Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 73

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

**Chapter 73**

Evelyn

With a sudden burst of energy, Aiden and I pushed through the threshold of Taylor’s hotel room, my medical bag gripped tightly in my hand as if it were a lifeline. The moment my eyes landed on the scene before me, a chill crept down my spine, freezing me in place. There she was—a breathtaking woman with hair as dark as a raven’s wing and lips painted a bold crimson. She lounged on the edge of Taylor’s bed, her delicate fingers gliding across his chest like a painter’s brush, leaving behind faint, shimmering silver trails that sparkled uncomfortably in the stark fluorescent light of the room.

“Who the hell are you?” she demanded, rising abruptly. Her gaze sharpened as she scrutinized us, assessing our every move.

“I could pose the same question to you,” I shot back coolly, stepping forward with purpose. “Morgan Witch, I presume?”

A smile flickered across her lips, yet it never reached her cold, calculating eyes. “Morgan Vich, actually. And you are?”

“I’m the team doctor,” I replied smoothly, the lie rolling off my tongue with practiced ease. “Taylor seemed unwell earlier today.”

Her laughter rang out, sharp and brittle, echoing off the walls. “He’s fine. Just resting up for tomorrow.” She stepped protectively between us and Taylor’s still figure, as if shielding him from our scrutiny.

Aiden and I exchanged a glance, an unspoken agreement passing between us. Something was amiss. Taylor lay there, utterly motionless, too still for someone who was merely sleeping.

“I think we should let him rest,” Morgan insisted, her voice dripping with faux sweetness as she moved toward the door. “You can check on him tomorrow.”

“Actually,” I interjected, my voice firm and unyielding as I planted my feet into the carpet, “I need to check his vitals now. Team policy.”

Morgan’s demeanor shifted, her expression hardening as if she were a stone statue coming to life. “I said he’s fine.”

In one swift motion, Aiden maneuvered behind her, pinning her arms with surprising strength. “Check him, Evelyn,” he commanded, his voice steady despite the struggle against the surprisingly strong woman.

“You’ve infected him with silver parasites,” I hissed, turning to face Morgan, my heart pounding with urgency. “You’re planning to trigger his transformation during the competition, aren’t you? You’ve placed your bets on it!”

Her face twisted with rage as she fought against Aiden’s grip. “You know nothing,” she spat, venom lacing her words.

I leaned in closer, ensuring she could see the determination in my eyes. “I know exactly what you are, witch. The silver parasites, the control mark on his spine—those are remnants of ancient magic. Dangerous magic.”

Morgan’s eyes widened for just a moment before her expression shifted to one of cold calculation. “And who would believe you? A nobody team doctor?”

“We wolves have long memories,” I warned, my voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “No witch who has hunted us has ever met a good end.”

She laughed, but the sound was brittle, lacking true mirth. “You’re bluffing. You can’t do anything to me.”

I traced my finger along the darkened line on her wrist, a mark that would identify her to other witches. “You think I don’t know how to break a witch’s bond? How to turn your own parasites against you? I bluffed, watching as her eyes widened in disbelief. Test me, and you’ll find out.”

Aiden tightened his grip as Morgan struggled to break free. “What should we do with her?” he asked, his voice a low growl.

“Take her to the next room and tie her up,” I instructed, my mind racing with possibilities.

We navigated through several winding streets until we stumbled upon a narrow alley. The restaurant appeared unassuming from the outside, its wooden sign worn and weathered by years of rain and wind. Inside, the decor exuded rustic charm, with old photographs lining the walls and antique fixtures casting a warm glow over the worn wooden tables.

“This place looks ancient,” I remarked, admiring the patina that only decades of use could create.

“Best kept secret in Vancouver,” Aiden replied, a playful grin spreading across his face.

As we settled at a corner table, a familiar voice cut through the ambient chatter, causing me to turn my head. “Aiden? Oh my God, it really is you!”

A young woman with electric blue hair and multiple piercings approached our table, her punk aesthetic striking and bold. But what truly caught my attention were the faint silver markings peeking out from beneath her collar, eerily similar to the parasitic trails I had seen on Taylor.

“Fiona,” Aiden acknowledged stiffly, his demeanor shifting as he recognized her. “I didn’t know you were in Vancouver.”

“Surprise, surprise,” Fiona drawled, her gaze sliding dismissively over me before returning to Aiden. “You’ve really fallen far if you’re eating in this dump. Bit sad, isn’t it?”

Aiden’s jaw tightened, irritation flashing in his eyes. “The food’s good. What are you doing here?”

Fiona smirked, gesturing to a table across the room where several people with similar punk aesthetics were watching us intently. “We’re competing tomorrow. Venom Strike. You’ve heard of us? We’re the best team in the circuit right now.”

I noticed the same silver markings on all of them, though they attempted to conceal them with high collars and tattoos, a futile effort to hide their true nature.

Fiona turned her attention back to me, a smirk playing on her lips. “And who’s this? Your new plaything?”