The Devil And The Maid.

The morning sun rose over a day filled with joy and dread.

The grand mansion—now larger than ever before—buzzed with quiet celebration as one by one, couples sealed their vows in a simple court marriage ceremony. Miska and Frya, radiant in their modest attire, smiled at each other like the world had stopped spinning for them alone. Sora and Issca held hands tightly, their bond deepened through thick and thin. Shaw and Zira finally embraced the happiness they longed for. Rex and Lisa shared a kiss that was years in the making, while Neal and Darba, Kiernan and Maia, Maverick and Nathaira stood together—united as husbands and wives.

They were family. And they would all remain here, in the mansion. This place wasn't just a home anymore—it was a kingdom of love, loyalty, and second chances.

But amidst the happiness was a storm.

It was time for Nora's bone marrow transplant.

The hospital was silent, tense. As the injection was administered, Nora drifted into unconsciousness, her breathing slow and steady. Zayan never left her side, his hand clutched hers like his life depended on it. The entire family waited. Even the Liliths. Even Zofia.

Zofia stood quietly, arms folded, watching the growing number of people gathered for Nora. A knot of guilt coiled in her chest.

"So many people… all for her." she whispered to herself. "Maybe… maybe she's not bad after all. Maybe I was the one who was wrong."

Suddenly, the sound of sobbing pulled her back. Seraphina, little and fragile, wept inconsolably in Zayan's arms, while Lysander slept soundly beside them.

Zofia snapped.

"Why the fuck are you crying?" she barked, making the entire room freeze.

Seraphina paused… then looked up at Zofia. Her teary face broke into a giggle. She began jumping happily in Zayan's arms, reaching toward Zofia.

James blinked. "I think she wants you to hold her, Ma."

Zayan hesitated, giving Zofia a long, hard stare. "Don't hurt her. Please."

Zofia took the baby hesitantly. Seraphina placed her head on her great-grandmother's shoulder and sucked her thumb peacefully.

Yasia stepped forward, voice soft. "She's your great-grandchild, Ma. She's just a baby. At least… let the past go."

Zofia looked at the child in her arms—and then at her daughter and granddaughters—and for the first time in decades, something inside her cracked.

Inside the operating room, the transplant was complete.

But then—the monitors began screaming. Nora's blood pressure surged, her body convulsed, and her nose bled. Her brain, riddled with hidden wounds, began to unravel.

"She's bleeding!" Aaila cried, desperately cleaning the blood. Imara, Kyomi, Royce, Kasir, and Arion stood frozen in fear.

"What's happening?!" Kasir shouted.

Zayan paced like a madman. He couldn't breathe. Lysander, sensing the panic, woke up and cried. His tiny eyes locked on the door, reaching out as if he could feel his mother slipping away.

Then—Royce came out. The doctors followed.

Arion took a step forward, his voice breaking.

"T-The surgery was successful but… Mr. Zayan… Nora's brain has been… affected. She can't remember anything. I… I'm so sorry."

The world collapsed around Zayan.

She remembered everyone—the twins, the girls, the present. But not the past. Her memories were gone.

Zayan stumbled back into a chair, his face blank. His soul shattered.

Lysander cried again, clinging to Zayan's chest.

Three hours later, Nora was wheeled out.

Zayan held Lysander as the boy reached toward his mother. "Mama…" he whispered.

Zayan clenched his jaw, trying to stay strong. But the coldness crept back in. His heart hardened with fear and pain.

Shaw came forward, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You need to calm your anger—for Nora and the kids. Be cold to the world, fine. But not to them."

Zayan nodded numbly.

Later, Nora woke up. She stumbled outside, her body weak—but her eyes searched.

She found him.

Zayan was sitting on the floor near the hospital garden, his hands hiding his tears.

"Z!" she called out, running toward him. She dropped beside him and gasped, cupping his cheeks. "Why is my Z crying? What happened, baby?"

Zayan laid his head on her shoulder, whispering, "My Nora… is sick. Still very, very sick."

She smiled gently, wiping his tears. "Remember on New Year's Day, when I wished for good luck?"

He nodded slowly.

"Well, Z… everything will be fine soon. Nora promises you."

She walked inside, found Asher sobbing quietly. She fed him with shaking hands, wiping away his tears. Then she fed the twins, laughing softly at their babbling.

"Dada! Dada! Dadaaaaa!" Seraphina squealed, throwing herself into Zayan's arms.

He laughed for the first time that day, kissing her cheeks with pride.

That night, they slept in Nora's cabin. The rest returned to the mansion.

Zayan's sisters entered the room quietly and found their brother sitting on the floor, staring at Nora as she slept. Tears rolled down his face.

"Why would you come back to me… and forget me?" he whispered. "Please… come back. I want all of you back again."

Melanin knelt beside him, holding his hand.

"She will come back. No matter what. You are a man, and you are Zayan Kai."

The others joined in. "We're with you in this."

Zayan gave a small smile, pulling them all into a hug.

"Thank you so much. I love you all."

And under the moonlight, surrounded by those who loved him, Zayan Kai found hope again—even in the ashes of everything he'd lost.