Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 54

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

**Chapter 54**

A warm presence settled beside me, and even without glancing over, I instinctively recognized it was Devon. His familiar scent, a blend of cedar and something uniquely him, wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, easing the tension that had tightened my chest.

“You’re standing too far away,” he murmured softly, his voice soothing like a gentle breeze. With a tender thumb, he brushed away a tear that had silently escaped my eye, a tear I hadn’t even realized had fallen. “Evelyn, you’ll have this kind of happiness too. I promise.”

The sincerity in his gaze struck a chord deep within me, causing my heart to flutter with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. Before I could muster a response, the lights flickered back on, illuminating the room and drawing everyone’s attention toward the cake table, where the cutting ceremony was about to commence.

Devon remained close by my side as we watched Lily, the birthday girl, slice into the elaborate three-tiered cake, her excitement palpable. His hand brushed against mine every so often, each accidental touch igniting a spark that made it difficult for me to concentrate on anything else around us.

Once the cake was distributed to the eager guests, Devon leaned down, his breath warm against my ear. “Do you want to get out of here? I have something special to show you.”

Intrigued, I nodded eagerly, my curiosity piqued. Devon excused us from Lily, who was busy entertaining her guests, and led me toward his car. As we drove away from the bustling heart of Seattle, the city lights dimmed, and the dense forests that surrounded it began to envelop us.

“Where are we going?” I finally inquired, my voice tinged with anticipation as he turned onto a narrow road that twisted up the mountainside.

“Patience,” he replied, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes, the corners of his lips curling into a smile. “We’re almost there.”

The road eventually led us to a small clearing that revealed a breathtaking overlook, where the vast expanse of the forest met the distant twinkling lights of the city. Devon parked the car and stepped out, coming around to open my door, extending his hand to help me out. The night air was crisp and invigorating, infused with the earthy scent of pine and the sweet fragrance of wildflowers.

“This is Wolf’s Peak Lookout,” Devon explained, guiding me toward a wooden platform that jutted out over the cliff’s edge. “It’s one of my favorite spots.”

The view was nothing short of mesmerizing. Seattle’s lights flickered like stars in the distance, while the sprawling forest below lay bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, creating a scene that felt almost otherworldly.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, my voice barely above a breath.

Devon glanced at his watch, then gestured upward. “Look up.”

As if orchestrated by some unseen conductor, the night sky suddenly erupted into a riot of color. Fireworks burst overhead, their brilliant hues reflecting off the surface of the nearby lake. But these weren’t ordinary fireworks; they formed intricate designs of wolves running, howling at the moon, and dancing through forests illuminated with light.

“How did you—” I began, utterly awestruck.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify