Chapter 132: Ao Lin
Morning in the North Sea realm. If it could be called morning without the sun’s rise. Began with a soft chiming that resonated through the ice walls of Grim’s chamber. The sound was not unpleasant, like delicate crystal bells being gently struck.
Grim rose from the bed, which had been surprisingly comfortable despite being formed entirely of ice covered with soft, silvery furs of some unknown sea creature. He had slept better than expected, though his dreams had been strange—fleeting visions of vast underwater cities and ancient battles that slipped away as he woke up.
A gentle knock at the door preceded the entrance of a servant unlike any Grim had seen before. This creature looked human, but clearly was not human—its skin was pale blue and translucent like the ice sentinels. It had no hair, and it looked delicate, almost childlike.
"Lord Ao Shun permits his guests to tour the palace," the servant announced. "I am to be your guide."
Grim dressed quickly in the clothes that had been provided—garments woven from some material that resembled silk but was cool to the touch. They fit perfectly, which was either impressive tailoring or some form of magic.
In the corridor, he found Bi’an and Suanni waiting, both looking refreshed despite their circumstances.
"Our uncle may be cold, but his hospitality is impeccable," Suanni commented. "Did you sleep well?"
"Well enough," Grim replied, not mentioning the strange dreams. "Though I’m not sure how long I slept—it’s difficult to tell time here."
"A common disorientation for humans," their guide interjected politely. "I will show you what guests are permitted to see of Lord Ao Shun’s palace."
Their first stop was a vast chamber filled with what appeared to be a forest of ice sculptures. As they entered, Grim realized these weren’t sculptures at all, but living creatures—plants that had evolved in this freezing cold. Crystal-like trees reached upward, some transparent, others tinted in subtle shades of blue and green. Delicate fronds swayed gently, as they moved.
"The Garden of Frost," their guide explained. "Lord Ao Shun maintains specimens from every region of his domain."