CHAPTER 25

Back at the sleek modern apartment, I wearily dumped my gym bag by the polished door and kicked off my shoes. The glow of electronic screens and downtown lights streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the dark valley below.

I headed straight for the gleaming kitchen, fishing a sports drink from the fully-stocked stainless steel fridge. Gulping it down, I allowed the cold liquid to rehydrate my drained body. Intense karate training always left me ravenous.

Rummaging through cupboards produced a stash of protein bars. I eagerly tore one open and took a huge bite, ignoring manners. I had built lean muscle over weeks of exercise, but my appetite seemed bottomless now.

Leaning against the black granite counters, I quickly wolfed down another bar, the sweetness hitting my starved taste buds perfectly. A third fruity bar swiftly followed. Only after devouring half the box did I finally feel sated enough to slow my intake.

Wiping sticky hands on my sweatpants, I headed to my l