Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 141

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Julian sat across from Kaelani at a table dressed in dark linens and white fire orchids. He wore a tailored black suit, the lapels satin and sharp, his shirt collar open just enough to reveal the curve of his throat. A deep oxblood tie hung loose around his neck, like he had just arrived or was trying to breathe.

His hair was swept back, like he’d run his fingers through it too many times. His eyes were locked on her as if he’d seen a ghost.

He leaned forward slowly, the silverware trembling beneath his hand.

“Kaelani?”

His voice broke the hush like a spell cracking wide.

And she just… stared.

Kaelani blinked slowly, her senses catching up with the illusion or dream.

She looked around, surprised by how effortlessly her mind had crossed into his. No push, no pull. No resistance. Just… there.

Across from her, Julian leaned in. His hand lifted slightly across the table, like he meant to reach for hers–but it faltered, falling short. His fingers hovered midair before curling into a loose fist.

Something about him was… off.

His skin had a light sheen of sweat. His eyes, usually sharp and steady, looked glazed. Unfocused. He wavered, then suddenly pitched forward, clutching his head like something had struck him from the inside.

“Are you…” he rasped, breathing hard,

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…are you really here with me? Or am I hallucinating again?”

Kaelani leaned back slightly, startled. “Again?”

He sat upright with effort, chest rising as he tugged at the knot of his tie, loosening it with a muttered curse. Why is it so hot in here?”

“It feels fine to me,” she replied, her voice unsettled.

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Julian didn’t answer right away. He blinked again, looking around the elegant restaurant like he was seeing it for the first time. Candlelight shimmered across the dark surface of the wine glass before him. A string quartet played something soft and mournful in the distance.

“Maison des Lunes,” he murmured, distracted–then seemed to catch himself. “We’re at Maison des Lunes.” Kaelani frowned. “This is… a real place?”

His gaze found hers once more. There was something clearer in his eyes now–regret, maybe. Or just longing. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “My father brings my mother here every year on their mating anniversary.”

Kaelani narrowed her eyes slightly, focusing–not outward, but inward. She hadn’t meant to dig. She didn’t want to trespass into his thoughts, his memories. She’d sworn she wouldn’t use her abilities that way.

But she couldn’t help it.

His emotions pulsed so close to the surface. His mind was unguarded. And the place… it wasn’t random.

Chop

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Her voice came quiet, certain.

“You thought about bringing me here.”

Not a question.

A truth.

She leaned in a little, her tone low. “If you ever got the chance to… start over. Take me on a real date.” Julian didn’t speak right away. His eyes fell to the table, then returned to hers–heavy with unsaid words.

“I think about it a lot.”

Kaelani glanced down, noticing her dress for the first time–a deep crimson gown, cut too low and slit too high, clinging like it was made for someone who lived for being watched. Designer stilettos shimmered beneath the table, sharp as the judgment she used to feel in pack halls. Her hair was sleek–straightened to perfection.

She’d never wear something like this.

But she knew who would.

She looked back up at him. Her voice was softer now.

“You brought Elara here.”

He winced.

The sweat at his brow deepened, and he pulled off his suit jacket in one swift motion, letting it fall behind him with a frustrated breath.

“Once,” he admitted, almost choking on the word. “Just once.”

His hands shook slightly as he pressed his palms to the table.

“She means nothing to me, Kaelani.” His voice was urgent now. Frayed.

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