Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 157

Draevyn’s kiss turned hungry–no longer careful, no longer restrained. Need sharpened the way his mouth moved against hers.

Then his hands drifted lower.

Sliding along her hips, fingers brushing her thighs as if his intention was to lift her–draw her legs around him.

Kaelani flinched.

The kiss broke.

She moved back just enough to create space between them, breath uneven.

Draevyn immediately stilled.

“I’m sorry,” he said quickly, genuine regret flickering across his face. “I shouldn’t have pushed.”

Kaelani shook her head, brushing a damp strand of hair from her cheek.

“It’s fine,” she said reassuringly. “I just… would like to take things a little slower.”

For a moment, Draevyn studied her.

Then the faintest smile curved his mouth.

“Kaelani,” he said gently, “I’ve waited fifteen hundred years.”

Deep in her mind, her wolf snorted in disdain. “Ancient fossil.”

Draevyn continued, the words brushing the air between them.

“I can wait a little longer.”

His hand rose, brushing lightly against her arm.

“You’re worth every moment of it.”

The words weren’t grand.

They were simple.

But something in them settled warm in her chest.

He leaned in again.

This kiss was softer.

Slower.

Almost worshipful.

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And strangely-

her breath vanished.

Not stolen in the poetic sense.

Literally gone.

Kaelani pulled back with a gasp, a little dizzy, chest rising as she tried to steady herself.

Draevyn’s eyes gleamed faintly in the crystal light of the cavern.

“Did I just… take your breath away?”

She laughed lightly, a touch winded.

“As you did mine,” he added quietly.

Kaelani shifted in the water, turning to step toward the stone edge-

-and suddenly her footing slipped.

Her knees buckled.

The world tilted for a heartbeat, the cavern lights smearing into streaks of silver and gold.

Draevyn caught her before she could fall.

His hands closed around her arms, steadying her easily as he drew her upright. His brows pulled together as he studied her face.

“Kaelani?” His voice lowered, threaded with concern. “Are you alright?”

She blinked, pressing her fingers lightly to her temple.

“I’m fine,” she murmured. “Just… a little faint.”

The dizziness rolled through her again, softer this time but enough to make her lean slightly into him.

“The lagoon can do that the first time,” he explained. “Its waters are… deeply calming. They draw tension from the body. Sometimes more than one expects.”

Before she could protest, he slipped one arm beneath her knees and the other behind her back, lifting her effortlessly from the water.

Kaelani let out a small breath of surprise as he carried her bridal–style toward the cavern shore.

“You should rest,” he said.

The world folded around them in a shimmer of shadow and light as he teleported them from the cavern.

A heartbeat later, they were standing in her chambers.

Chapter 157

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The air was warmer here, the soft glow of enchanted lanterns replacing the cavern’s starlike shimmer. Draevyn stepped forward and set her gently on her feet beside the dresser, his hands lingering just long enough to make sure she was steady.

“Would you like me to call someone to help you change?” he asked. “Your clothes are soaked.”

Kaelani shook her head, brushing damp hair from her face.

“No, I’m alright,” she said. “I can manage.”

He studied her another moment, clearly weighing whether to argue, then inclined his head.

“The court will be gathering in the courtyard tonight,” he said. “Nothing formal. Just games, music, conversation. The Unseelie have always preferred… lively evenings.”

A faint smile touched his mouth.

“If you feel up to it later, that’s where you’ll find me.”

Kaelani nodded.

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