We walk inside to a grand entrance, and I'm immediately wrapped in a warm hug. The soft material covering my head makes me feel like I'm drowning in a chest.
"You have no idea how good it is to see you," he says, his voice muffled by my hair. "I thought we were all going to go crazy not being able to check in or see you at all this summer."
Xander releases me from his firm grasp and holds me at arm's length, surveying me for any lasting injuries.
"Xander, I'm okay," I say, patting his arm awkwardly, trying to free myself from his tight grip.
"I promise Doc Sylvia and Doc Ganon patched me up and cleared me for training," he adds, his eyes locked on mine.
Without another word, he seizes my hand and drags me off, leaving our surroundings unnoticed.
I suppose he's my tour guide now. We hasten through the main hallway, which could easily fit hundreds of people, like a banquet hall. But I don't get a better look at it before he rushes me up the grand staircase to the balcony overlook.
Just when I think we're about to stop, he turns another corner and heads down a dimly lit hallway.
We zip past doors, and I'm grateful for my endurance, though I'm not sure any mortal could keep up with Xander's pace.
"Where are we going, Xander? Are you trying to rip my arm off?" I ask, trying to lighten the mood.
Again, no response.
We continue moving, like he's trying to evade someone. He dodges through hallways and doorways, up stairways, and every other kind of "way" you could think of in this labyrinthine maze.
Finally, we come to a stop in a small alcove in what feels like a random corner of the castle. Then he spins me around, his grip on my shoulders tightening once more.
