Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 72

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

**Chapter 72**

**Evelyn**

The afternoon dragged on, each moment stretching like a taut string, as I found myself lost in a loop of Devon’s words from our lunch. Thoughts swirled in my mind, refusing to settle, until the evening finally arrived, bringing a much-needed sense of calm.

As the gentle evening breeze wafted through the open window, I rummaged through my closet, carefully selecting the essentials for my upcoming trip. My laptop lay snugly packed, alongside a small silver case filled with specialized medical tools. I had to ensure I was fully prepared for the competition ahead.

“You’re leaving again?” Mrs. Whitmore’s voice broke through my concentration, causing me to jump slightly. She stood in the doorway of my bedroom, her brow furrowed with concern.

I turned to her, forcing a reassuring smile. “Just a gaming competition in Vancouver. My friend invited me to help his team out.”

A wave of relief washed over her features, softening the lines of worry. “Oh! A competition. That’s wonderful, dear. I thought… well, never mind.” She waved her hand dismissively, as if to brush away her earlier fears.

“When will you be back?” she asked, her curiosity evident.

“In about a week, maybe two if everything goes well,” I replied, zipping up my duffel bag with a sense of finality. “The prize is five million dollars.”

Mrs. Whitmore’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Goodness! No wonder you’re so eager to go.”

Once she departed, I resumed my packing, the weight of anticipation settling in my chest.

Just as I was about to close my bag, a firm knock echoed through the apartment. The familiar scent of pine and the wildness of the forest wafted in before I even opened the door. It was Devon.

“Going somewhere?” His voice was steady, yet the tension in his jawline revealed his annoyance as he took in my packed bags.

I let out a resigned sigh. “Mrs. Whitmore called you, didn’t she?”

“She was worried,” Devon replied, stepping inside and shutting the door with a soft click behind him. “And rightfully so. Were you even planning to tell me?”

“I was going to call you tonight,” I defended myself, crossing my arms in a protective gesture. “I only made the decision yesterday.”

His expression softened just a fraction. “Where exactly are you headed this time?”

I walked over to the kitchen counter and picked up the official invitation, holding it up for him to see. “Vancouver. There’s a gaming tournament. My friend Taylor’s team needs my help, and the prize is substantial.”

Devon followed me, his tall frame looming in the small kitchen. “Do you really need the money that badly, Evelyn?”

I let out a laugh, the sound surprising even me. “For the house restoration? Absolutely. I’m practically broke at this point.”

A reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “You could have asked me for help.”

The thought crossed my mind, but I hesitated. I don’t want to ask you for everything, Devon. Turning to the refrigerator, I pulled out some containers of food I had prepared earlier. “Dinner?” I offered, trying to shift the mood.

We settled into a familiar rhythm, sharing a meal together like an old married couple, the earlier tension gradually melting away.

“So, Vancouver,” Devon said, placing his fork down. “How long will you be gone?”

“About a week, maybe two if we make it to the finals,” I replied, pushing my plate away. “I promise I’ll be careful.”

Devon reached across the table, his fingers brushing against mine in a gesture of connection. “I’ll come see you when I finish my business here.”

“I’d like that,” I said, offering him a smile, though anxiety fluttered in my chest like a trapped bird.

“Promise me you’ll stay safe,” he urged, his blue eyes darkening with worry.

“I always do,” I reassured him, though a part of me wondered if that was truly enough.

The flight to Vancouver was uneventful, and Aiden was already waiting for me at the airport, ready to whisk me away to the hotel he had booked.

As I checked into the hotel, the Vancouver skyline sparkled against the evening sky, a breathtaking view that momentarily distracted me from my worries. The fifteenth floor had been reserved entirely for the gaming team, ensuring we had the privacy we needed.

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