It was the morning of August 8.
The mansion was unusually quiet.
The soft morning sunlight slipped through the enormous bedroom windows, spreading across the luxurious room in gentle golden rays. The curtains moved slightly with the cool breeze coming through the partially opened windows.
Lilith had been asleep for the entire day yesterday.
After everything she had gone through during the delivery, her body had finally demanded rest. She had barely been conscious after giving birth, and everyone had made sure she remained undisturbed.
Her seven daughters were finally here.
Seven tiny girls.
Seven little lives.
Seven little pieces of her and Nikolai.
Lilith slowly moved beneath the blankets.
Her eyelashes fluttered.
She breathed slowly before finally opening her eyes.
For a few seconds, she simply stared at the ceiling.
Her body felt heavy.
Her entire body was exhausted.
She slowly tried to move her hand.
A quiet groan escaped her lips.
Nikolai, who had been sitting beside her, immediately looked toward her.
The moment he saw her eyes open, his expression softened.
He leaned toward her and gently kissed her forehead.
"Hi, Darling," Nikolai whispered.
Lilith blinked several times.
Her eyes were still heavy with sleep.
Then suddenly, memories began returning.
The delivery.
The pain.
The babies.
Her babies.
She slowly looked around the room.
"B..B…b…Babies?" she whispered.
Nikolai smiled.
"They are here."
Lilith stared at him.
Her eyes widened.
"They're here?" she whispered again.
"Yes," Nikolai said softly.
She released a tiny breath.
Then she noticed the strange expression on his face.
Nikolai crossed his arms.
"But first off, why did you hide them from me?"
Lilith stared at him.
Then a tired chuckle escaped her.
"You made me cry, so I just wanted to see your reaction," she admitted.
Nikolai stared at her for a moment.
"Well, you got it."
Lilith raised an eyebrow.
"I fainted," Nikolai said.
Lilith immediately giggled.
Her laughter was weak because of how exhausted she was, but it was enough to brighten the room.
"You fainted?" she asked.
"Yes."
"You?"
"Me."
Lilith laughed again.
Before she could say anything else, the bedroom door opened.
"Hey, Mhaira."
Anika walked toward the bed and gently kissed Lilith's forehead.
"Hi, Annie," Lily whispered.
Anika smiled.
She carefully checked Lilith before adjusting her bed upright.
"How are you feeling?"
"Tired."
"That's expected."
Anika looked toward the babies.
"They're hungry."
Lilith immediately looked toward them.
Her heart began racing.
"My babies?"
"They're ready."
The doors opened again.
The babies were brought into the room.
Lilith's eyes immediately filled with tears.
There they were.
Seven tiny girls.
Her daughters.
Her seven little angels.
For a moment, Lilith couldn't speak.
She simply stared at them.
Sohan walked forward carefully.
He gently picked up the first baby and placed her into Lilith's arms.
Lilith looked down.
Her lips trembled.
She gently touched the baby's tiny cheek.
"Hi, sweetie," she whispered.
The baby moved slightly.
Lilith smiled through her tears.
"Hungry?"
The little girl made a tiny sound.
Lilith laughed softly.
"Okay, okay."
She carefully began breastfeeding her.
The room became peaceful.
One by one, the other girls were brought closer.
Lilith eventually breastfed all seven of her daughters, taking her time with each one.
She looked completely exhausted, but her expression was filled with happiness.
"Nikolai, come here," Lily called.
"Yes, Bambi?" he answered.
He walked closer while holding one of his daughters.
Lilith looked at the baby.
"She looks familiar, don't you think?"
"Me?" Nikolai asked.
Lilith chuckled.
"No, you."
Sohan looked at the baby.
He studied her face carefully.
"No."
Then he paused.
"But her smile is just like…"
Lilith's expression suddenly changed.
A memory flashed through her mind.
A familiar smile.
A familiar warmth.
A familiar face.
Rhea.
Lilith's breathing stopped for a moment.
"N…Nani?" she whispered.
The baby suddenly broke into a tiny smile.
Then she giggled.
Lilith's eyes widened.
"No way…"
Rafsan stared at the baby.
Anika immediately covered her mouth.
Lilith became emotional.
"Nani?"
She reached for the baby.
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she hugged her daughter carefully.
"Nani…"
Sohan's eyes filled with tears.
The room became silent.
"How did Rhea die?" Desmond asked quietly.
Karim lowered his eyes.
"She saw shooters and protected Lily."
Lilith cried harder.
She held the baby close.
"Nani," she whispered again.
The tiny girl looked at her Nani.
Lilith kissed her forehead.
"Hi, Lovies!"
Kalma entered the room.
She smiled when she saw the babies.
She carefully picked up one of them.
Everyone was now gathered around Lilith.
The room was filled with family.
Seven babies.
Seven tiny daughters.
Seven new members of the family.
Lilith continued feeding the girls.
Meanwhile, Nikolai had already begun making a new list.
He sat with his notebook and started writing down everything he needed for his seven daughters.
Abellona, meanwhile, posted a video of Nikolai's reaction to discovering that Lilith had hidden the seven babies from him.
The internet exploded.
People were laughing.
Comments flooded the post.
Some people were shocked that Lilith had managed to hide seven babies from Nikolai.
Others were laughing at his reaction.
Some comments joked about how Nikolai had apparently fainted after discovering he had become the father of seven daughters.
Lilith eventually became fully asleep again.
Her body simply couldn't take any more.
She rested peacefully.
Elsewhere, the Obsidian Circle made a video call.
Valen immediately looked around.
"Search for Gloria."
They wanted to get a glimpse of Gloria.
But she was nowhere to be found.
"Where is she?" Valen asked.
Nobody knew.
Meanwhile, Zorina was holding one of the baby girls.
Baran stared at the baby.
"She has her eyes," Baran said.
Aram looked at Zorina.
She was holding the baby girl with a soft smile.
Aram stared at her.
For a moment, a small smile found its way onto his lips.
"Hi, Princess," Zorina whispered.
She gently kissed the baby's forehead.
Aram gripped his seat.
Zorina rocked the baby softly.
The tiny girl settled peacefully in her arms.
Meanwhile, Nikolai returned to the bedroom.
He got dressed and carefully changed Lilith's clothes.
He also changed all seven babies.
He wrapped each of them carefully.
Mila was also asleep.
His girls were exhausted.
All of them were finally sleeping.
Nikolai carefully checked each baby before gently closing the doors.
Amelia and the group entered quietly.
Nobody wanted to disturb Lilith or the babies.
Nikolai went downstairs.
"Ready?" Knox asked.
Nikolai nodded.
Everyone had breakfast.
Nikolai ate quickly.
Then he left.
THE MALL
Nikolai entered the mall with Knox.
He had one mission.
Shopping.
A lot of shopping.
His cart was already filled with eighty packs of diapers.
He held his list in one hand and checked every item carefully.
"Did you get the newborn toys?" Nikolai asked.
Knox was already in the toys section.
"Yes."
He began picking out newborn toys.
Soft rattles.
Teethers.
Sensory toys.
Plush animals.
Activity toys.
Developmental toys.
Everything had to be safe.
Everything had to be new.
Everything had to be perfect.
Before long, Nikolai had twenty carts filled.
He crossed items off his papers one after another.
Then he walked into a jewelry store.
He looked through several pieces.
Finally, he picked a necklace for Lily.
Then he selected eight golden bracelets.
One for each of his seven daughters and one additional bracelet for Lily.
He looked at the jewelry carefully.
"Perfect."
AVLEEN AND VLADA
Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Avleen sneezed.
She was sick.
She rubbed her nose and pulled the blanket closer.
The door opened.
Vlada walked inside.
"Hi, Ave!" she said.
"Hello, love," Avleen replied weakly.
Vlada smiled.
"I made chicken soup for you to reduce the cold."
"Thank you, dear."
Vlada placed the soup beside her.
Then she looked at Avleen.
"Tell me something."
"Hmm?" Avleen replied.
"Do you like my Papa?"
Avleen froze.
"Vlada, stop."
Vlada smiled mischievously.
Avleen thought about it.
For about three seconds, she remained silent.
"Maybe a little."
Vlada's eyes widened.
"I'm getting to know him. He is a sweet gentleman."
"Papa is the best, really!" Vlada said.
Avleen smiled.
Then Vlada suddenly became serious.
"Actually… c..can you go on a date with my Papa, please?"
Avleen blinked.
"He is very lonely and he doesn't go out much. Please?"
Avleen thought about it for a while.
Then she nodded.
"Of course, love."
"Really!?" Vlada shouted.
"Yes."
"Oh!"
Vlada jumped with excitement.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
She hugged Avleen tightly.
Avleen smiled.
At that moment, Rurik entered.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" he asked.
He was holding a little bag.
"Better, thanks to Lada Soup," Avleen said.
Rurik smiled.
He kissed his daughter's forehead.
"I will be back later."
"Bye, Ave. Take care, okay?" Vlada said.
"Of course, love."
Vlada waved at her and left.
Rurik sat down beside Avleen.
"I…uhmm…"
He cleared his throat.
Avleen looked at him.
"Will you go on a date with me?"
Avleen smiled.
"Yes."
Rurik's face brightened.
"I will. Let me get better first."
He chuckled.
"Of course."
He stayed beside her and took care of her.
NIKOLAI RETURNS
Eight hours later, Lilith finally woke up.
The bedroom was quiet.
She slowly opened her eyes.
The door opened.
Nikolai walked inside.
"Hello, Darling," he said.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
Then he looked toward the babies.
"Hello, sweeties."
His daughters were resting nearby.
Mila was asleep in Lily's arms.
Knox dropped the bags.
The maids immediately began unpacking everything.
Box after box.
Bag after bag.
Everything Nikolai had purchased was brought inside.
Lilith stared at the mountain of shopping bags.
"Did you buy the whole mall?"
Nikolai looked at her.
"Maybe."
Knox laughed.
He gently rubbed one of the baby girl's hair.
"So, Lily, what are their names?"
Lilith smiled.
"Well, Papa and Mumma will name two."
She looked toward her parents.
"Mother and Father will name two."
Then she looked at Nikolai.
"I and Nikki will name three."
Knox smiled.
He gently rubbed the babies' tiny feet.
The girls moved slightly.
Nikolai smiled.
He had prepared everything.
For the septuplets, the baby essentials collection included seven coordinated wardrobes with soft bodysuits, sleepsuits, dresses, rompers, socks, mittens, hats, blankets and seasonal clothing.
There were seven complete feeding setups with bottles, sterilizers, bottle warmers, formula or breastfeeding supplies, burp cloths, bibs, bottle brushes and storage containers.
There were seven bathing kits with baby bathtubs, gentle towels, washcloths, hooded towels, baby-safe cleansers, moisturizers, grooming sets and bath toys.
There were seven sleeping spaces with cribs, premium mattresses, fitted sheets, swaddles, sleep sacks, blankets and white-noise machines.
The spacious nursery was filled with changing tables, diaper stations, organizers, wardrobes, rocking chairs, soft rugs, night lights, humidifiers, monitors and personalized storage.
There were age-appropriate toys including rattles, teethers, sensory toys, plush animals, activity gyms, stacking toys, musical toys and developmental play mats.
There were also comprehensive safety supplies such as outlet covers, cabinet locks, baby gates, corner protectors, first-aid supplies, temperature monitors and secure furniture anchors.
For traveling, Nikolai had purchased seven car seats, a large multi-seat stroller, diaper bags, portable cribs, changing mats, travel blankets and baby carriers.
And for everyday life, there were thousands of diapers, wipes, diaper creams, laundry supplies, pacifiers, burp cloths, changing pads, healthcare supplies, laundry baskets, feeding storage, personalized keepsake boxes and organized backup supplies for all seven babies.
Lilith stared at everything.
"Nikki…"
Nikolai looked at her.
"I may have gone a little overboard."
"A little?"
Knox laughed.
Lilith smiled.
She was eating while Nikolai made sure all the clothes were washed and dried.
He made sure everything had been sanitized.
Every bottle.
Every pacifier.
Every toy.
Every piece of clothing.
Everything.
GLORIA
Meanwhile, Gloria sat alone in her store.
Memories of her and Valen were stuck inside her mind.
Especially that night in Norway.
She tried to concentrate.
But her memories kept returning.
She sobbed quietly while writing.
Her hand trembled.
A sales girl noticed her.
"How about you go upstairs and rest, Glo? You need it."
Gloria sniffed.
She nodded.
Then she went upstairs into her little apartment.
She held herself tightly.
She was hurting.
Outside, the man watched his Kiwi in pain.
He could see that Gloria was struggling.
He was working out in his room while waiting for her.
He used the pain and anger inside him to build himself.
Every movement was controlled.
Every punch carried frustration.
Every breath carried determination.
THE NOCTURNE MATRIARCH
"Boss, they set a meeting for tonight," Amelia said.
Rurik made a fist.
Lilith smirked.
"Alright."
She looked toward the group.
"Get the cars ready."
Then Lilith turned toward the women.
"GIRLS!!!"
"BOSS!?" they answered.
Nikolai immediately looked at her.
"Bambi, you just gave birth. It's dangerous."
Lilith kissed her Amma, her mother.
"The devices are ready and activated too."
Charvi stepped forward.
"I checked them."
Lilith smiled.
"I am so proud of you, my dear."
She kissed Charvi's forehead.
Knox stood near the wall watching her.
The babies suddenly began crying.
"Shhhhhhhhh."
Lilith immediately moved toward them.
She gently rocked them.
"Shhhhhhhhh."
She hushed them softly.
The babies slowly settled.
8:09 PM
It was 8:09 PM.
An abandoned warehouse stood in darkness.
Inside, several men were waiting.
They were waiting for the Nocturne Matriarch.
Nobody spoke.
Nobody moved.
Then—
The doors opened.
The tiny Queen walked inside.
Lilith was wearing a dark red satin saree.
Her expression was cold.
Her group walked behind her.
She entered the warehouse with confidence.
"Welcome."
The man stepped forward.
"We have been waiting for you."
Lilith looked at him.
"Y'all were bothering me, you know I just gave birth. Can a mother have her moments with her babies?"
Her voice was cold.
"Our apologies."
The man bowed slightly.
"Congratulations for your baby."
Lilith raised an eyebrow.
"Babies."
The man froze.
Lilith smiled.
"I gave birth to seven girls."
The room went silent.
"Seven!?"
"Yeah."
Lilith crossed her arms.
"So now, what do you want from me?"
The man stepped forward.
"We have an offer for you."
Lilith listened.
"We heard how you killed the old leader and how you led the group to the first-rank group."
Lilith continued knitting baby socks.
She did not even look impressed.
The girls behind her were smoking and resting.
Or perhaps they were simply resting.
Nobody knew.
Because hidden throughout the abandoned warehouse were tiny Neo bots.
They were shaped like ants.
Tiny robot ants.
They spread across the dark room.
They listened.
They watched.
They recorded.
The men continued speaking without realizing how much of the warehouse was already under surveillance.
"We, the Varyagin Order, want you."
Lilith slowly raised her eyes.
"The Supreme Matriarch."
The man continued.
"We want you to eliminate our greatest enemy."
Lilith's expression remained calm.
"The King of Kings of the Underworld."
Lilith stopped knitting.
"Nikolai Devereaux?"
"Yes."
Lilith stared at him.
"You want him killed to take over?"
"Yes."
The man nodded.
"We are giving you half of Russia in your hands once he is gone. Our territory will be yours."
Lilith smirked.
"Interesting."
She continued knitting.
The man snapped his fingers.
The guards came forward.
Several boxes were carried into the room.
One by one, the boxes were opened.
Money.
Keys.
Gold.
Documents.
Ownership papers.
Property deeds.
Land certificates.
Vehicle titles.
Hotel records.
Corporate documents.
Legally notarized transfer agreements.
Everything was placed before Lilith.
A paper was handed to her.
She took it.
Her eyes moved across the document.
The deal involved ₽900 billion worth of assets.
₽300 billion in vast private lands and estates.
₽180 billion in luxury houses, mansions, villas and private residences.
₽160 billion in luxury hotels, resorts and hospitality properties.
₽90 billion in commercial properties, office towers, shopping complexes, restaurants and entertainment venues.
₽70 billion in luxury cars, supercars, armored vehicles, SUVs, limousines and rare collector cars.
₽40 billion in private jets, helicopters, yachts and other private transportation.
₽30 billion in warehouses, factories, logistics facilities and industrial properties.
₽20 billion in private islands and exclusive estates.
And ₽10 billion in priceless art collections, jewelry, private clubs and other valuable assets.
Hundreds of ownership documents.
Property deeds.
Land certificates.
Vehicle titles.
Hotel records.
Corporate documents.
Legally notarized transfer agreements.
Everything represented the entire ₽900 billion empire.
Lilith read everything carefully.
Then she looked up.
"I want the territories in my hand."
The man nodded.
"The job?"
Lilith's eyes became cold.
"Consider it done."
The man smiled.
"We are going to hand him over to you in four days."
Lilith stopped knitting.
"Then prepare the territory."
She leaned forward.
"I want it."
Her voice became colder.
"Or else I will make you regret crossing my line."
She stared directly at him.
"Do you understand me?"
The man's face became pale.
"Y…Yes, Madam."
Lilith leaned back.
"Good."
She turned toward her group.
"Girls?"
"YES, BOSS!" the group shouted.
"Take the order."
The men immediately began moving the boxes toward her.
Lilith watched them.
Then she turned back.
"Now let me make this very clear to you."
The warehouse became silent.
"I don't tolerate double crossing."
She pointed toward them.
"If you even dared make a move on us…"
Her expression darkened.
"So help you, and YOUR ENTIRE GROUP WILL ALL BURN TO DAMN GROUND!!!"
The men became terrified.
Lilith continued.
"And one more thing."
She paused.
"My identity is a secret."
Nobody moved.
"My family, my husband, my kids, nobody knows about this at all."
She looked at every single one of them.
"So please…"
Her eyes became terrifyingly cold.
"Shut up."
She stepped back.
"Are we clear?"
"Y…Yes, Ma."
Lilith turned around.
She began walking away.
The ant bots remained scattered around the warehouse.
One of them moved closer.
Lilith whispered.
"Get that?"
A voice answered through the device.
"Yes, darling."
The Apex monstrosity spoke.
The tiny robots remained around them.
NIKOLAI AND HIS DAUGHTERS
Back at the mansion, Nikolai sat with his daughters.
"Hello, my little angels," he said.
His daughters were in their individual strollers.
He was feeding his third daughter.
Mila sat nearby and helped feed two of her sisters.
"Yum yum," Mila said happily.
Nikolai smiled.
"Good girl."
His phone suddenly dinged.
Damian looked at it.
He picked it up.
"Boss."
Nikolai looked at him.
"A message from Lily's school."
Nikolai's expression changed.
"She's resuming on the 18th of this month."
Damian continued reading.
"Her schedule has been sent, and her match with other schools has been set."
He looked down at the message.
"Her textbooks, new uniform and scholarship fee will be sent in two days."
Nikolai nodded.
"Alright."
Iniya walked into the room holding a cup of tea.
She handed it to him.
"Thank you," Nikolai said.
She was about to leave.
"Wait."
Iniya stopped.
"Give me five minutes."
She nodded.
Iniya waited.
Nikolai looked toward Damian.
"Alright. Send a guard to pick them up."
Damian hesitated.
"Uhmm, Boss."
Nikolai looked at him.
"There is a problem."
"What?"
"Her schedule for this second semester is fucking tight."
Damian turned the phone around and showed him.
Nikolai looked at the schedule.
His eyes widened.
"Trip period on Marketing Analysis!?"
He looked again.
"Morning and evening too?"
He continued reading.
"What the fuck!?"
Arina walked into the room.
"What's wrong, brother?"
She looked at the papers.
Nikolai sighed.
"Lilith's school schedule."
He handed it over.
"Look at this shit."
Arina read it.
Taran, also known as Massimo, walked in beside her.
He looked over her shoulder.
"This is strict and harsh."
He paused.
"Is Mr. Ken not the principal?"
"He is."
Damian answered.
"But they changed the school board member."
Nikolai frowned.
"Who?"
"A woman."
Damian looked at the document.
"She's new."
"Gosh."
Nikolai rubbed his forehead.
"And this mansion is far from her school."
Arina added.
"She'll always have to leave early."
At that moment, Lilith walked into the room.
"Hi, Nikki."
Nikolai looked up.
"Hey, Bambi."
They kissed.
Lilith walked toward her babies.
"Hello, my little buggy woggy."
The babies immediately giggled.
Lilith smiled.
"Your schedule has been sent," Nikolai told her.
"I know, Nikki."
She sat down.
"I saw it too."
She shook her head.
"Can you imagine that?"
She looked at the papers.
"Now we have weekend classes."
Lilith sighed.
She carefully picked up her sixth baby and began breastfeeding her.
"Bambi, the mansion is far and hidden too," Nikolai said.
"I know, Nikki."
Lilith looked at her daughter.
"And I just had the girls too."
She sighed.
"I don't know what to do."
She handed Nikolai some papers.
"I'm still thinking."
Nikolai studied the schedule.
"I can leave early in the morning," Lilith continued.
She looked at him.
"I'll pump for the girls before leaving."
She smiled slightly.
"And save you some stress, Lily said."
Nikolai shook his head.
"But attendance is one hundred percent."
Taran looked at the schedule again.
"Mihu."
Lilith looked at him.
"I'll manage."
Nikolai made a fist.
He picked up his daughter again.
He began feeding her.
His eyes remained fixed on the schedule.
He was thinking.
Thinking about Lilith.
Thinking about the seven newborn girls.
Thinking about the distance between the mansion and the school.
Thinking about the strict schedule.
Thinking about the weekend classes.
Thinking about the one-hundred-percent attendance requirement.
And somewhere deep inside his mind, another problem remained.
Four days.
The Varyagin Order had given Lilith four days.
They wanted Nikolai.
They wanted him handed over to Lilith.
They wanted her to take their territory.
And they had no idea that the man they wanted eliminated was sitting inside the same mansion with the woman they had just made their deal with.
Nikolai looked down at his daughter.
The tiny girl opened her eyes.
He smiled.
"You're going to be trouble, aren't you?"
Lilith laughed softly.
The baby gave a tiny sound.
Mila giggled.
The other girls moved inside their strollers.
For a moment, everything was peaceful.
But outside that peaceful mansion, an empire was already moving.
The Varyagin Order had made their offer.
The documents had been transferred.
The ₽900 billion deal had been accepted.
The territory was waiting.
The four-day countdown had begun.
And nobody knew what would happen when the Supreme Matriarch finally had Nikolai Devereaux placed directly into her hands.
Not even Nikolai.
Not yet.
Lilith looked at him.
Nikolai looked back at her.
Their eyes met.
Neither of them knew that the next four days would change everything.