The late afternoon sun was soft over the London estate when Nora, with Max's leash in one hand and a tote bag in the other, made her way toward the neighboring mansion. Shaw walked beside her, smiling as Max trotted happily between them.
Inside, the mansion buzzed with life. Zofia was sitting with a few of the kids from the estate—Seraphina and Lysander among them—as they giggled and clumsily braided her long hair. Nora joined them, her calm presence instantly softening the room.
Shaw cleared his throat as he leaned against the doorway.
"By the way," he said casually, "Nora's birthday is this weekend. There's going to be a surprise party… we're all invited."
Zofia raised an eyebrow with a small smirk.
"Surprise party? For Nora?"
"Yep," Shaw said, lowering his voice so Nora wouldn't hear. "Don't say a word. Zayan's pulling out all the stops."
Meanwhile, Nora sat cross-legged with the kids, humming softly as she helped one of them untangle their hair. Her voice was gentle, unaware of the plans swirling behind her back.
Friday Morning
Zayan was in the bedroom, buttoning his shirt when he glanced at Nora brushing her hair in front of the mirror.
"Azara's going with you to the orphanage today," he said casually. "Sora too."
Nora turned, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Oh really?" she said. Then she turned to Azara, who had just stepped into the room.
"You kissed my Rosie?"
Azara blinked, mouth parting in surprise.
"And you're in love with her too?" Nora pressed.
Before Azara could speak, Asher—passing by with a tray—froze.
"Rose is gay?!" he blurted out, eyes nearly popping out of his head.
Azara gave a sheepish nod.
Nora's demeanor shifted. Her voice dropped into something cold and hauntingly serious.
"Hurt her… and you'll see God for two seconds. Okay?"
The room went quiet.
Even Zayan stilled—because that voice of hers wasn't just a threat. It was a promise. A terrifyingly calm promise.
Azara swallowed hard. "Y-Yes ma'am."
Nora nodded, satisfied. "Good."
That night, Nora packed a small bag. As always, she was spending Friday night at the orphanage, sleeping in Nana's old room.
After lunch, she kissed Zayan on the cheek.
"Bye-bye, Z!" she grinned, tugging Max's leash.
Max barked once in excitement, his shiny black collar gleaming with his engraved name: MAX.
Zayan watched them leave with a soft smile. But deep in his chest, excitement stirred—tomorrow was her birthday, and he planned to outdo everything she had ever done for him.
The orphanage felt like magic under the stars.
Nora, Azara, and Sachi arrived together. The children squealed when they saw Nora, clinging to her legs and Max's fur. Together, they dragged sleeping bags into the center hall, near the indoor fire pit that crackled warmly in the evening air.
They roasted marshmallows, sang songs, and laughed.
Rose sat beside Azara, resting her head on the girl's shoulder. Azara hesitated for just a second, then wrapped her arms around her protectively.
Nora, meanwhile, cradled little Yarrow in her lap. The baby had dozed off, peaceful and warm against Nora's chest.
Sora and Issca sat close together on the other side, wrapped in one blanket, whispering and laughing quietly to themselves.
The fire flickered. The stars twinkled. And the night gently pressed against the orphanage like a lullaby.
Back at the Mansion…
Zayan stood in the grand ballroom, now half-covered in decorations and boxes.
"Faster," he said, eyes scanning the plans. "I want it perfect. Better than my birthday. I want her to feel loved."
Meira rolled her eyes playfully.
"You're lucky she's not psychic."
Zayan chuckled. "She's too busy loving everyone else to suspect a thing."
And tomorrow—he would make sure she felt just how much she was loved in return.