The Queen They Buried

Chapter 33

The stadium started filling up. Most of the banners were for Apex Squad, even in areas meant for God’s Fury fans,

Soon, the teams came out. Since God’s Fury had made it to the finals through the winner’s bracket, they entered first, just like always.

“That’s gotta be Phoenix. She’s even prettier in person than in the promo pics. What a waste,” someone muttered sarcastically.

Some people even brought banners that said stuff like “Phoenix, get out of God’s Fury.”

“They dropped Killian for a girl in the finals, huh? I’m just here to watch them crash and burn,” another person scoffed.

Killian was second only to Alvin when it came to popularity in God’s Fury. So when he got pulled right before the finals, fans were pissed.

“All–Star must’ve lost his mind letting Phoenix on the team.”

“Phoenix? That’s a joke. She doesn’t deserve that name.”

A few fans tried to stay positive. “Whatever, let’s just hope they can win.”

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While the crowd was trash–talking, the comments online were even worse. People had been tearing Aubree apart ever since the official team post went live, and it hadn’t stopped–not even as the match was about to start.

Aubree could hear the insults being thrown at her from the crowd, but her face didn’t change. In esports, if one couldn’t play, one didn’t belong. She didn’t blame them for being mad. Nobody wanted to see their team lose because of some new, untested player in the finals.

Not long after, Apex Squad’s players came out. To everyone’s surprise, the midsolo wasn’t Carmen but Killian.

Carmen was only listed as a sub and didn’t come out for the opening ceremony.

As soon as fans saw Killian, they relaxed.

“Apex Squad only lost to God’s Fury last time because their mid was weak. Now God’s Fury’s tossing us the win with that dumb move,” someone said.

“Let’s crush that Phoenix girl so bad she never shows her face again,” another shouted.

Apex Squad’s fans were fired up.

In the stands, Emery and Daxton, who had come to see Carmen, turned their attention to Aubree.

leaned toward Emery and said, “This is the sister you’re sticking your neck out for. She’d rather

stage, Aubree stood in her God’s Fury uniform, her

others, he actually knew how good she was. But Aubree had never told him she

to go pro in esports? But why didn’t she come to me? Why go to a rival

I’ve let her down. If this match doesn’t

ra starter,” Emery said.

Carmen’s on your team, and she’s stuck as a sub. And you want to give Aubree the starter spot, huh? Are you nuts? Do you really think she’s some innocent little

locked on Aubree with disgust. “She acts all high and mighty, pretending she doesn’t care

From what he remembered, Aubree joined God’s Fury before Carmen even got involved. If

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Chapter 33

was Carmen chasing Aubree.

is just

huh? Please. I’ve been too busy to deal with her before, but now that she’s finally in front of me, I’ll make

sharp look.

of your business,”

at the stage, feeling

girl

look. “Isn’t that the girl you used to sponsor from the orphanage? Wow, Bowen, raising a future wife, huh? Even now that she’s found her

shock turning into a

guys had all made fun of him. At first, Bowen just brushed

he had finally figured out what was really

a

be

“She’s been through

and got serious. “So? What’s that got to do with you? You’ve already helped her for years. Don’t tell me you plan to take

forever.”

her a hand,” Bowen said, his eyes fixed on Aubree as she adjusted her gear onstage. Under the lights, she looked strong and confident, like she belonged there. She had that fire

you addicted to saving people? What’s

said calmly. “She’ll figure it out

believed the Aubree he’d put his

her, Bowen changed the subject.

in the new collection,” Ollie said. He

price. I want it cut into a

gave a sarcastic hum but

He turned back to