Ares arrived at the entrance, and was immediately accosted by guards.
However, the moment they recognized it was him, they burst out in excitement, acknowledging his presence.
He forced smiles towards them, as they walked him in.
Nico, who was walking along the halls with Xander and Zoya as they discussed how to nail Alexei's location and bring Ares back home, stopped on their tracks on hearing noises.
"What's that?" Zoya bluntly asked.
"Uhmm, I think it's coming from the entrance. Let's check."
They had barely taken steps towards the entrance when Ares, with the guards surrounding him, became visible.
"What the—" Zoya's words trailed.
"Absolutely no way," Nico muttered.
"Ares," Xander called, already halfway towards him. "Ares!" He hugged him on reaching him.
Nico arrived next, and instead of hugging him, he grabbed him by the shoulders.
"You bastard! Fucking bastard!"
