Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 7

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

Evelyn

The abrupt, piercing sound of my phone’s ringtone sliced through the fog of sleep, dragging me back to reality. I groaned in protest, my hand fumbling over the cluttered nightstand in a desperate search for the offending device. As I squinted at the glaring screen, the numbers jumped out at me: 7:00 AM. The memory of packing until the early hours of the morning flooded my mind, leaving me feeling utterly drained and disoriented.

“Hello?” I croaked, my voice thick and heavy with sleep.

“Aurora! You won’t believe it—the encryption system you devised last night was absolutely brilliant!” Aiden’s voice burst forth with an infectious enthusiasm that jolted me further awake.

I winced, instinctively pulling the phone away from my ear. “Aiden, it’s seven in the morning. I was up until three…”

“I know, I know, but this is important! The way you thwarted those attacks? Genius! Hall Corporation’s security team is still scratching their heads, trying to unravel how you pulled it off.”

I sat upright in bed, the exhaustion momentarily forgotten as a wave of adrenaline surged through me. “What? Did you mention my name?”

“Of course not! Client confidentiality is my top priority. But here’s the kicker—Hall Corporation wants to meet with Aurora. They’re practically begging for your expertise.”

My heart raced. Devon Hall himself wanted to meet me—or rather, the persona I had crafted in the shadows. The irony of it all didn’t escape me.

“Tell them Aurora is on a break. I need to recharge.” I ran a hand through my disheveled hair, feeling the tangles and knots. “And Aiden? Not a single word about me, alright? No name, no address, nothing.”

“Understood. Your secret is safe with me. Now, go get some sleep—you’ve earned it.”

After ending the call, I flopped back onto my pillow, but sleep eluded me. My body felt restless, tension coiling within me like a tightly wound spring. With a resigned sigh, I forced myself out of bed and into the shower, hoping the hot water would wash away my fatigue.

The day dragged on, my lack of sleep catching up with me as I struggled to stay awake during my morning classes. By the time Physical Education rolled around in the afternoon, I was barely coherent.

“Alright, everyone, pair up for volleyball practice!” Coach Miller’s voice boomed through the gymnasium, echoing off the walls.

Students rushed to find partners, laughter and chatter filling the air as they formed pairs in mere moments. I stood off to the side, an island of solitude in a sea of camaraderie. No one wanted to team up with the outcast.

Tara Johnson, Jessica’s best friend, stood with her hands firmly planted on her hips, her voice ringing out loud and clear. “No one wants to team up with someone who sleeps around.” Her gaze locked onto mine, a challenge flickering in her eyes, daring me to respond.

Jessica snickered beside her, but I shrugged, adopting a facade of indifference. Three years of isolation had forged a protective armor around my heart, shielding me from the sting of their words.

“Hey, Evelyn! I’m Lily Pike. Want to team up?”

I turned, taken aback to find her approaching with an inviting smile that seemed to light up her face. I recognized her from around campus, but we had never exchanged words before.

“Why?” I asked cautiously, sizing her up. “I don’t think we have much in common.”

Lily’s smile remained unwavering. “Because you don’t seem like the person they say you are. And honestly, we’re both outsiders here.” She leaned in a bit closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Plus, I can’t stand those stuck-up bitches as much as you do.”

A faint yet unmistakable scent wafted from her—a distinct noble wolf aroma that made my heart skip a beat. My eyes widened in surprise. “You’re a wolf?”

Lily looked momentarily taken aback. “How did you know? Wait, are you one too?” She leaned closer, sniffing subtly. “But I can’t smell anything on you…”

Her confusion was understandable. After years of isolation, my scent had dulled, becoming nearly imperceptible to other wolves.

“It’s probably better if you keep your distance from me,” I cautioned, my voice low. “Being associated with me won’t do you any favors here.”

Lily crossed her arms defiantly. “I don’t care what people say. I choose my own friends.” She glanced at the coach, who was growing impatient. “Come on, just one volleyball game. What’s the worst that could happen?”

I hesitated, weighing my options, before reluctantly nodding. The coach blew his whistle, signaling us to take our positions on the court.

Students began to gather around, many pulling out their phones to record the unfolding drama. I felt my heart race as I sensed my eyes changing, the silver glow threatening to break through. I blinked rapidly, fighting against the transformation.

“Evelyn?” Lily whispered, her voice laced with concern. “Your eyes…”

Before I could respond, Professor Laura Bennett—Tara’s mother and the assistant dean—burst into the gym, her presence commanding immediate attention.

“What’s happening here?” she demanded, rushing to help Tara to her feet.

Tara wasted no time, bursting into tears. “Mom, she attacked me for no reason! I was just talking to her!”

Professor Bennett turned her cold gaze on me, her expression severe. “Evelyn Gray, why did you attack my daughter?”

“I didn’t,” I replied evenly, refusing to let fear dictate my response. “She pushed me first. I simply moved out of the way.”

“Liar!” Tara cried, her voice rising. “Everyone saw what happened!”

Professor Bennett’s lips pressed into a thin line. “To behave this way so soon after you’ve arrived is unacceptable. I’ll be recommending your expulsion to the principal.”

Whispers rippled through the crowd, a cacophony of judgment. “Just like the rumors…” “She’s dangerous…” “I heard she nearly killed someone…”

As Professor Bennett ordered me to follow her to the office, I caught sight of Lily stepping away, pulling out her phone and dialing frantically. Fragments of her conversation reached my ears.

“Uncle Devon? I need help… No, not for me… It’s a friend… They’re trying to expel her without cause…”

Uncle Devon? My blood ran cold as realization washed over me. Devon Hall was Lily’s uncle?