Maya's POV

Training this morning was actually fun. For once, we didn’t have to deal with the usual glares or passive-aggressive comments while Lauren guided me through the moves. It was a rare relief. Rita and her group were nowhere in sight, no watching, no snide remarks, no drama. I didn’t know why, but I was grateful for the peace.

Not that I was worried they would try anything physical. I had learned enough by now to make anyone who came at me regret it. But it wasn’t just about ...