Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 170

hapter 170

Evelyn

Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as I picked out my clothes for the day. Though I was still officially on medical leave from school, I needed to handle some paperwork for my early graduation. I chose a casual yet polished outfit–dark jeans, a soft gray sweater, and ankle boots. Nothing too flashy, but still put–together enough for a meeting with the dean.

As I descended the stairs of Hall’s Mansion, Lily’s excited squeal greeted me from the living room.

“Evelyn! You’re dressed up!” She bounced over, eyes wide with hope. “Are you going back to school?”

I adjusted my bag on my shoulder. “Not exactly. I’m going to talk to Dean Fernandez about graduating early and drop off some research materials for my professors.”

“Oh. Her face fell slightly before brightening again. “Well, at least you’re getting out of the house. Devon’s been watching you like a hawk since you came home from the hospital.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Trust me, I know.”

“Did you hear about Kate?” Lily asked suddenly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

“Kate? No, what about her?”

*She dropped out! Like, officially withdrew from the university!” Lily’s eyes were wide with gossip. “And there’s a rumor going around that she’s pregnant.”

I froze, shock rippling through me. “What? Kate is pregnant?”

Lily shrugged. “That’s what everyone’s saying. I don’t know if it’s true or not.

I

mean, it’s

not like we’re friends or

anything.”

I frowned, my mind racing. “When did this happen?”

“I’m not sure exactly. I just heard about it last week from Anne.” Lily tilted her head. “Are you okay? You look weird.”

Before I could respond, Devon appeared at the doorway, car keys in hand. “Ready to go?”

I nodded, though my thoughts were still tangled around the news about Kate. My sister–pregnant? The Kate I knew would never risk her academic career unless something serious had happened.

Devon pulled his sleek black Audi into the university parking lot twenty minutes later. As we walked through the

stare.

campus gates, several students stopped to

“Evelyn! Oh my god, you’re back!” A girl from my computer ethics class rushed over, followed by two other students.

“Not officially, I explained with a small smile. “Just handling some paperwork.”

Lily, never missing a chance to boast about me, proudly announced, “Evelyn has actuall going to study advanced stuff somewhere else.”

completed all her coursework already. She’s graduating early and

This prompted a chorus of impressed comments and congratulations. I felt a flush creep up my neck at the attention, but it was nice to be welcomed rather

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Chapter 170

than whispered about for once.

Dean Fernandez’s office was exactly as I remembered–neat, organized, with walls lined with academic entered, his silver–streaked hair combed back impeccably.

far and awards. The elderly man stood as we

Ms. Gray, how wonderful to see you on your feet again.” He gestured

the chairs across from his desk.

I nodded politely.

“How are you healing?” the dean asked, genuine concern in his eyes.

“Much better, thank you,‘ I replied. “The doctors say I’m recovering faster than expected.”

“Good, good.” He folded his hands on the desk. “And your plans after graduation? I understand you’re completing your degree requirements early.”

I shifted in my chair. “I’m still finalizing some details. There pack–our people.”

are things I need to resolve first, but ultimately, I want to use my knowledge to protect my

Dean Fernandez nodded thoughtfully. “That’s admirable, but…” He leaned forward, his eyes suddenly intense. “You shouldn’t limit yourself to just protecting the pack. I believe your abilities could foster peace between werewolves and humans.”

His words caught me off guard.

“What do you mean?” I asked cautiously.

The dean reached across the desk to grasp my hand. “Good… very good. But you have the capacity to maintain peace between our kind and humans.”

“What’s that mean?” I considered his words, feeling a strange weight

to

them.

must emphasize that

your talents shouldn’t only serve werewolves. I believe

“Modern conflicts between humans and werewolves aren’t just territorial,” he explained. “They’re about who will control the future–technologically, politically, socially.”

He sat back with a sigh. “This was the headmaster’s vision when founding this institution–coexistence between humans and werewolves. But given ongoing tensions, we don’t reveal our identities to humans. Perhaps this doesn’t make sense to you now but it will someday.”

I nodded slowly, beginning to understand the deeper implications of what

he

was saying.

“Before you leave us,” Dean Fernandez said, “would you consider giving a talk to the computer security department? Your insights would be invaluable.”

‘Of course,” I agreed, still processing his earlier words.

+

The computer lab buzzed with activity when I entered. My research team spotted me furiously.

The coding legend returns!” Mike called out, giving me a high–five.

mediately, breaking into spontaneous applause that made me blush-

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Chapter 170

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For the next hour, I caught up with my team, reviewed their latest project, and offered what advice I could. It felt good to be back in this environment, surrounded by minds that operated on my wavelength.

When it was time to leave, hugs and promises to keep in touch were exchanged. I felt what I was, judging me solely on my abilities.

of sadness–these people had accepted me without knowing

Leaving the building, I decided to wander around campus for a bit. It struck

me that I’d never actually explored the place properly since I got here.

As I approached the administration building, a familiar figure caught my eye. Kate stood at the entrance to the president’s office, clutching a folder of papers. She looked dramatically different–dressed in a loose–fitting dress that did little to hide her slightly swollen belly.

My first instinct was to walk away. Kate had caused me too much pain to risk another encounter. But something in her defeated posture made me pause. Whatever was happening with her, it wasn’t good.

‘Kate?” I called, approaching her cautiously.

She turned, her eyes widening when she saw me. Instinctively, she used the folder to shield her belly. “Aren’t you supposed to be on medical leave? What are you doing here?”

I moved closer, noting with alarm how hollow her cheeks looked. “I’m handling graduation paperwork. You

you’re

pregnant?”

As I finished talking, Kate’s eyes started to glisten with tears. What on earth had happened to her? What became of the haughty, defiant Kate I once knew?

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