The Devil And The Maid.

The house was quiet.

After the long night of celebration, everyone had quickly fallen asleep. The garden wedding was set for tomorrow.

But in the still darkness of early morning, Nora shook Zayan awake.

"Zayan…" she whispered.

He stirred. At first, he thought he was dreaming. But when he opened his eyes—his heart dropped.

Nora was bleeding again.

Blood trickled from her mouth, staining her lips.

"Hey, baby? What's wrong?" Zayan said, wide awake now, sitting up fast.

Nora gave a small, pained giggle.

He didn't waste a second—Zayan carried her down the stairs where everyone was already seated, picking flowers for the garden wedding.

"Aaila! Aaila!" Zayan shouted, panic rising in his voice. "Please, get Nora's injection!"

Aaila shot up from the floor and sprinted inside to grab her emergency box.

Nora, still in Zayan's arms, looked at Zofia and gave a bloody smile. Her teeth, lips—everything—were red.

Zofia froze.

Zayan laid Nora carefully on the table.

"Are you okay, love?" he asked, gripping her hand tightly.

She nodded slightly. "My head… spinning… really fast," she giggled.

"It's not funny, Nora!" Zayan snapped, trembling.

Aaila returned, opening the kit. "Should I double the shot?"

Zayan hesitated. He was scared, but—

"No," he said. "Just the normal dose, please."

Aaila injected Nora gently. The Black Scars Lords watched silently as Zayan's hands trembled.

He clenched them into fists.

"Zayan is in deep pain, guys," Russo murmured.

"No kidding," Xandria replied.

"This is the first time I've ever seen him like this," Vincenzo added. Everyone nodded in agreement.

Melanie? Nora said.

"Yes, dear?" Melanie responded.

"The garden out back is small… but what about Nana's garden? At the orphanage—it's really, really huge!" Nora said, spreading her arms wide.

They all agreed quickly. The orphanage it was.

The gang arrived soon after.

Azara stepped down first, tightly holding her son, Levi, close to her. Her eyes searched the area—and landed on Rose, who was laughing with children in an inflatable swimming pool.

Rose's booty shorts did not help Azara's focus.

"You okay?" Eryx asked with a smirk.

Azara snapped out of it. "Yeah… yeah."

Zayan stepped out of the car with Seraphina in his arms, who was babbling excitedly as always.

"Yeah…" he muttered distractedly, still worried about Nora.

The others stood still for a moment, gazing at the orphanage.

It was heavily guarded—by strong men and top-tier security systems.

"Woah… who did all this for an orphanage?" Kian asked.

"We all did," Asher answered, entering security mode. "Lockdown, engaged."

Nora wandered toward the pool, smiling.

She grabbed Azara's hand and placed it in Rose's. "Hiiiii Rosieeeeee," she laughed, dipping her hands in the water and splashing the babies.

"Hey, Mama Nora," Rose greeted her.

Rose looked up and spotted Azara. "Hi."

"Hello," Azara replied, keeping it cool.

Inside, Issca was holding the baby Nora had saved two years ago. His name was Yarrow now.

Nora kissed him. The boy hugged her sweetly.

The twins were nearby, playing with the other toddlers and giggling non-stop.

Nora turned to Asher and Issca.

"Now… take me to Nana's garden. Nora doesn't remember where it is anymore, okay?" she said, yanking both of them by their ears.

"Ouch—ouch—okay, okay! Let's go!" they shouted.

Zayan laughed behind them.

The group walked around to the back of the orphanage.

It was just like Nana always kept it.

Nora's eyes widened.

Wow.

The garden was absolutely breathtaking.

Every kind of flower bloomed with color and life—roses, lilies, tulips, sunflowers, jasmine, morning glories, lotus, hibiscus, gerberas, irises, ixoras, daisies… and many more.

Nora began picking one of each, joy lighting up her face. Zayan stood silently behind her, watching her in peace for the first time that day.

"Nora… your Nana planted all this?" Xandria asked, stunned.

Nora nodded. "Yes, she did," she said, giggling.

Meanwhile, Levi walked over to Rose and opened his arms. Azara stood back, watching. It was a test—to see if Rose would accept her son.

"Hey baby boy," Rose said gently.

Levi signed with his hands: "I got these for you because you're very beautiful."

Rose's heart melted. She understood everything.

She kissed his forehead and signed back: "Thank you."

Levi smiled and tucked the flower behind her ear.

Azara's lips curled into a smile.

Behind her, Eryx whispered, "Found the one for you, huh?"

Azara chuckled. "Yeah… I have."

"Alright, we've got everything now, right love?" Zayan asked.

Nora giggled, still picking flowers. "Yes."

Back at the garden, everyone started preparing.

Zayan wore a navy-blue suit, matching with Seraphina, who looked like a little princess in her gown and golden shoes.

Nora wore a soft dusty rose gown. Her hair was elegantly done, her makeup light and glowing. Lysander, in a matching dusty rose suit, looked just like his mama.

Zayan sat quietly, still heavy with worry.

Nora walked over, holding a single white rose.

"Z?" she said.

"Yes, darling?" He stood up.

She gently placed the rose on his lapel and smiled. Then she kissed his forehead.

"Nora will be fine. I promise," she said.

Zayan hugged her tightly, breathing her in.

As the guests arrived, the garden sparkled with life. Pictures were taken, laughter filled the air. Families mingled, old enemies pretended to be friends—for now.

Azara approached Rose again.

"You understood my son?" she asked softly.

Rose nodded.

"Are you gay?" Azara asked again.

Rose nodded again.

Azara checked to see if anyone was watching. Then, in one bold move, she stepped forward, cupped Rose's face—and kissed her deeply.

Tongue met tongue. Rose's eyes fluttered and rolled back slightly. Azara's hands slid down to her waist.

When they finally pulled apart, Rose's face was red.

Azara licked her lips, stepped back, and casually turned toward Kian, joining his conversation like nothing had happened.

They glanced at each other again.

Azara winked.

Rose just shook her head, heart racing, and walked away.

The sun dipped behind the trees, painting the sky with streaks of gold and pink.

Zayan and Nora stood together, holding hands.

The entire family and gang gathered for a photo—capturing this quiet, perfect moment.

Nora rested her head against Zayan's chest as the camera clicked.

For a moment, everything was peaceful.