Making her way up the winding stone path toward the residential quad, she watched the noise of the bustling grounds fade slightly as she entered the inner gardens.
"You're alive."
Samantha stopped. Xander Gray stood near a tall glass kiosk.
He leaned against the polished metallic frame, hands in his pockets, his dark hair slightly ruffled, his dark uniform immaculate as always.
He had a light smirk on his face, but his eyes were sharp, quietly scanning her from head to toe.
"Last time I checked," Samantha said, her voice quiet.
"Good," Xander said, stepping away from the kiosk and walking toward her.
"Because apparently you brought half of Tenebris home with you. The perimeter scanners nearly blew a fuse when you stepped onto the plaza."
He grinned good-naturedly.
"Remarkably, the security team hasn't initiated a lockdown."
Samantha gave a faint, rare smile, though her posture remained guarded.
"It was just a minor issue."
