Malik and Dima stood before the villa's gate.
Malik pressed the doorbell, waiting. After a few moments, Miranda opened the heavy door and found Malik and Dima standing before her, their faces and bodies marked by exhaustion and the bruises of brutal beatings.
He stepped aside silently, allowing them to enter. As soon as they crossed the threshold, she closed the door firmly, sealing off the night. Together, they moved toward the living room. Malik and Dima sank onto the sofa, their movements dull and uneasy, while Miranda remained standing before them, her eyes uncomfortably scanning their injuries.
"What happened to you on the floor?" Miranda asked.
"We were arrested by mistake... and then released."
"I see... let me help you."
Without waiting for a reply, Miranda disappeared into h
