The Forsaken Heir's Ascension-Chapter 164: Summoned to the Ice Castle

In a small room, dim yellow light spilled across the walls.

Alex sat on the ground, leaning against the bed, his head bowed in quiet slumber.

On the bed, Selene lay peacefully.

Slowly, her eyelashes fluttered—then her eyes opened.

Her frost-blue gaze fell on Alex, still asleep beside her.

A soft smile bloomed on her lips as she stared at his tranquil face.

But then... memories surged. Not hers, but the Ice Phoenix’s.

A pang of pain flickered through her chest, yet it wasn’t hers.

Yes, she could feel the Phoenix’s sorrow, the grief and love...

—but they were distant. Foreign.

She exhaled slowly, gently pushing those memories back into the depths of her mind.

Then, once more, she turned her focus to Alex’s sleeping face.

So calm. So still.

Suddenly, his eyes twitched—then snapped open.

He jolted upright, confused for a heartbeat before locking eyes with her.

Seeing her smile, his tense shoulders relaxed.

He let out a slow breath and settled back against the bed.

He whispered, "Are you okay?"

Selene nodded with the same soft smile. "Yes, I am."

Then a mischievous glint lit up her eyes.

"Why don’t you join me on the bed?" she said with a teasing tone, slapping the mattress lightly and scooting aside to make space.

Right at that moment, the door creaked open.

Sebeth stepped into the room.

Alex’s eyes darted between the two women, his hands fidgeting nervously.

"Ahem! You guys carry on, I’ll come back later," Sebeth said with a mischievous smile, turning as if to leave.

Selene’s face turned scarlet. She buried her face in a pillow and let out a muffled scream.

Sebeth chuckled and stepped back from the door, her gaze now on the still-fidgeting Alex.

She placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned in, speaking loud enough for both to hear,

"You should learn from Sel—she knows a lot of shameless stuff."

Selene shot up from the bed, glaring daggers at her aunt.

As she moved, the sheets slipped, and Alex’s gaze unintentionally fell on her revealing clothes.

His heart skipped a beat, thudding like a drum in his chest.

He quickly looked away, face flushed.

Sebeth noticed and smirked but chose not to tease him further—at least not yet.

Instead, her tone shifted to gentle concern as she looked at Selene.

"Are you okay, Sel?"

Selene nodded, composing herself. "Yes... I’m feeling fine."

Sebeth stepped closer and whispered, though not too softly,

"Did your mother tell you about the Eternal Frost Flame?"

Selene blinked, startled. Memories of the Ice Phoenix flickered in her mind.

"I think I know most of it," she replied cautiously.

Sebeth shook her head. "No, you don’t. If you truly knew, you wouldn’t be smiling right now."

Selene’s expression sharpened. "What are you trying to say, Aunt?"

Sebeth exhaled, her face neutral now as her gaze moved between the two.

"You’re both leaving today—for the Ice Castle. Your mother will explain the rest. I’ve already informed her."

Selene’s eyes widened. "What? Why?"

But Sebeth gave no answer. She turned and walked out, the door closing softly behind her.

Silence fell between Selene and Alex.

Alex was still confused, but when he saw the tension on Selene’s face, he tried to comfort her.

"Don’t worry. Let’s have breakfast first. I’m sure Hati must be mad at us."

Selene let out a soft smile and pointed at the door.

Alex tilted his head in confusion. "What?"

Selene rolled her eyes. "Get out! I have to change."

His eyes widened slightly. "Oh—right!"

She shoved him playfully toward the exit and slammed the door behind him.

Chuckling to himself, Alex made his way back to his own room—only to be greeted by the sight of an angry, growling Hati glaring at him.

Alex scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"Sorry, Hati. It was... an emergency."

A resentful woof came in response.

Trying to change the subject, Alex offered, "How about breakfast?"

Hati’s ears perked up instantly, tail giving a subtle wag.

Alex smiled to himself. Works every time.

They left the room, and Alex shut the door behind them.

In the hall, Selene waited, now dressed in a light blue T-shirt and black jeans.

The two walked side by side toward the cafeteria, Hati trotting behind.

After a quiet breakfast, Sebeth appeared without warning—and with her usual force of will—dragged them both toward the teleportation tower.

A pulse of purple light enveloped them.

Moments later, Selene, Alex, and Hati reappeared inside a vast white chamber—the teleportation tower’s central hall.

The shimmer of the fading teleportation circle lit the smooth marble beneath their feet.

As the glow died, they stepped forward, the looming silhouette of the Ice Castle just ahead.

As they walked through the elegant streets—lined with well-built houses and clean, polished roads—Alex looked around, puzzled.

"I don’t see any commoners here," he asked curiously.

Selene offered a small, awkward smile and shook her head.

"No. The main cities of the Ten Clans don’t allow commoners to live inside. Only nobles are permitted. Not even a Hunter’s Guild is allowed to be established here."

Alex’s eyes widened slightly at that revelation, but he didn’t comment further.

Empty words change nothing.

He simply followed her silently.

As they approached the towering silhouette of the majestic Ice Castle, Selene slowed her steps.

Her eyes widened in recognition.

"So it was this castle..." she muttered under her breath.

Sentries stationed at the entrance immediately straightened and bowed, their voices echoing in unison:

"Princess!"

Selene gave them a nod and stepped through the translucent blue crystal gates.

Inside, a guard clad in elegant frost-lined armor hurried toward her, halting with a bow.

"Princess! The Matriarch requests your presence in the throne hall."

Selene’s expression shifted to a calm seriousness. She nodded, her voice turning formal.

"Please lead Mr. Alexander to his room to rest."

But the guard bowed again and added, "Princess, Sir Alexander has also been summoned by the Matriarch."

Selene’s eyes widened in surprise. She turned to Alex, who met her gaze and gave a subtle nod.

With a shared look of confusion, the two stepped side by side—toward the throne hall.

At the far end of the throne hall stood a majestic blue crystal throne, elevated atop a series of ice-carved steps. Seated upon it was the Ice Phoenix Matriarch—Sara Frostreign.

Along both sides of the grand hall, a single row of chairs flanked the red carpet, beginning near the throne and stretching toward the entrance. Each chair was occupied.

To the Matriarch’s immediate right and left sat two elderly men—clearly high-ranking elders. The remaining seats were filled by women of noble bearing, their hair ranging from snow white to steel grey to deep black. They sat in silence, forming a corridor of authority on either side, leaving the central path leading to the throne conspicuously open.

As the grand gates creaked open, Selene stepped through—Alex and Hati following behind her.

Their footsteps echoed faintly as they walked down the crimson carpet. Selene’s posture was poised and regal.

Alex, on the other hand, felt dozens of eyes fall on him, their stares sharp, lips curling into sneers.

Whispers followed him.

"Commoner..."

"Trash..."

Alex didn’t react. He was used to it. They’re all the same, he thought. Judge first. Understand never.

Then, from the left side of the hall, a woman with flowing white hair suddenly stood up. Her eyes had locked onto Alex.

She gasped, her hands trembling as if struck by lightning.

Her lips parted in disbelief.

"Veylor Clan... Heir..." she whispered under her breath.

Selene reached the base of the steps and gave a deep, respectful bow—exactly ninety degrees.

Alex followed her lead without hesitation, bowing in perfect sync. Even Hati bowed beside them with his head lowered.

For a heartbeat, there was silence.

Then—

A sharp gasp broke the stillness.

Grand Elder shot to his feet, eyes blazing with rage.

"You dare!?" he thundered.

"GUARDS! REMOVE THE HEAD OF THIS DISRESPECTFUL BRAT!"

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