the meaning of life!

Yasbel, flipping her hair, said playfully, “You’re the boss, so you call the shots. Our lives were saved by you; they’re yours to command.”

The others didn’t speak, but their determination was evident in their eyes directed at Noella.

Noella nodded. “Good. If Garrick thinks he can touch what’s mine, hurt my people, then let’s show him who really runs Polaris Star now.”

“Yes, Boss!”

…

The next morning at the front of the Shadow Dragon Society, several burly men lay unconscious on the ground.

A man with a black dragon tattoo approached, shocked at the sight.

“Weren’t these the thugs Lorne sent over? Did Malvina handle them?”

If that was the case, opposing Malvina would be asking for trouble.

“Boss, did Malvina do this?”

“She doesn’t know anyone tough enough!”

Robert, the leader, spat out his cigarette and crushed it underfoot, his teeth nearly grinding to dust.

If it weren’t for Malvina, that reckless girl, the Shadow Dragon Society would already be under his control!

“The Grubers are supposed to be dead or gone. These guys probably just picked a fight at the ring with someone out of their league!”

The underground fighters often made enemies. Robert was convinced this had nothing to do with Malvina.

Magee suggested uncertainly, “Maybe we should ask Malvina?”

Emerging behind them, dressed in a sleek black suit and hat, with heels clicking authoritatively, was Malvina, a stark contrast to the girl who had arrived not long ago. Her presence reminded Robert of Malvina’s mother.

Back then, Robert and Arthur worked together to kill Malvina's mother when she was at her weakest during childbirth.

A chill ran down Robert’s spine, but he didn’t take Malvina seriously.

“Malvina, where are you off to in such a hurry?”

“To give my mom a proper send-off to Arthur, see what it looks like when he’s taken out by a firing squad.” Malvina presented a photo, her smile loaded with implications. "I'll make sure my mom

knows that I won’t let any of those who took her from me off the hook."

Robert managed a fake smile and asked, "Do you know these folks?"

Malvina glanced at the few people sprawled on the ground and scoffed. "What, are these your long- lost relatives from some wild night out? They're all laid out here, and you're not taking them home to pay your respects? You expect me to recognize them?"

Veins throbbed in Robert's neck!

"Malvina, with that sharp tongue of yours, I doubt you're cut out for the Shadow Dragon Society…"

Malvina bent down to look at Robert, who was a good half-head shorter, and lowered her voice.

"Cut the act. You think I don't know you set this up? Wanted me gone in the ring? I’ve returned all these people to you, so why aren’t you happy?"

"Malvina, seems like you've got some backup. Not to be that guy, but as a woman, maybe you should just find a man, settle down, and stay at home with the kids instead of stirring up trouble…"

"Shh, look behind you."

Before Robert could finish his harsh words, he followed the direction Malvina was pointing.

On a hill not too far away stood several figures, the leader- a woman wearing a ghoulish mask reminiscent of a medieval executioner- exuded a formidable presence. Behind her were a dozen or so folks, armed to the teeth with sniper rifles!

Noella's voice, cold and authoritative, echoed from the distance.

"Who's next on the chopping block? You tell me."