Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 35

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

**Chapter 35**

**Evelyn: 58**

A sharp knock on my door echoed through the stillness of the morning at precisely 7 AM. I inhaled deeply, the scent of fresh coffee and the anticipation of the day ahead mingling in the air. With my overnight bag slung over my shoulder, I opened the door to find Devon and Lily standing in the hallway, their expressions bright with excitement. Jason lingered a few feet behind them, his presence a steady anchor, like a silent guardian watching over us.

“Eve! Are you ready for our little adventure?” Lily exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm as she bounced on her toes, her vibrant energy almost palpable. Yet, despite her infectious spirit, a knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach, keeping my excitement at bay.

“As ready as I can be,” I replied, my gaze flickering to my bag, uncertainty gnawing at me. “Are you sure this place is really good for healing wolves?”

Devon nodded firmly, his blue eyes shimmering with a hint of gold, a flash of something primal. “Moon Valley has been a sacred ground for my pack for generations. It’s specifically designed for situations like yours—a sanctuary for healing and transformation.”

Stepping into the hallway, I pulled the door shut behind me, the click of the latch echoing in my ears. “But why take me there? Isn’t it supposed to be your family’s secret territory?”

“Because you’re my friend, silly!” Lily interjected, linking her arm through mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze. Her sincerity caught me off guard, sending a rush of warmth through my chest. It had been ages since someone had claimed me as a friend without hidden motives lurking beneath the surface.

Devon took the wheel while Lily and I settled into the back of his specially reinforced SUV. As we drove away from Seattle, the towering buildings gradually gave way to sprawling forests, and I could feel something awakening within me—a stirring of my wolf, responding to the call of the wild.

“The lake there is absolutely stunning,” Lily gushed, her voice filling the quiet space. “And there’s this ancient forest with trees that reach higher than skyscrapers! The cabins are rustic yet cozy, and—”

“Sounds nice,” I interjected, trying to mask my discomfort. With the full moon drawing near, my wolf was becoming increasingly restless. I discreetly clutched the small vial of suppressant hidden in my pocket, anxiety creeping in as I wondered if I would need it tonight.

Devon caught my eye in the rearview mirror, his expression serious. “Trying to suppress your wolf nature right before the full moon is dangerous, Evelyn.”

I stiffened at his words. “How did you—”

“I can smell it,” he replied, his tone matter-of-fact. “The chemicals in the suppressant. They’re toxic, especially this close to transformation time.”

Lily glanced between us, her curiosity piqued. “Eve, how long has it been since you’ve… you know?”

I turned my gaze to the window, watching the trees blur past like fleeting memories. “I haven’t successfully transformed in years,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “Even three years ago, when… when it happened, I only managed a half-shift.”

Lily’s hand found mine, her grip gentle yet firm. The compassion in her touch felt like a balm, almost more overwhelming than any judgment could have been.

When we finally arrived, the SUV turned onto a hidden dirt road, flanked by towering ancient pines. A cluster of wooden cabins came into view, nestled around a shimmering lake, their rustic charm inviting yet intimidating.

“We’re here!” Lily exclaimed, her voice rising with excitement.

As I stepped out of the car, I was instantly enveloped by the concentrated scent of wolves—dozens of them, their presence woven into the very soil beneath my feet. My body tensed instinctively, my eyes scanning the perimeter for any sign of danger.

“Moon Valley sits on a natural moonstone deposit,” Devon explained, walking beside me. “It neutralizes silver damage and accelerates healing in our kind.”

Several wolves emerged from the cabins, each offering a respectful nod to Devon as we passed. Lily waved cheerfully at them, her enthusiasm infectious.

“They seem really scared of your uncle,” I whispered to Lily, my curiosity piqued.

I shifted uncomfortably, the weight of her words settling heavily on my shoulders. “I… haven’t fully transformed in so long. I’m not even sure what I look like anymore.”

Devon gestured around the cabin, his expression earnest. “The design ensures you won’t harm anyone or be disturbed from outside. Everything here is built to contain and comfort a transforming wolf.”

Later, after Lily was called away to help with dinner preparations, Devon invited me to take a walk with him by the lake. The setting sun cast long shadows across the water, the golden hues mirroring the turmoil within me. Finally, he spoke the words I had dreaded hearing.

“I was there three years ago when the Grey family exiled you,” he admitted, his voice low and heavy with regret. “I had just become Alpha, without enough influence to intervene.”

Shock rippled through me as I processed his words. “So all of this—the apartment, the lawyer, this place—it’s all because of guilt?”

Devon shook his head, his eyes glowing gold in the fading light. “It’s not just about guilt. The White Wolf means everything to us, and you’re from the Moonheal pack too. Your existence matters to all of us. And…” He hesitated, his gaze locking onto mine, “I’ve been drawn to you from the very first time I saw you.”

Uncertain of how to respond, I turned my attention to the still waters of the lake, my silver-gray eyes reflecting the vibrant colors of the sunset.

Back at the cabin, Sage and Lily awaited me, busy with preparations for the approaching night. Lily had brought my favorite music, along with an assortment of fruits and jerky. “You’ll be hungry after shifting,” she explained, her tone light yet serious.

“Don’t resist the change,” Sage advised, her voice gentle but firm. “Let your wolf nature flow naturally. That’s the only way your wound will truly heal.”

“What if I can’t control myself?” I asked, fear creeping into my voice. “What if I hurt someone…”

“Don’t worry,” Lily reassured me, her smile brightening the room. “This place is safe. Uncle Devon will be right outside—he’s the strongest Alpha.”

Outside the window, the moon began its ascent, casting a silvery glow over the world. I felt my wolf stirring, awakening from her long slumber. My eyes flickered with golden light as the inevitable approached, the night promising both fear and freedom in equal measure.