Nicki was able to reach the academy without any other hindrance than that tree she bumped into when she took to her heels. She can swear that the tree intentionally put itself in the way because she can't recall it being at that certain place when they came out to the woods.
As if her guides were aware of her returning to the academy, they became the second set of people to set eyes on her when she got into the environment. After the ones who opened the gate for her, saw her running towards them like she recently lost her mind. They wondered where the Alpha was because they could recall the two of them leaving together with three other escorts to keep them company.
"Nicki?" Hanna was the first to spot her before Astrid could and she fell right into her arms, feeling a bit light-headed from the little race she just did. Call it little but she has never run that fast in her entire life before.
