The Devil And The Maid.

It was a cold Thursday morning, December 27. Snow blanketed the world outside, but inside, the air was thick with tension. Nora was wheeled silently into the operating room. Her face was peaceful—too peaceful—as the door shut behind her, leaving her loved ones in a waiting storm of their own.

Zayan sat quietly in the hallway, feeding their baby girl, Seraphina. The little one giggled joyfully, her innocent smile easing his restless heart.

"Your momma is going to be fine soon," Zayan whispered, kissing her cheeks gently. "I hope so."

Inside the operating room, the atmosphere was stark and surgical. Six doctors stood over Nora's unconscious form. Aaila and Kyomi carefully opened her skull, exposing fresh internal wounds. Blood oozed slightly, painting a stark contrast against the cold metal instruments.

"Give me the cotton," Arion said urgently.

Imara handed it to him without a word.

"Let's do this."

Back outside, time moved slowly. Zayan had just finished feeding both babies. Seraphina and Lysander were now curled up in each other's arms, asleep in his lap. He smiled down at them, but exhaustion tugged at his soul. The weight of waiting, of fearing, settled over him like the snow falling quietly outside.

Hours passed.

Seven, to be exact.

Inside the OR, the final steps were underway. Arion and Royce administered the last injection, while Aaila, Kyomi, and Imara stitched Nora back together.

"The operation was a success," Arion finally announced, panting. His team was equally drained.

"She'll wake in an hour," he added after giving her one final injection.

At 3:45 PM, the doors to the operation room finally opened.

Zayan was the only one still awake, rocking a fussing Lysander in his arms, gently singing the lullaby Nora used to soothe their babies. When the doctors emerged, pushing Nora's stretcher out, relief flooded his features.

Bandages wrapped gently around Nora's head—not too tight, not too loose. She looked pale, but peaceful.

"It was very successful," Kasir said.

"She'll be awake in a couple of hours. Make sure she eats. The medicine we used is strong," Arion added.

"Thank you… for everything," Zayan said, voice thick with emotion.

The doctors nodded. All of them now lived in London and worked in Arion's hospital—a strong, skilled team Zayan would forever be grateful for.

Asher gently cradled Seraphina and whispered, "Now Lilly mama is okay, hm?"

Hours later, as dusk settled and the house became quiet again, Nora stirred.

Her eyes fluttered open. The room was dim and silent. Everyone was asleep or gone. Slowly, she sat up and placed her feet on the cold floor. Surprisingly, she felt no pain—just a strange lightness.

Drawn by something childlike and pure, Nora walked toward the window. Snowflakes kissed the glass, and with a giggle, she opened it and stepped outside.

In the snow, she began to build.

A snowman.

Then two tiny snow babies beside it.

Inside, panic was setting in.

"Nora? Where is she?" Zayan's voice was sharp and filled with fear.

They all began searching frantically, shouting her name. Maverick, who had stopped to glance back at the window, froze.

"I found her," he said, pointing.

Everyone rushed to the window and saw her there—Nora, giggling like a child, shaping snow with her bare hands.

"NORA!" Aveline called out.

Nora turned, looking up.

"Oh? HI EVERYONE!" she shouted, laughing.

By the time she walked back inside, they were all waiting—every face filled with equal parts relief and frustration.

"What?" she asked innocently. "Why are you all looking like rotten pumpkins?"

Asher crossed his arms. "You do realize you just had major brain surgery, right?"

"But I'm tired of napping and napping…" she pouted. "Plus, Nora is really, really hungry." She rubbed her tummy dramatically.

Zayan sighed, holding back both laughter and tears. "Let's go eat," he said, taking her hand gently.

At the table, the twins lit up the moment they saw their mother. They giggled wildly as she tickled them, her eyes sparkling.

Dr. Kasir, the gentle Indian physician, handed Aaila a small package. "Hair growth oil and herbal treatment from my country," he said. "For Nora."

Zayan tried to feed his wife, but she was fidgety and playful.

"Come on, love. Stay still," he laughed.

She paused, eyes locking onto his face. "Did you cry?"

Zayan blinked, caught off guard. "No, baby, it's nothing."

"Sure?" she asked softly, noticing the faint trace of dried tears on his cheek.

He nodded. "I'm just happy you're here."

Later that night, with everything calm again, Zayan fell asleep in Nora's arms. She gently stroked his hair, humming a soft tune.

Aaila peeked in with a smile. "Hi, Mama Nora," she said, pulling on her coat. "How are you feeling now?"

"Hi, Mrs. Asher," Nora teased playfully, making Aaila blush. The young doctor checked her drip, replaced it, and whispered, "You need sleep now, okay?"

"Nighty night," Nora yawned, closing her eyes peacefully.

The Next Morning

Nora woke early, the winter sun shining faintly through the curtains. Zayan was still asleep beside her. She leaned in and kissed him softly.

"Hey, Daddy Z," she whispered.

He opened his eyes to see her smiling.

"Good morning, love," he said, stretching.

"Morning, Z," she whispered back.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm okayie," she said cheerfully.

Their flight back to London was in two hours. As everyone boarded the private jet, Zayan held Nora close. She carried Lysander in her arms, the baby boy fast asleep, just like Seraphina beside her.

After five hours, they touched down.

Back at the mansion, warmth returned. The twins were wide awake, babbling and playing with their mother. Nora smiled as they tugged at her clothes and toys, then laid them down for their nap.

Later, she and Zayan cuddled in their room. He was completely worn out, sleep claiming him almost instantly. Nora just smiled and patted his head.

Peace had returned—for now.

But winter had never felt warmer.