Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 16

**Where Falling Leaves Whisper Stories Written In Silence by Ryn Jace Reed**

**Chapter 16**

Evelyn

As I approached the discharge desk, the nurse glanced up from her computer, her brow furrowing with a blend of surprise and concern. She handed me the release forms, her fingers lingering on the paper as if reluctant to let go.

“Ms. Gray,” she began, her voice tinged with hesitation, “are you absolutely certain about this decision? It’s only been three days since your admission. Typically, injuries caused by silver require at least a week of close medical supervision.”

With a steady hand, I signed the papers, dismissing the dull throb radiating from my bandaged arm. “I’m perfectly fine. The wound is healing quite well,” I replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.

The reality was that my werewolf healing abilities had already kicked in, defying the silver’s dampening effect. The thought of being confined to this hospital bed for another four days was unbearable—especially with Mrs. Whitmore hovering over me like a persistent shadow since yesterday.

Speaking of which, the elegant middle-aged woman was efficiently organizing my meager belongings into a small overnight bag. She had materialized out of nowhere yesterday, introducing herself as a special care nurse assigned to my case, a role I hadn’t requested nor desired.

“All set, Ms. Gray,” Mrs. Whitmore declared, zipping the bag closed with a sense of finality. “I’ve included your medications and the special ointment for your wound.”

Before I could respond, the entrance doors swung open, and in burst Lily, her bright yellow sundress a vivid splash of sunshine against the hospital’s sterile white walls.

“Evelyn! I thought I’d have to wait until noon to pick you up!” she exclaimed, rushing over to envelop me in a warm hug before quickly stepping back. “Oh! Sorry, your arm—”

“It’s fine,” I reassured her, adjusting the sling that cradled my injured arm.

Lily’s eyes widened as she caught sight of Mrs. Whitmore. “Who’s this?”

“Mrs. Whitmore,” I explained, trying to keep my tone neutral. “The hospital assigned her as my special nurse yesterday.”

Lily scrutinized the woman with a curious gaze. “Thank you, Mrs. Whitmore,” she said politely before turning back to me. “You may be discharged, but your arm still needs time to heal. Mrs. Whitmore should stay with you at home for a few days to help out.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I replied firmly, my heart racing. The last thing I needed was a stranger invading my personal space, especially one who had arrived so conveniently after Devon had left.

“But—”

“I said no, Lily. I can take care of myself.”

Lily looked as if she wanted to protest, but the look on my face must have deterred her. “Fine. At least let me drive you home,” she conceded, her voice laced with reluctance.

As we settled into the car, I could feel her glancing at my bandaged arm with concern. “You should really take a few days off, you know. No one would blame you for it.”

I turned my gaze out the window, watching the Seattle skyline draw nearer, the familiar sights stirring a mix of comfort and anxiety within me. “I’m going to class today,” I stated resolutely.

“What? Evelyn, you just got out of the hospital!” she exclaimed, her disbelief evident.

I faced her, my expression unyielding. “I refuse to let them think I’m easily defeated. I’ve spent three years being invisible—I won’t hide now.”

Lily sighed, her grip tightening on the steering wheel. “You’re stubborn, you know that? Anyway, the school suspended Jessica. They even called in some of her friends for questioning, including your sister Kate.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “That’s… unusually strict for a student conflict.”

“Someone must have pulled some strings,” Lily remarked, casting me a meaningful glance that I chose to ignore.

Kate’s smug smile ignited a fire within me. Once the professor exited, she stood with an air of authority.

“So, who’s interested in joining the Computer Club?” She scanned the room, pointedly ignoring me.

When no one immediately responded, she feigned surprise. “Oh, Evelyn, would you be interested? I almost didn’t see you there.”

A male student snickered. “Her? With her grades? She wouldn’t last a day in the club.”

Laughter rippled through the classroom, and Kate didn’t bother concealing her amusement.

Lily shot to her feet, indignant. “What do you know about Evelyn? You have no idea what she’s capable of!”

I gently grabbed Lily’s arm, shaking my head. Standing up, I led her toward the door, my heart pounding.

In the hallway, Lily was still fuming. “Your sister is awful! The way she set you up for humiliation—”

“It’s fine,” I interrupted, my mind racing with determination. “Actually, I think I will join that club.”

Lily stared at me in disbelief. “But Kate’s the president! She’ll do everything to keep you out—there’s an entrance exam and everything.”

A smile crept across my face, fueled by a newfound sense of purpose. “I’m counting on it.”

The silver wound on my arm throbbed slightly, but my resolve only strengthened. “I’ve been silent about what happened three years ago. If my silence only invites more bullying, then maybe it’s time they see that the ‘white wolf’ they drove away isn’t the same helpless girl anymore.”