Page 110 of Rejected By the Shifter King

“G-Good morning.”

Everyone’s been greeting me by name, but I know it’s only because I’m a registered guest under Calys Adelardi, alpha and queen of the Panthera, daughter of the Queen of the Souris, wife to Lyccan Prince Alejandro Moretti, and most importantly of all—her adopted human sister happens to be Anastasia, my roommate.

Connections mean everything to preters, and I’m starting to appreciate the truth in this.

“Good morning, Ms. Hondros.”

I manage another smile and mumble out a greeting as I make my way to the breakfast hall, which looks even more enchanting than any other dining hall you’d find in theme parks. Not because of how it’s designed—just your typical Old World charm, if I have to describe it—but because ofwho’s around me.

Blood-drinking Caros.

Shifters of every species.

Faes.

While I think I’m the only one who’s hu—

“Sam, over here!”

Oh, phew!

Make that two humans instead, and I can’t remember being so, so glad to see Anastasia waving at me from one of the windowside tables.

I can only smile and shake my head when I see that she’s already ordered everything I love to eat for breakfast. This is so like her, and honestly, whoever Anastasia ends up marrying someday is one lucky dude.

Anastasia bursts into speech as soon as I settle on one of the chairs. “How are you? Did you sleep well? Are you hungry? Please tell me—”

“Slow down,” I urge her laughingly. “I’m fine, I promise.”

The other girl shakes her head. “I don’t have to be a shifter to smell your sadness.”

Oh, Tas.

Whatever would I do without her?

Anastasia looks at me soberly. “Can you tell me what happened?”

The words spill out in a stilted voice, each one cutting deeper than the last. I tell her everything, from the moment I accidentally saw the messages on his phone to Alphonse taking me here, and me calling Anastasia because I knew a human like me can only secure a room if I’m vouched by a member ofexceptionallygood standing.

“I’m so sorry, Sam.”

“I’m sure I’ll feel better in time.”I hope.“And I can’t thank you enough for helping me with...this.” All I can do is wave my hand as I gesture to my surroundings.

“Maybe, once a few days have passed, you guys can talk—”

“I don’t think there’s anything left to talk about. It’s not like he ever said we’re a love match or anything. For all I know, God only meant to use me as a way to bring them back to—”

Huh?

Why is Anastasia suddenly looking like she’s seen a ghost behind me—

Wait a minute.

Since this isL’Alliance,what if she hasseena ghost?

Like...a ghost from her past?

“Is it him?”