Malik's black car pulled up in front of the building's gate, its engine roaring for a moment before falling silent with a stifled sigh. He opened the door slowly and stepped out with unwavering confidence, Dima following closely behind, her features betraying a hidden tension. It was still night, yet its silence felt like a trap waiting for spring.
They approached the heavy iron gate. As Malik pushed it open, it creaked with a sharp squeak, as if shouting a warning in their faces. Unlike other nights, the place wasn't empty... the security guards were awake this time. They emerged from the guardroom one by one—Mina first, then Ashraf and Shadi—blocking Malik and Dima's path like a living wall.
Mina raised his hand, stopping them, his voice cutting sharply like a blade:
Mina: "Excuse me.
