Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 18

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

**Chapter 18: Evelyn**

Professor Parker leaned forward, his gaze piercing as he fixed me with a serious expression. “So, Ms. Gray, where did you acquire this code?” The weight of his inquiry hung heavily in the air. “This level of encryption is beyond the capabilities of most graduate students, let alone undergraduates.”

A whirlwind of thoughts churned in my mind, each one more frantic than the last. I couldn’t afford to reveal my true identity as Aurora; that persona safeguarded not only my own existence but also the entire Moonlight Organization and, by extension, the werewolf community. Yet, how could I explain the uncanny similarity of my work without admitting that I had access to the original?

“I… researched various encryption methods,” I replied weakly, fully aware of how feeble my explanation sounded. The words felt like they were slipping through my fingers, inadequate and hollow.

Kate, ever the opportunist, scoffed derisively from the side. “She’s lying. She probably paid someone to write it for her.” Her voice dripped with contempt, and I could feel the eyes of my classmates boring into me, their judgment palpable.

Professor Parker scrutinized me with an intensity that made my heart race. “Ms. Gray, academic integrity is paramount at this university. If you cannot provide a satisfactory explanation for this similarity, I will have no choice but to assume it’s plagiarism.”

The silence that enveloped me was suffocating. I was caught in a web of choices, each one more daunting than the last: reveal my secret identity or accept the damning accusation. Neither option was palatable.

“Her silence speaks volumes,” Kate chimed in, her voice laced with false concern. “We all know she’s never been particularly skilled at academics.” Her words were like daggers, each one aimed at my self-esteem, and the whispers from the doorway grew louder. I could hear snippets of derision: “Always knew she was a fraud,” and “No wonder she got kicked out before.”

“Ms. Gray,” Professor Parker said, disappointment etched across his features, “please step outside and take a moment to reflect on the seriousness of academic dishonesty. We will discuss this matter further with the department head.”

With a heavy heart, I gathered my belongings, feeling the weight of Kate’s triumphant gaze searing into my back. As I approached the door, I noticed Lily standing there, her expression a mix of confusion and concern.

“This isn’t fair!” Lily exclaimed, her voice rising in protest. “Evelyn’s really smart—she wouldn’t need to cheat!” Her loyalty warmed my heart, but I knew it was futile.

I placed a gentle hand on her arm. “It’s okay, Lily. I’m fine.”

As I walked past the gathering group of onlookers, I overheard Kate whispering to her friends, “Looks like the white wolf is getting kicked out again.” My heart sank further, but I refused to let her words break me. Instead of waiting in the hallway as instructed, I strode purposefully toward the exit.

Just as I reached the gates of the campus, my phone buzzed in my pocket, the screen lighting up with ‘Aiden.’

“Hey,” I answered, relief flooding through me. “I was just about to call you.”

“I’m in Seattle,” Aiden replied bluntly, his tone leaving no room for pleasantries. “We need to talk. In person.”

A frown creased my forehead. Aiden rarely ventured beyond Portland. “What’s happened?”

“Not over the phone. Can you meet me now?”

I glanced back at the towering university buildings, the weight of my earlier encounter still heavy on my shoulders. “Actually, yes. I’m suddenly free. Where are you?”

“The Cornerstone Café, downtown. Thirty minutes?”

“I’ll be there,” I confirmed, urgency propelling me toward my motorcycle.

As I sped through the bustling streets of Seattle, the wind whipping against my face, I tried to shove aside the tumult of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. One crisis at a time, I reminded myself, focusing on the road ahead.

The Cornerstone Café appeared like a hidden gem on a quiet side street, its unassuming exterior belying the cozy warmth within. I spotted Aiden immediately, his lanky frame hunched over a corner table, two steaming coffee cups already waiting, a silent testament to his impatience.

After scanning the café to ensure no one was within earshot, I slid into the seat across from him, the tension palpable.

“Long time no see, Aurora,” he said quietly, pushing a coffee cup toward me, steam curling into the air between us.

I winced at the name. “Keep your voice down. That identity is more crucial to protect than my werewolf status.” The weight of my dual life pressed down on me, and I felt the familiar anxiety creeping in.

Just then, my phone buzzed again in my pocket, an unknown number flashing on the screen. I glanced at Aiden apologetically. “Sorry, I should take this.”

“Hello?” I answered, my voice steady.

“I heard you were kicked out of class today.” Devon’s deep voice resonated in my ear, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.

I froze, a rush of panic surging through me. Without thinking, I quickly ended the call. “Sorry, wrong number.”

“Who was that?” Aiden asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

“I don’t know,” I replied, shaking my head, trying to dispel the unease that settled over me.

Just as I placed my phone on the table, it rang again, the same number flashing ominously. I sighed, feeling cornered. “Excuse me, I need to deal with this.”

Walking to a quieter corner of the café, I answered, “Mr. Hall? I’m a bit busy at the moment.”

“Where are you?” His voice was low, almost growling through the phone, and I could sense the tension radiating from him. “Lily said you got kicked out of class, but after class, she couldn’t find you anywhere at school.”

I swallowed hard, my heart racing in my chest. I knew he was just worried about me, but sometimes his protective nature felt suffocating, like a storm closing in.

“Answer me,” he snapped, his urgency palpable.

I glanced back at Aiden, who was watching me with a mix of concern and curiosity.

How could I possibly explain my meeting with Aiden to Devon without revealing any secrets about the Moonlight Organization or my true identity as Aurora? The stakes were too high, and I was caught in a precarious balance between my two worlds.