Golden Glade welcome to hell

She nudged him, and Nico inhaled sharply, forcing his alter ego away while simultaneously composing himself for Aspen. Within a few seconds, his posture had shifted into one of confidence yet quiet respect and when he lifted his crown, it was a respectful expression that decorated his face. "Aspen," he murmured in his lilting accent. "Hey," he smiled, "I didn't expect to see you here." You couldn't see it, but his heart was beating rapidly within his breast, and his green eyes were shadowy, as if he'd gone to hell and came back, scarred beyond repair.