Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 36

**Chapter 36**

**Evelyn**

Sage had just sent Lily on an errand to the mountains, instructing her to gather some pure spring water that would be essential for the upcoming revel. The air in the room felt thick with anticipation, as if the very walls were holding their breath.

With a gentle flick of her wrist, Sage revealed a small wooden box, its surface worn and polished by time. Inside lay an assortment of dried plants and glimmering crystals, each one seemingly whispering secrets of old magic. “These will aid you, but remember, change is never easy,” she said, her fingers delicately arranging the items on a modest table. “Your current state has created quite a barrier, which we must address.”

I nodded, attempting to mask the anxiety bubbling within me. “Will it… hurt more than usual?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, betraying the trepidation I felt.

“Transformation is always uncomfortable,” Sage replied, her tone diplomatic yet firm. “But with proper preparation, we can navigate through it.”

Suddenly, a sharp alarm pierced the stillness, making both of us jump. The door swung open with a crash, and Jack rushed in, his eyes wide with urgency.

“Brian Miller and a few others have broken into Moon Valley!” he announced breathlessly, panic lacing his words. “We need to act quickly!”

My heart plummeted, a cold weight settling in my stomach. “What? How did he get in?” I stammered, disbelief washing over me like a wave.

Devon appeared just behind Jack, his face a mask of controlled fury, the muscles in his jaw twitching as he spoke. “Get everyone to safety and secure the perimeter. We can’t let him get to Evelyn!” His voice was a low growl, each word dripping with authority.

Jack and the others nodded sharply, their expressions grave as they hurried away. That left Devon and me alone, the air crackling with tension. I could feel panic clawing at my chest, tightening its grip as I struggled to keep my composure.

“Don’t worry,” Devon said, his voice soothing yet firm, “You’re safe here with me. I’ll handle this.”

Just as he turned to leave, I caught a flicker of movement outside the window. Before I could call out a warning, Brian’s face materialized, pressed against the glass like a grotesque apparition. His eyes glinted with malice, and my heart raced as I noticed the silver dagger clutched tightly in his hand.

“Found you, Miss High-and-Mighty Grey!” he taunted, his voice muffled yet dripping with contempt.

Devon was already striding toward the door, but Brian was quicker. With a vicious swing, he shattered the window with his dagger, shards of glass raining down like deadly confetti. I instinctively recoiled, a sharp pain stabbing through my chest as my instincts screamed at me to flee from the imminent threat.

“How many times did I try to get your attention?” Brian spat, completely disregarding Devon, his eyes fixated on me with a predatory gleam. “But you always turned me away! No woman rejects Brian Miller!”

“So you told Jessica I was afraid of silver?” I managed to retort, struggling to keep my voice steady despite the chaos. “Is that how you convinced her to set me up?”

Brian’s smile twisted into something cruel and self-satisfied. “Smart girl, Grey! Jessica was so easy to manipulate. That foolish girl actually believed you were trying to steal me from her!”

As if on cue, the moonlight broke through the clouds, illuminating the room with its silvery glow. The timing could not have been worse. My body began to tremble uncontrollably, the combined forces of Brian’s presence, the silver dagger, and the moonlight igniting the transformation within me.

I fell to my knees, gasping as pain radiated through my limbs. Something felt terribly wrong, like I was caught in a storm I couldn’t escape. “No… not now…” I groaned, my voice laced with desperation.

Brian stumbled back, horror etching itself across his features as he witnessed my eyes flicker with golden light. “So the rumors are true… you really are a monster!” he exclaimed, his voice a mix of awe and fear.

Sage shook her head, her eyes filled with worry. “This is beyond the abilities of an ordinary werewolf. Only the oldest Alpha families would possess such a technique.”

A violent spasm tore through my body, forcing a cry of agony from my lips. Sage’s eyes widened in alarm, her hands hovering over me, desperate to help.

“The moonlight’s energy is clashing with the seal’s energy,” she warned, her voice urgent. “This conflict will only intensify her suffering!”

Devon gathered me into his arms, surrounding me with his calming Alpha energy. “Evelyn, listen to my voice, focus on me…” he urged, his tone steady and reassuring.

I struggled against the pain, feeling as if I were being torn apart from the inside. “I can’t comprehend… why? Why would someone seal my wolf? What have I done to deserve this?”

William had clearly stated that it was Devon’s father who suppressed my wolf, but now there was talk of it being sealed. Which version was the truth?

Devon’s gaze remained steady, filled with determination as he looked into my eyes. “I don’t know who did this to you, but we will uncover the truth together.”

Sage’s voice was heavy with concern as she spoke, “The seal is too strong. I fear she won’t be able to complete her transformation tonight.”

“I’ll stay with her,” Devon declared resolutely. “I will use my Alpha energy to help stabilize her condition.”

I clutched Devon’s hand tightly, terror flooding my senses as another wave of pain crashed over me. “If the seal is removed… what will I become? Am I truly the cursed wolf they say I am?”