Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 20

**Where Falling Leaves Whisper Stories Written In Silence by Ryn Jace Reed**
**Chapter 20: Rise of the Banished She-Wolf**

He scrutinized me for a brief moment, his gaze penetrating, almost searching for hidden truths. Then, leaning in just a fraction, he spoke, “Then why couldn’t you clarify the resemblance? You know Aurora, don’t you?”

His voice maintained a calmness that felt more inquisitive than accusatory, yet I could sense the underlying tension in the air, thick enough to cut with a knife.

A surge of panic surged in my chest, rising like a tide I couldn’t hold back. Without a second thought, I instinctively rubbed the silver-marked skin on my arm, a slight wince escaping my lips. “No, I don’t know her,” I replied hastily, my voice steady but tinged with an undercurrent of pain. “I’ve only studied the code she wrote. Ah, it’s hurting.” The pain was merely a ploy, a desperate attempt to divert his attention away from the subject that felt too close for comfort.

Devon’s eyes flicked briefly to my arm, a hint of concern crossing his features, but he quickly redirected his gaze back to the road, seemingly deciding not to press the matter further.

At the medical center, the doctor prepared to administer a special serum. As the silver-blue liquid was injected into my bloodstream, I felt a warm sensation unfurling within me, a strange comfort amidst the turmoil.

“Ms. Gray,” the doctor chided, his tone firm yet laced with a hint of concern. “I specifically instructed you to stay away from alcohol for at least two weeks. The silver toxins are still lingering in your system, and alcohol will only hasten their circulation, hindering the healing process.”

“This serum will assist in neutralizing the silver toxins,” he continued, his voice taking on a stern edge. “But you must adhere to my instructions this time. No alcohol, ample rest, and don’t forget the herbal supplements I prescribed.”

Just as I prepared to respond, my phone buzzed insistently in my pocket, the screen lighting up with “Grandfather.”

“Grandfather, hello…” I answered, my tone softening instinctively as I spoke.

William’s voice came through the receiver, warm yet authoritative: “Evelyn, come home for dinner tonight. I have something important to discuss with you.”

I glanced at Devon, who stood nearby, and replied quietly, “Alright, Grandfather. I’ll be there shortly.”

After ending the call, Devon wasted no time. “I’ll drive you. You’re not in a condition to travel alone right now.”

“So this is what you’ve been up to,” she sneered, venom dripping from her words. “Barely back in Seattle and already being kept by some older wolf? Is that how you’ve survived all these years—selling yourself for protection?”

Her insinuation ignited a fire of anger within me, but I forced my expression to remain neutral. Three years of solitude had taught me the art of emotional control far beyond any Pack training I had undergone.

“Some wolves are just naturally vicious, Kate,” I replied coolly, my voice steady. “They see betrayal everywhere because it’s all they know how to do themselves.”

In that moment, I saw a flicker of golden wolf-light flash in her eyes—a brief lapse in her usually impeccable control. I had struck a nerve.

“You have no right to—” she began, but her words were cut short by the sound of heavy footsteps approaching.

“Dad’s home,” she said, her entire demeanor shifting in an instant. The vicious snarl melted away, replaced by a saccharine smile that could easily fool anyone who hadn’t grown up witnessing her master this act.