Lauren was steadily recovering.

Over the next few days, Andrew started getting up early to train in martial arts, bringing along Aspen and the overly enthusiastic Francesca. Joining them were Natasha and Dylan, martial artists from rough backgrounds who had survived on raw instinct and brute strength.

Their paths had been messy and unrefined, leading them toward a dead end. Nonetheless, Andrew guided them back onto the right track, introducing them to proper martial discipline and real combat