Aspen’s POV
“I love you,” I said, rubbing Helio’s back as we sat on the edge of our bed in the new quarters Helio had made for us.
Helio was shaking. So was I. Waving and smiling at the crowd after Drake’s horrible death was the most macabre thing I’d ever done. But I’d had to do it.
“I love you, too,” Helio replied. He wrapped his arms around me, and I put my head on his shoulder.
“Is it all right if I say I never want to see anything like that again?” I asked softly.
Helio kissed the top of my head. “I don’t, either, so yes, I think it’s just fine to say. Hopefully, the other attackers will see the light and swear their allegiance to us. I’d really rather send them home. You were right about being merciful. I don’t think I would have made it past the third hanging without throwing u
