Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 37

**Where Falling Leaves Whisper Stories Written In Silence by Ryn Jace Reed**
**Chapter 37**

**Evelyn**

The events of that fateful night at Moon Valley lingered in my mind like a dark cloud, refusing to dissipate. The moment I had uncovered the ancient seal that bound my wolf, I was thrust into a torment that felt endless, trapped in a limbo between my human self and the wild spirit within. Hours passed, each second stretching into eternity as I writhed in agony, desperately fighting to complete my transformation but failing miserably.

Devon had been my anchor during that harrowing night, his unwavering presence a shield against the chaos that threatened to consume me. “We will uncover who did this to you,” he had promised, his voice steady and filled with determination as dawn broke over the horizon. “And they will face the consequences.” His words echoed in my mind, a haunting reminder of the oath he had made before leaving me at my door, a promise that felt both comforting and daunting.

Now, three days had slipped by, and I found myself sprawled on the floor of my apartment, staring blankly at the ceiling. My thoughts whirled around like leaves caught in a tempest, all centered on the chilling discovery I had made at Moon Valley. Someone, someone with immense power, had cast an ancient seal to imprison my wolf. But what could their motive possibly be? Was it simply because I was a white wolf, marked as different from the rest?

With a heavy sigh, I pushed myself off the floor, my limbs feeling leaden as I made my way to the kitchen in search of solace. The familiar ritual of brewing coffee offered a small comfort, a momentary distraction from the chaos in my mind. I had taken a week off from Seattle University, a necessary pause to grapple with the weight of this revelation.

“Who could have done this to me?” I murmured to the stillness of my apartment, my voice echoing off the walls, sounding hollow and lost. The question had gnawed at me relentlessly, consuming my thoughts. I had spent countless hours delving into ancient sealing rituals, poring over obscure werewolf texts I had secretly downloaded from the archives of the Moonlight Organization. The sheer power required for such magic was staggering—only the oldest Alpha bloodlines could wield it.

Just as I began to lose myself in thought again, the doorbell rang, jolting me from my reverie. Instinctively, I tensed, drawing in a cautious breath to catch the scent wafting through the air. It was familiar—Marcus, my grandfather’s loyal beta. I opened the door, my expression carefully neutral, betraying none of the turmoil inside.

“Miss Grey,” Marcus greeted me with a slight bow, his silver-streaked hair glinting in the light. “Your grandfather has requested that I deliver this to you personally.”

He extended a heavy cream envelope adorned with gold trim, the Grey family wolf emblem embossed prominently on the front. I accepted it silently, the weight of the paper feeling significant in my grasp, as if it held secrets waiting to be uncovered.

“Thank you, Marcus,” I finally replied, studying his face for any hint of knowledge regarding my sealed wolf. His expression remained a mask of professionalism, offering no insights.

Once he departed, I tore open the envelope with a mix of anticipation and dread. Inside lay an invitation to a homecoming celebration for William at the Bayview Hotel. My fingers traced the embossed wolf emblem, and a spark ignited in my mind—this gathering would draw together the powerful wolves who might possess knowledge about my sealed wolf. Including the very individual responsible for my current plight.

The realization struck me with such intensity that I nearly dropped the invitation. This was not merely a family event; it was my chance to seek the answers I so desperately needed.

Two days later, I arrived at the Bayview Hotel astride my Ducati Monster, the engine’s roar mirroring the storm brewing within me. The air was thick with the mingling scents of wolves, their fragrances intertwined with the aroma of expensive colognes and perfumes. As I removed my helmet, I felt my sealed wolf stir within me, a flicker of agitation at the overwhelming presence of so many others.

I adjusted my black dress and leather jacket, a careful balance of elegance and defiance that I hoped would serve me well tonight. Through the glass doors, I caught sight of wolves dressed in their finest, moving gracefully around my grandfather, who sat at the head of the table, his expression a mask of displeasure.

For a fleeting moment, I hesitated, memories flooding back to when these very wolves had turned their backs on me. But the memory of my wolf, fighting against her magical chains, ignited a fierce resolve within me. I had every right to seek answers. I deserved justice.

As I pushed open the doors to the ballroom, every conversation abruptly ceased, the sudden silence crashing down around me like a tidal wave. Dozens of werewolves turned their gazes toward me, their eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and judgment. I scanned the room, catching sight of my mother, Victoria, her shock barely concealed; Kate, her hostility palpable; and the elders, whose eyes flickered with recognition before they quickly averted their gazes.

My grandfather’s face transformed in that moment, irritation melting into joy, a stark contrast to the expressions of those around me. The wolves near me began to sniff cautiously, attempting to detect the essence of my wolf. Let them try, I thought defiantly. They would find nothing—not with the seal still in place.

Marcus approached, relief washing over his features. “Miss Grey, you’ve made it. The master has been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

Just as I was about to take a sip of my own drink, Emma stepped directly in front of me, her voice ringing out loud enough for all to hear. “A disgraced Wolfless has no place at an Alpha family table. You should be dining with the humans you cherish so dearly.”

The room fell into an oppressive silence. Three years ago, I would have shrunk back in shame, feeling the sting of her words. But I was no longer that girl.

I stood slowly, each movement deliberate, and delivered a sharp slap across her face. The sound echoed through the silence like a crack of thunder.

“And who are you to question my place here?” My voice was ice-cold, cutting through the stunned ballroom with precision.

Emma staggered back, her hand pressed to her reddening cheek, shock etched across her features.

“Let me guess,” I continued, my gaze sweeping the room, lingering on those who appeared most unsettled by my defiance. “None of you expected me to fight back. Not the weak, broken wolf you cast aside.”

Silence enveloped the room, yet the tension hung thick, palpable enough to slice through. Pathetic cowards, all of them—preying on the vulnerable.

In that moment, clarity struck me: the only way to instill fear was to become undeniably strong.

I was no longer broken. And whoever had tried to shatter me? I would find them. No matter the cost.